Sudhakar Gande, vice-chairman of AXISCADES Engineering Technologies, discusses his group’s future plans with BW.
On India as a producing baseThe entry of private sector into aerospace and defence (A&D) manufacturing is a game changer. Today, global original equipment manufacturers (OEM) are creating JVs with private sectors to establish manufacturing units in India. They are backed by robust ecosystem of suppliers, cost advantage, technical know-how and entrepreneurial drive. A&D clusters are being developed across India, and manufacturers are producing sub-assemblies and subsystems that are delivered as part of OEMs global supply chain. The increasing role of private sector in the emerging aerospace and defence environment will augment India’s indigenous defence production substantially.
On Make in IndiaThe initiative is expected to drive manufacturing growth rate to 12-14 per cent over the next five years from the current 5.77 per cent. GoI has identified 10 key sectors to play a major role in manufacturing. Local manufacturing of A& D equipment is at the heart of the Make-in-India program. With an enhanced ease of doing business and enabling policy framework, GoI is supporting Indian and foreign players to build that manufacturing base via investment and technology partnerships. We are glad to see that push in defence Make In India is leading to several partnerships and making India the go-to destination for manufacturing.
On India boosting arms exports 20-fold in a decade to $3 billionTo establish a strong foot hold in global defence market and be on par with the developed nations, we have to deliver innovative, reliable and cost effective products that can be easily maintained.
As a technology partner, AXISCADES is enabling global OEMs in their product development and getting integrated as suppliers in their global value chain. AXISCADES’s A&D technology practice offers engineering solutions from concept generation phase to manufacturing support, certification, test equipment and aftermarket support. We can assume the role of system integrators by investing in R&D and infrastructure and develop capabilities in defence production; leverage our global product development know-how, technical capabilities and processes knowledge to create Indian A&D products for the global market.
On the possibility of the private sector picking a 25 per cent share in defence production
This is definitely an encouraging move to increase private sector participation in defence manufacturing, which is otherwise dominated by PSUs and ordnance factories. It is an acknowledged fact that the potential of the Indian private sector, especially in areas of manufacturing, IT, and electronics, is world class.
On future offeringsWe are a technology company addressing all aspects of product development lifecycle. We are involved in manufacturing support and system integration of automated test equipment, test benches and avionics for global OEMs. For the Indian armed forces, we developed and supplied electronic warfare systems and simulations. Partnerships are critical to address the growing market needs and to fill technology gaps. We are in discussion with companies with complementary capabilities and solutions.
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Suman K Jha was the deputy editor with BW Businessworld
