Hyderabad, April 17 (NationPress) The state government is implementing strategic initiatives to transform Telangana into a pivotal aerospace hub in India, as stated by D. Sridhar Babu, the minister for industries and information technology, on Friday.

According to projections by Boeing and Airbus, there will be a demand for approximately 42,000 new aircraft over the next two decades, positioning Hyderabad to seize this significant opportunity.

During his address at the national conference hosted by the Aeronautical Society of India in Hyderabad, he highlighted that cutting-edge technologies such as drones, reusable rockets, AI-driven avionics, 3D printing, and advanced materials are essential for the aerospace sector's progression, and Telangana is gearing up to meet these advancements.

He mentioned that over 1,500 MSMEs in Hyderabad are already providing components to leading aerospace firms worldwide, thereby bolstering the “Made in Telangana” initiative. With robust infrastructure, dedicated aerospace parks, research and development institutions, and a skilled workforce, Telangana is attracting significant global investments in aerospace.

The minister extended an invitation to industrialists, scientists, engineers, and innovators to partner with the state government in shaping the future of aerospace from Hyderabad.

Sridhar Babu emphasized the critical need for developing local testing and certification facilities, as the current dependence on foreign entities elevates costs and delays production timelines by 18 to 24 months. He urged for central government assistance to establish world-class certification standards in Hyderabad.

He underscored the importance of building a resilient ecosystem that can adapt to the evolving challenges in the aerospace industry.

Regions that can merge research and development, advanced manufacturing, and compliance will emerge as global leaders in aerospace, and the state is focusing on creating such an integrated ecosystem.

The minister pointed out that aerospace extends beyond mere manufacturing; it symbolizes a nation's strategic capability and confidence. While the US, Russia, and European countries have traditionally dominated this sector, India is now becoming a significant player in the global supply chain.

Referencing global studies, he noted that despite India possessing the largest number of scientists and engineers, less than 30% of research is converted into commercial production. The state government aims to address this gap by facilitating the transition of research into market-ready solutions.

Additionally, he highlighted that 74% of global aerospace CEOs now consider supply chain resilience and manufacturing capabilities more crucial than cost.

The event saw participation from notable figures such as NITI Aayog member Dr. V.K. Saraswat, CSIR Director General Dr. N. Kalaiselvi, and other distinguished scientists and representatives from the aerospace sector.