India is set to take a significant step in boosting its aviation manufacturing capabilities with plans to develop a regional transport aircraft domestically, Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu announced. The initiative aims to reduce dependence on foreign aircraft and promote indigenous design and production within the country.
Speaking on the importance of self-reliance in the aviation sector, the minister said that the government is actively working on a plan to build a regional aircraft suited to the specific needs of the Indian market, particularly for short-haul routes and tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
This development is part of the broader “Make in India” initiative, aimed at strengthening the country’s aerospace ecosystem. The move also aligns with the government’s vision to transform India into a global hub for aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services.
A domestically manufactured regional aircraft would not only help cut costs for airlines operating on less profitable routes but also support the growing demand for regional connectivity under the UDAN scheme. It could open new opportunities for collaboration with Indian aerospace firms and educational institutions specializing in aviation and engineering.
With India’s rapidly growing aviation market and increasing passenger numbers, the development of a homegrown regional aircraft could play a transformative role in reshaping the country’s aviation landscape. Further details about timelines, partnerships, and technical specifications are expected to be announced in the coming months.