Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis announced on Saturday that Maharashtra is set to overhaul its aerospace and defence manufacturing policy, which was initially formulated in 2017. This update comes as Industries Minister Uday Samant revealed plans for the establishment of four defence manufacturing clusters within the state.
The declarations were made during the MSME Defence Expo held in Pune, where both officials shared insights into Maharashtra’s strategic initiatives in the aerospace and defence sectors.
Fadnavis highlighted Maharashtra’s pioneering role in 2017 when it became the first state to implement an Aerospace and Defence policy. He underscored the substantial progress made since then, noting that the state is now home to 600 defence MSMEs, collectively contributing assets valued at ?12,000-15,000 crore.
“In light of the evolving landscape and growing interest from defence industries worldwide,” Fadnavis stated, “we have decided to revise our policy to align with the changing dynamics. The revised policy will place special emphasis on leveraging the success achieved by MSMEs and charting a path forward for sustained growth.”
Complementing Fadnavis’ remarks, Minister Samant outlined the government’s vision to establish four defence clusters across key locations in Maharashtra. These clusters, earmarked for Nagpur, Shirdi, Pune, and Ratnagiri, aim to consolidate the state’s position as a premier destination for defence manufacturing.
“Having witnessed firsthand the impact of defence sector MSMEs in Maharashtra,” Samant remarked, “we are committed to transforming the state into a nucleus for defence manufacturing activities. The proposed clusters will serve as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and economic advancement.”
The announcements underscore Maharashtra’s proactive approach to bolstering its aerospace and defence ecosystem, capitalizing on its existing strengths and fostering an environment conducive to industry growth and investment.
As Maharashtra prepares to embark on this transformative journey, the revised policy and establishment of defence clusters signal a renewed commitment to positioning the state as a frontrunner in India’s defence manufacturing landscape.
In conclusion, Maharashtra’s initiative to revamp its aerospace and defence manufacturing policy and establish dedicated manufacturing clusters reflects its unwavering commitment to fostering innovation, driving economic development, and strengthening India’s position in the global defence arena. With concerted efforts and strategic planning, Maharashtra is poised to chart a course towards sustainable growth and prosperity in the aerospace and defence sectors.
