The Karnataka government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Tata group of companies, paving the way for investments totaling Rs 2,300 crore. This collaboration, involving Air India and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), is poised to significantly bolster the state’s aerospace ecosystem, creating 1,650 direct jobs and over 25,000 indirect employment opportunities.
Under the MoU, Air India will establish Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, with an investment of Rs 1,200 crore. This initiative, beginning with airframe maintenance, will progress to include the development of wide-body and narrow-body hangars, fostering the growth of the MRO ecosystem in India and generating 1,200 highly skilled employment opportunities.
Additionally, TASL’s investment of Rs 1,030 crore encompasses three projects near Bengaluru airport and in Kolar. These projects include a passenger-to-freighter aircraft conversion facility, a gun manufacturing facility, and aerospace & defence research and development initiatives. TASL’s investment is expected to create direct employment for 450 individuals.
TASL’s plan for the gun manufacturing facility entails sourcing over 50 percent of its 13,000 parts from Karnataka, providing employment opportunities for 2,000-3,000 people through 300-350 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs).
This investment by TASL will contribute to various endeavors, including the implementation of an Aircraft Modification, Conversion, Completion and Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) facility for defence purposes, setting up an indigenous gun manufacturing facility, and conducting R&D in the aerospace and defence sector. These ventures are anticipated to create over 450 highly skilled job opportunities in the state.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah emphasized that this investment not only elevates Karnataka’s aerospace industry but also enhances employment prospects, thus contributing to the state’s economic growth.
