Hope to have Made-in-India civilian aircraft in two years: Civil Aviation Minister Naidu

Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu told parliament on Tuesday that a newly‑announced joint venture between the state‑run National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) and private‑sector partner Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) could produce India’s first indigenous civilian aircraft within the next two years. The announcement came as the civil‑aviation sector’s order book swelled past 1,600 aircraft, a record level that underscores the urgency of expanding domestic manufacturing capacity. Naidu said the partnership would combine NAL’s design expertise with HAL’s production capabilities, creating a “fast‑track” programme that would cut development time dramatically compared with earlier attempts.The plan, which was first outlined in a memorandum of understanding signed last month, envisions the development of a 70‑seat turboprop regional jet aimed at the burgeoning market for short‑haul flights between tier‑two and tier‑three cities..

According to sources familiar with the project, the aircraft will be powered by a new generation of fuel‑efficient engines supplied by a joint venture between Pratt & Whitney and the Indian state‑run engine maker Hindustan Aeronautics Engine Division. The design team has already completed a preliminary layout, and a full‑scale mock‑up is expected to be rolled out by the end of the year for certification testing.Industry analysts say the timeline is ambitious but not impossible, provided the venture can navigate the regulatory and supply‑chain hurdles that have stalled previous indigenous projects. “Two years from concept to first flight is an aggressive schedule, but the political will and the financial backing now being pledged are unprecedented,” said Anil Mehta, senior fellow at the Centre for Aviation Studies..

“If the joint venture can lock in engine supply, secure certification from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, and establish a reliable production line, it could indeed deliver a market‑ready aircraft by 2028.”The push for a Made‑in‑India aircraft is part of a broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign manufacturers such as Airbus and Boeing, whose deliveries have been delayed by global supply‑chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. The government has earmarked ₹1,500 crore (approximately $180 million) for research and development, with an additional ₹2,000 crore slated for the establishment of a dedicated assembly facility at the Bengaluru‑based Hindustan Aeronautics Complex. The funding will be complemented by tax incentives and a relaxed import‑duties regime for locally produced components, measures intended to stimulate a nascent domestic aerospace ecosystem.Naidu highlighted that the order book, now exceeding 1,600 aircraft, includes commitments from low‑cost carriers, regional airlines, and state‑run operators looking to replace aging fleets..

“The demand is there, and it is growing,” he said. “Our indigenous aircraft will not only meet the capacity needs of Indian airlines but will also create thousands of high‑skill jobs across the country.” He added that the aircraft would be positioned to compete in the global market, with export potential to Africa and Southeast Asia where similar regional jets are in demand.Critics, however, caution that the venture must address long‑standing challenges that have plagued previous attempts at domestic aircraft production. Issues such as the lack of a mature supply chain for avionics, limited experience in large‑scale certification processes, and the need for rigorous safety testing remain significant obstacles..

A 2022 report by the Ministry of Civil Aviation noted that only 15 percent of critical components for aircraft are currently sourced domestically, a figure that the joint venture will need to improve dramatically to achieve self‑reliance.In response, Naidu announced a series of measures to accelerate the development of ancillary industries. A “National Aerospace Supplier Development Programme” will be launched to certify and subsidise small and medium enterprises that can produce composite materials, wiring harnesses, and interior fittings. The programme will also offer training in advanced manufacturing techniques such as additive manufacturing and robotic assembly, aiming to create a vertically integrated supply chain that reduces dependence on imports.The timeline for certification has been mapped out in close coordination with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)..

A provisional type certificate is expected within 18 months, followed by a full airworthiness certificate after a series of flight‑test campaigns. The DGCA has already signalled willingness to fast‑track the process, citing the strategic importance of the project. “We are prepared to work hand‑in‑hand with the developers to ensure that safety standards are met without unnecessary delay,” said DGCA chief Ajay Kumar in a briefing last week.If successful, the aircraft could be rolled out for commercial service by late 2028, aligning with the government’s “Make in India” objectives and the broader push to boost the domestic aviation sector’s contribution to GDP..

The venture also aims to position India as a future exporter of regional aircraft, potentially tapping into a market estimated at $30 billion annually. Trade analysts suggest that a competitively priced, fuel‑efficient turboprop could find ready buyers in emerging economies seeking cost‑effective connectivity solutions.The announcement has been met with cautious optimism from airline executives. “Having a locally built aircraft that meets our operational needs would be a game‑changer,” said Priya Singh, chief operating officer of a leading low‑cost carrier..

“It would allow us to negotiate better lease terms, reduce maintenance costs, and align with the government’s vision of self‑sufficiency.” She added that the airline is prepared to place a provisional order for up to 50 units once the aircraft achieves certification, subject to performance and pricing criteria.While the road ahead remains steep, the minister’s confidence reflects a shift in policy from aspiration to execution. The convergence of a robust order book, substantial financial support, and a clear regulatory pathway provides a rare window of opportunity for India’s aerospace sector. Whether the joint venture can translate this momentum into a certified, market‑ready aircraft within two years will be watched closely by industry stakeholders and policymakers alike, as the nation seeks to cement its place on the global aviation stage..