Karnataka Bolsters Defence Sector with Central Collaboration

The Department of Defence Production (DDP), under the Ministry of Defence, is intensifying its outreach to state governments to fortify India’s defence manufacturing ecosystem, with Karnataka emerging as a key partner. On Friday, Rolley M Varma, Deputy Director General of DDP, held productive talks with Karnataka officials from the Department of Industries and Commerce, the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB), and the Karnataka Aerospace Technology Centre (KATC) to strengthen Centre-state collaboration.

Varma emphasized the critical role of robust partnerships in achieving a self-reliant defence production framework. She outlined key Central government initiatives driving the ‘Make in India’ vision, including increased budget allocations for domestic industries, streamlined Defence Acquisition Procedures, and the promotion of Positive Indigenisation Lists (PILs). Other efforts include the Srijan Defence Portal for indigenisation, the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme to foster innovation, liberalised FDI policies, simplified industrial licensing, and enhanced defence testing infrastructure. These measures aim to reduce reliance on imports and boost local manufacturing capabilities.

Karnataka’s significant contributions to the defence and aerospace sectors were a focal point of the discussions. The state, home to a thriving cluster of public and private enterprises, including Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and numerous startups, accounts for nearly 65% of India’s aerospace output. The talks highlighted Karnataka’s initiatives, such as the establishment of the Defence and Aerospace Park at Devanahalli, designed to be a hub for advanced manufacturing, and the state’s Aerospace & Defence Policy, which promotes research, development, and innovation while easing business regulations to attract investment.

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S Selvakumar, Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, and Gunjan Krishna, Commissioner for Industrial Development, reaffirmed Karnataka’s commitment to supporting the Ministry of Defence. They noted the state’s strategic advantage, with Bengaluru serving as a global leader in aerospace and defence R&D, supported by premier institutions and cutting-edge startups in drone technology, AI, and satellite systems.

The discussions also touched on overcoming past challenges, such as the 2022 farmer protests in Devanahalli, which led to the withdrawal of a 1,777-acre land acquisition plan for the aerospace park. The state is now focusing on consensual land purchases to balance industrial growth with farmers’ rights, ensuring sustainable development.

As India’s defence exports soar to ₹23,622 crore in FY 2024-25, Karnataka’s role in driving innovation and production is pivotal. The state and Centre are poised to deepen their partnership, aligning policies and resources to achieve national self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

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