‘Telangana on course to become aerospace capital’

Hyderabad: Telangana is on course to become India’s “undisputed Aerospace and Defence Capital” by 2030, Minister for Irrigation and Civil Supplies N. Uttam Kumar Reddy said on Friday while addressing the “MSME Spark 3.0 – Aerospace & Defence Manufacturing” conclave organised by the Federation of Telangana Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FTCCI) in association with Telangana Industries department.

The conclave brought together over 400 policymakers, defence experts, MSMEs, startups, investors and industry leaders to explore opportunities in India’s rapidly expanding aerospace and defence manufacturing sector.

Speaking at the event, Uttam Kumar Reddy highlighted Hyderabad’s growing stature as a cost-effective global aerospace hub backed by defence laboratories, advanced manufacturing facilities and a strong MSME ecosystem. He said nearly 1,500 MSMEs in Telangana are currently linked to the aerospace and defence supply chain.

Former DRDO Chairman G. Satheesh Reddy said the conclave coincided with the first anniversary of Operation Sindoor, which showcased India’s indigenous defence capabilities. He noted that the Defence Acquisition Council had cleared proposals worth Rs.3.5 lakh crore under the Acceptance of Necessity framework and said India aims to achieve defence exports worth Rs.50,000 crore by 2028.

DRDO Director General Chandrika Kaushik said India’s defence budget of Rs.7.85 lakh crore, with over 75% of capital procurement reserved for domestic industry, presents significant opportunities for MSMEs and startups.