The Confederation of Indian Industry’s National Committee on Aerospace (CIINCA) is pushing for import substitution, tax benefitsand collaboration with foreign original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to speed up ‘Make in India.’

CIINCA also wants development of the supply chain, and promotion of Indian tier-1, tier-2 city companies and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) through structured programmes. These views came up at its second meeting attended by executives from national and international companies like SAAB India, Safran India, Mahindra Aerospace, Raytheon, Maini Aerospace and Rolls-Royce India.

RK Tyagi, Chairman, Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), said national and international co-operation to develop ground-breaking technologies needs to be encouraged. “There is a need to align defence trade and technology initiative (DTTI) in buy and make (India) projects especially in Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA), Mi-17 Upgrades, Reconnaissance and Surveillance Helicopter (RSH) of Indian Army and Naval Multi Role Helicopters (NMRH) of Indian Navy,” he added.

The committee, headed by the HAL Chairman, was formed recently to energise the aerospace manufacturing and service sector by involving government, PSUs, the private sector, multi-national companies and research organisations.

In an another meet on ‘Make in India’ Public-Private Partnership Meet organised by CII and HAL, Tyagi said Public-Private Partnerships in Aerospace was critical to propel the Government's indigenisation efforts.

The meet is aimed at identifying and attracting potential suppliers and R&D partners as well as figuring out the path for integration of SMEs into the defence supply chain.

In his address to a large MSME audience, Tyagi said Indian defence manufacturing was rapidly changing and that through simplification, facilitation, education and providing access to infrastructure for MSMEs, a solid basis would be set for growth.

He added that defining strategic objectives of defence expenditure and offset policy was crucial to progress.

“In order to sustain global competitiveness, creating an export ecosystem, developing MSMEs as a powerhouse of innovation and boosting Brand India is vital,” Tyagi said.