Hope to have Made-in-India civilian aircraft in two years: Civil Aviation Minister Naidu
India's Civil Aviation Minister, K. Rammohan Naidu, announced plans to produce a Made-in-India civilian aircraft within two years through a joint venture. The government is also focusing on expanding airport infrastructure and exploring domestic jet engine manufacturing.
Why it matters
Developing indigenous aircraft manufacturing capabilities is a key step in India's goal to become a global aviation hub and reduce reliance on foreign imports.
Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu on Tuesday (October 6, 2026) expressed hope that India will have its first indigenous civilian aircraft within two years through a joint venture.
Highlighting the growth potential of the country's civil aviation sector, the Minister said airlines have more than 1,600 aircraft on order, estimated to be worth about $100 billion, and more than 100 new airports are expected in the next 10 years.
Currently, there are 165 airports, and the current fleet of planes with domestic airlines is around 850.
"Within two years, we will be able to have Made-in-India civilian aircraft" through a joint venture, Mr. Naidu said, and emphasised that the ecosystem is growing.
"We can create the best policy," the Minister said, also mentioning the need to focus on the quality of materials as well as the skilling of people for high-end manufacturing activities in the aviation space.
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