Bengaluru, Feb 10 (NationPress) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has called upon Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to offer incentives for aircraft and helicopter manufacturers to set up their operations in Karnataka and nationwide.

This appeal was made during his address at the opening ceremony of the esteemed ‘Aero India 2025’ event in Bengaluru on Monday.

“Karnataka, especially Bengaluru, boasts some of the finest talent in the aerospace industry, positioning it as a premier site for aircraft and helicopter production. By providing incentives to manufacturers, we can keep this talent in India and avert brain drain. I request the Defence Minister to consider this proposal,” the Deputy Chief Minister remarked.

Shivakumar underscored Karnataka's significant contribution to India’s aerospace landscape, accounting for 67 percent of the nation’s aircraft and helicopter manufacturing for defence and 65 percent of India’s aerospace-related exports.

“Despite these commendable statistics, a substantial gap persists. While India has a robust aircraft servicing and repair sector, the production of aircraft and helicopters is still largely lacking. The majority of the aircraft and helicopters utilized by the country are imported from abroad,” he pointed out.

He further remarked that Bengaluru is widely acknowledged as India’s aerospace capital, hosting over 60 percent of the country's aerospace manufacturing and defence research enterprises.

“Prominent organizations such as Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), and Boeing India have been instrumental in bolstering India’s defence and space capabilities,” added the Deputy Chief Minister.

Shivakumar noted that with more than 150,000 professionals engaged in Bengaluru’s aerospace sector, the city stands as a global frontrunner in aviation and defence technology.

“Bengaluru is among the top three global aerospace cities in attracting foreign investments. The Government of Karnataka is actively establishing aerospace and defence hubs throughout the state, including in Bengaluru, Belagavi, Mysuru, Tumakuru, and Chamarajanagar districts,” he stated.

He also pointed out Bengaluru’s leadership in drone technology and unmanned aerial systems, which are revolutionizing both the commercial and defence sectors.

“The Bengaluru Aero Show 2025 highlights India’s progress in both civil and military aviation. Karnataka was the pioneer state in India to unveil an aerospace policy in 2013, and since then, we have developed a 1,000-acre dedicated aerospace park near Devanahalli to support aerospace enterprises,” he stated.

Shivakumar emphasized that Aero India is not merely an exhibition—it serves as a testament to India’s rising prowess in the aerospace and defence sectors and a venue for promoting international partnerships.

“Since its inception in 1996, this event has expanded significantly, uniting global stakeholders to shape the future of aviation, defence, and space exploration,” he remarked.

The theme for this year’s event, “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,” encapsulates India’s spirit of innovation and ambition, showcasing the country’s potential as a key contributor to the global aerospace industry,” he said.