India aims to develop its own civil aviation aircraft within the next two years as it seeks to strengthen domestic aerospace manufacturing and reduce dependence on foreign aircraft manufacturers. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced the ambition on November 12 at the CII Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam.
The minister said India wants to move beyond aircraft manufacturing and develop its own aircraft design capabilities. He highlighted the government’s vision of establishing the country as a major global aerospace manufacturing hub.
Naidu also reiterated plans to develop 100 airports over the next decade under the Modified UDAN scheme. Approved in March 2026 with an allocation of ₹28,840 crore for FY2027–FY2036, the programme includes developing 100 airports from existing unserved airstrips and constructing 200 modern helipads to improve connectivity in remote regions.
The government is also examining the potential of electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft for future urban and regional air mobility. Naidu further highlighted the importance of strengthening India’s air cargo network to support trade and economic growth.
