India Aims to Develop Indigenous Passenger Aircraft Within Two Years
India plans to develop its own passenger aircraft in two years, enhancing aerospace capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign manufacturers.
Visakhapatnam, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : Central Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam that India is set to develop its own passenger aircraft within the next two years. This initiative aims to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing capabilities and reduce dependence on foreign aircraft manufacturers.
Naidu emphasized that India’s ambition extends beyond manufacturing aircraft; it also includes developing the capability to design them. This indigenous aircraft development is part of India’s strategy to enhance its presence in the global aerospace value chain.
“We want to enter not only the manufacturing sector but also the aircraft design field,” Naidu stated.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in smaller cities and underserved areas by developing 100 airports over the next decade under the revised UDAN scheme. The central cabinet approved this program in March 2026, with a proposed financial allocation of ₹28,840 crore from the fiscal year 2026-27 to 2035-36. Priority will be given to existing but underutilized airstrips for the development of new airports. Additionally, 200 modern helipads will be constructed in remote and inaccessible regions.
Naidu also mentioned that the government is exploring the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, anticipating their growing role in urban and regional air transport.
Furthermore, the minister stressed the importance of optimizing India’s air cargo network to boost trade and economic activities. “Trade and technology alone are not enough. A country needs trust to build sustainable international partnerships,” he remarked.
He highlighted India’s role in shaping the emerging global order, referencing the country’s youthful population and rising economic strength. “We are working to connect the Global South with African and South American countries,” he added.
