Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s ambitious initiative ‘Make in India’, got a fillip when aircraft manufacturer, Airbus, on 11 April, revealed its plans to raise its Indian outsourcing to $ two billion, and disclosed its avid interest to manufacture in India.

Airbus Group already operates two engineering centres in India — one focused on civil aviation and the other on defence — besides a research and technology centre, together employing over 400 highly qualified people.

Airbus Group is also preparing to set up final assembly lines and establish supply chains and related infrastructure for military transport aircraft and helicopters in India.

Airbus Defence and Space has submitted a joint proposal with Tata Group to produce the modern C-295 aircraft in India as a replacement for Avro aircraft of the Indian Air Force.

The division also plans to develop and manufacture electronic sensors with a partner in India and has advanced discussions to support Hindustan Aeronautics’ combat aircraft programme.

Airbus Helicopters is in talks with Indian companies to finalise teaming arrangements of various helicopter programmes, including naval utility helicopters, reconnaissance and surveillance helicopters, as well as naval multi-role helicopters.