Telangana to Launch Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0 to Boost Investment
CM Revanth Reddy announces Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0 to attract investments and make Hyderabad a global defence research hub.
Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has announced that the Telangana government is set to unveil the Telangana Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0. This strategic move is designed to draw massive investments into the defence sector and solidify Hyderabad's reputation as a premier destination for defence research and development.
Speaking at the curtain-raiser event for the 'Raksha Expo', the Chief Minister outlined a bold vision to transform the expo into an international platform. He aims to foster dialogue and collaboration among global stakeholders, leveraging Hyderabad's unique strategic advantages, including its safety record, world-class research institutions, and the presence of critical Indian Army and Indian Air Force centres.
Defying Geography: A Defence Powerhouse
Despite being the only state in South India without a coastline, Chief Minister Reddy emphasized that Telangana is making significant strides in maritime and strategic security. A key example of this commitment is the construction of a Very Low Frequency (VLF) naval radar station currently underway in the Damagundam Reserve Forest within the Vikarabad district.
The Chief Minister expressed his ambition for India to evolve from a net importer of defence technology to a global exporter. He noted that a strong domestic manufacturing capability serves as a strategic deterrent, providing the country with a significant advantage in preventing conflicts.
Building a Skilled Workforce and Ecosystem
To support this industrial leap, the state is focusing heavily on human capital. The Chief Minister highlighted the role of premier institutions such as the IITs, IIITs, NITs, ISB, and BITS in providing the necessary expertise. Furthermore, the state is enhancing its vocational training through:
- The establishment of the Young India Skills University.
- The transformation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs).
- The proliferation of business incubators to support innovation.
Collaborating with Industry Giants
The curtain-raiser event saw a gathering of heavyweights from the industrial and security landscapes. Representatives from major entities were in attendance, including:
- Government Bodies: DRDO, HAL, BDL, and Midhani.
- Private & Global Firms: Tata Group, Airbus, Skyroot, Lockheed Martin, and Bharat Forge.
CM Reddy urged these stakeholders to expand their cooperation beyond traditional defence into allied high-tech sectors, specifically cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, drone technology, and space exploration. He encouraged investors to double their planned commitments to the state, promising full government cooperation.
The Road to a $3 Trillion Economy
The push for defence manufacturing is a cornerstone of the 'Telangana Rising: Vision 2047' document. The state has set ambitious economic targets:
- Transforming into a USD 1 trillion economy by 2034.
- Reaching a USD 3 trillion economy by 2047.
Currently, Telangana represents over 2.5 per cent of India's population and contributes 5 per cent to the national GDP. The Chief Minister aims to double this GDP contribution to 10 per cent by 2047, with aerospace and defence manufacturing playing a pivotal role in this growth.
Upcoming Events for Investors
The Chief Minister invited industry leaders and innovators to participate in the 'Invest Telangana Global Summit', which will take place from December 7 to 9 at the Bharat Future City in Hyderabad. Additionally, the 'Raksha Expo' will serve as a bridge connecting global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) with Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and security experts to showcase cutting-edge technologies.