Centre clears Karnataka’s Aerospace Common Finishing Facility proposal

Bengaluru, July 26: The Centre has cleared a proposal put forth by the Karnataka government for setting up an Aerospace Common Finishing Facility (ACFF) in Bengaluru.

Speaking to defence journalists on the sidelines of the Aerospace and Defence Manufacturing Summit (ADMS-2015), Gaurav Gupta, Commissioner, Industries and Commerce, Karnataka said that the ACFF would be equipped with heat treatment, plating, surface treatment and common testing facilities.

"It will be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 96 crore out of which 50 per cent will be in the form of grant from the Centre. The idea is to help the SMEs to make use of the facility for the components manufactured by them," Gupta said.

Aerospace Technology Innovation Centre

He said the Karntaka government is also proposing to establish an Aerospace Technology Innovation Centre in Bangalore Aerospace Park to provide R&D support to SMEs.

"We will involve the stake holders of aerospace industry and we will provide land and financial support. The state government is offering a number of investment avenues spread across the value chain and many industry verticals spanning both products and service sector," he said.

Open for talks over land prices

Replying to a query from OneIndia on the reported exorbitant land prices at the Bangalore Aerospace Park, which is holding back many SMEs from venturing into with investments, the senior state government official said that he would deal with concerns on a case to case basis.

"We are here to help the industry as one of the most investment-friendly states in India. If SMEs have some concerns, we can work out a way by which both parties can be beneficiaries," Gupta added.

HAL's facility coming up in Tumakuru

The state government has already allocated 600 acres of land for Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) in Tumakuru district for setting up a helicopter manufacturing facility.

HAL is likely to undertake the mass production of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) at the Tumakuru facility with an investment of over Rs 5000 crore.

The LCH project has picked up momentum with three technology demonstrators now flying in tandem. The project is expected to get the Initial Operational Clearance soon.

The LCH had completed the hot weather trials last month in Jodhpur. [Light Combat Helicopter clears critical hot weather trials]

SIATI playing a lead role: Dr Nair

Dr Krishnandas Nair, former HAL Chairman and President, Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies and Industries told OneIndia that the proactive stand of Karnataka government will benefit aerospace industries immensely.

"Hand-holding of SMEs and MSMEs is vital for the growth of aerospace industries. SIATI has been playing a lead role towards capturing the pulse of various industries in this segment," Dr Nair said.

Sunny Jerome, Managing Editor, Aeromag Asia and one of the brains behind ADMS-2015 told OneIndia on Sunday that Indian aerospace industries will have to join hands to take on the challenges of the future.

"The participants at the ADMS-2015 were univocal that through sharing strengths only can India become an aerospace power to reckon with," Sunny said.

OneIndia News