Telangana's Big Leap: Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0 to Transform Hyderabad into Global Hub
CM Revanth Reddy announces Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0 to make Hyderabad a global hub for defence research and manufacturing.
In a strategic move to solidify its position as a powerhouse of innovation and security, the Telangana government is set to unveil the Telangana Aerospace and Defence Policy 2.0. Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy announced the upcoming policy, emphasizing the state's ambition to attract massive investments and establish Hyderabad as a premier global destination for defence research and manufacturing.
The announcement came during the curtain-raiser event for the 'Raksha Expo', a platform designed to foster meaningful dialogue among defence stakeholders and create an international ecosystem for collaboration. The event saw participation from industry giants and strategic organizations, including the Tata Group, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Bharat Forge, DRDO, HAL, BDL, Midhani, and Skyroot.
Strategic Assets and Naval Contributions
Chief Minister Revanth Reddy highlighted Hyderabad's existing strategic significance, noting that the city already hosts numerous research institutions and critical centers for the Indian Air Force and Indian Army. In a surprising revelation regarding the state's maritime contribution, the CM pointed out that despite being the only landlocked state in South India, Telangana provides essential services to the Indian Navy.
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 located in the Vikarabad district.
Building a Skilled Workforce for Future Warfare
Recognizing that technology is only as good as the people operating it, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of skilled human resources. He pointed to the presence of elite institutions such as the IITs, IIITs, NITs, ISB, and BITS as the backbone of the state's intellectual capital.
To further bridge the skill gap, the government is focusing on several key initiatives:
- The establishment of the Young India Skills University.
- The transformation of Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) into Advanced Training Centres (ATCs).
- The promotion and expansion of incubators across the state.
From Importer to Exporter: The Vision for India
CM Revanth Reddy articulated a bold vision for national sovereignty, stating that India must transition from being a consumer of foreign defence technology to a global exporter. He urged Telangana to lead this charge by becoming the country's largest industrial hub for defence and its allied sectors, including:
- Space and Aerospace
- Cybersecurity
- Artificial Intelligence (AI)
- Drone Technology
Economic Ambitions: The Road to $3 Trillion
The defence push is part of a larger economic blueprint known as 'Telangana Rising: Vision 2047'. The Chief Minister outlined ambitious financial targets for the state:
- By 2034: Reach a USD 1 trillion economy.
- By 2047: Reach a USD 3 trillion economy.
Currently, Telangana represents over 2.5 per cent of India's population and contributes 5 per cent to the national GDP. The CM's goal is to double this contribution to 10 per cent of the national GDP by 2047.
Open for Business: Invest Telangana Global Summit
Addressing concerns about governance, the Chief Minister firmly stated that there is no "policy paralysis" in the state. He asserted that while political differences may exist, there is a complete consensus when it comes to investment and development.
In an open invitation to the global business community, Revanth Reddy urged investors to double their planned investments in the state, promising full government support. He invited them to attend the Invest Telangana Global Summit, which will take place from December 7 to 9 at the Bharat Future City in Hyderabad, following the success of last year's inaugural edition.
"We possessed intelligent, skilled human capital and all the necessary resources. Above all, we have a clear development policy, a firm resolve, and a strong drive to move forward," said CM Revanth Reddy.