From Our Special Correspondent
Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, Nov 14: Health and Medical Education Minister Dr K Sudhakar said Karnataka’s Aerospace and Defense Policy 2022-202 will provide a great boost to indigenous production in the defense sector to help us become self-reliant or Atma Nirbhar which is especially important when it comes to our national security.
The minister was speaking at the inauguration of the Regional Technology Node (RTN) of the Army Design Bureau in Bengaluru on Monday.
The Army Design Bureau, through RTN, will leverage the location of Army Service Corps Centre and College to interface with trade, industry and academia focusing on new and groundbreaking innovations, to aid advancements in technology that would benefit the Indian Army.
India has made great progress in the field of aviation and aerospace. India’s tactical capability has recently received a massive boost by the commissioning of our indigenously built INS Vikrant in Kochi, he said.
Karnataka is a preferred hub for investors across all sectors. After HAL started in Bengaluru long ago, Karnataka became a pioneer in the field of aviation and aerospace. Karnataka was the first state to introduce an aerospace and defense policy and has taken the lead in the field, Dr Sudhakar said.
He said 25% of the country's aerospace manufacturing industries are in Karnataka and the State dominates in this field.
As much as 67% of the helicopters and planes supplied to the defense sector are being manufactured in the State. The State Government is implementing the new aerospace and defense policy, which will give impetus to the manufacture of indigenous products with new technologies, he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched “Make in India'' and “Skill India'' schemes which are aimed at making India Atma Nirbhar. The “Aerospace and Defense Policy 2022-27'' in the State is expected to bring in Rs 45,000 to 50,000 crore investment within the next 4-5 years.
This will lead to more employment generation and strengthening of research and development. Also, the process of doing business (ease of doing business will be simplified with this policy, Minister Sudhakar said.
After the COVID-19 pandemic, the Karnataka had organized the Global Investors Meet and MoUs worth Rs.9.5 lakh crore have been signed. The State has gained the confidence of businessmen and entrepreneurs in regards to investment.
“I assure that the Karnataka government will provide full cooperation to any program and project of the Indian Army. The move of Indian Army to set up Regional Technology Node in Bengaluru is a very welcome move and it will provide economic opportunities for new innovations and MSME,’’ he said.
RTN is being launched at a time when the State Government is implementing ‘Aerospace and Defense Policy 2022-2027’.
The minister said these measures will lead to Karnataka playing a key role in the modernization of the defense sector, reducing imports in the defense sector and promotion of exports. Through this, Atma Nirbhar Bharat can be achieved, Minister Sudhakar said.
Speaking to media persons after the event, the Minister said, “RTN has started in Bengaluru under the leadership of Lieutenant General B S Raju and Lieutenant Colonel B K Repswal who are Kannadigas.
“Bengaluru is a capital of technology, a hub of innovation and has a conducive environment for RTN. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's dream of Atma Nirbhar Bharat will be realised through this center. All the technology and equipment needed by the army are being manufactured by Indians in India, especially in Bengaluru,’’ he said.
Dr Sudhakar said he would like to express his heartfelt congratulations for this initiative by the Indian Army on behalf of the State Government and Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai.