Provide more incentives to aircraft, helicopter manufacturers to set up base in Karnataka: Deputy CM D K Shivakumar

Bengaluru: Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday appealed to Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to provide more incentives to aircraft and helicopter manufacturers to set up bases in Karnataka and boost indigenous defence sector manufacturing.

Speaking at the inauguration of Aero India 2025 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, on Monday, he said, “Karnataka, particularly, has been at the forefront of the (aerospace and defence) journey, leading innovation and attracting global partnership. Today, you have all been witnessing that Bengaluru and Karnataka, the India aerospace capital, contribute over 60 per cent of the country’s aerospace manufacturing and defence research”.

He called Bengaluru the home of HAL, ISRO, Boeing India and other aerospace institutions that drive innovation and development, pointing to the city’s ability to nurture growth in defence and aerospace. “Over 1.5 lakh professionals work in the city aerospace sector, making it a global leader in innovation and defence technology…Bengaluru nurtures the largest aerospace talent in India,” he said.

He claimed that Bengaluru is among the top three global aerospace cities in the world, and is the only city in the world flying both defence and commercial airports on the same strip, besides pioneering drone technology, making it the “perfect launchpad” for future growth in the aerospace and defence sectors.

He pointed to over 150 engineering colleges and various institutes offering courses these sectors to promote development in this space. He added that the Government of Karnataka is also developing aerospace and defence hubs across the state and is focusing on green energy.

“A significant portion of India’s defence aircraft is still imported. We must work towards self-reliance in aerospace manufacturing…I appeal to the honourable defence minister and the Government of India to provide incentives for aircraft and helicopter manufacturers to set up their industries in Karnataka,” he said, emphasising that India has a lot to offer and that the Aero show is a testament to this potential.

“The Aero Show is not just an exhibition, it is a testament of India’s prowess in the aerospace and defence spaces. It is a symbol of India’s strength, progress, and growth in the aerospace and defence sector,” he said.