Made in India, Built for the World: Companies Driving the Next Aerospace Wave

India’s aerospace sector is at an inflection point. Fuelled by policy push for self-reliance, rising defence and space ambitions, and an energetic private sector, the country is fast shifting from being an importer of technology to a builder and exporter of advanced aerospace systems. From established public-sector champions to lean, venture-backed startups, a new generation of firms is bringing world-class capabilities in satellites, propulsion, avionics, unmanned systems, manufacturing and MRO and doing so while forging global partnerships and moving up the value chain.

What makes this moment exciting is the mix of scale and agility. Legacy players bring deep engineering heritage and programme delivery experience; nimble private companies inject rapid innovation, software-first thinking and commercial speed; research labs and universities feed a steady stream of talent and prototypes. Together they are advancing dual-use technologies, reducing import dependence, and expanding India’s footprint in global supply chains  not just as component suppliers but as systems integrators and prime contractors.

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

As India’s premier state-owned aerospace and defense manufacturer, HAL plays a pivotal role in strengthening the nation’s air combat and strategic capabilities. Beyond the much-anticipated Combat Air Teaming System (CATS) Warrior UCAV—which is designed to function as a loyal wingman to fighters like the LCA Tejas—HAL is advancing several indigenous programs:

• Tejas Mk1A & Mk2: Upgraded light combat aircraft with enhanced avionics, AESA radars, and weapons integration.

• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA): HAL is collaborating with DRDO on India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter initiative.

• HTT-40 Basic Trainer Aircraft: Already cleared for large-scale induction by the Indian Air Force.

• ALH Dhruv, LCH & LUH Helicopters: HAL continues large-scale production and export push for its helicopter family, especially the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH Prachand).

• MRO & Upgrades: HAL is expanding MRO capabilities for Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, and upgrading legacy fleets.

HAL's push toward exports, AI-driven combat systems, and autonomous teaming platforms positions it as a major player in next-gen military aviation across Asia.

Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL)

TASL has emerged as the private-sector anchor of India’s aerospace and defense manufacturing ecosystem. In addition to the C-295 military transport aircraft JV with Airbus, the company's achievements include:

• End-to-end aerospace assembly capabilities, making components for global OEMs like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky, and GE.

• Production of aero-structures for the CH-47 Chinook, AH-64 Apache, and Boeing 737.

• Partnerships across UAVs, missile systems, radars, and secure communication systems.

• Strengthening India’s position in global supply chains with Tier-1 supplier status for major aerospace programs.

• Establishing India’s first private-sector facility capable of complete aircraft assembly, testing, and delivery.

With the C-295 program, TASL is transforming Vadodara into a manufacturing hub for transport aircraft, boosting Make in India, creating local vendor ecosystems, and enhancing India’s aerospace exports.