Bengaluru-based aerospace and defence company AxisCades Aerospace Infrastructure Private Limited is planning to invest Rs 6,000 crore in Karnataka to develop an integrated aerospace, defence, MRO and manufacturing cluster, Industries Minister MB Patil said on May 20.
The proposed project is expected to create 20,000 direct and 54,000 indirect jobs in the state.
The announcement was made after a meeting between the minister and senior company officials at Khanija Bhavan in Bengaluru.
According to Patil, the company plans to establish an integrated hub across 200 acres for manufacturing, testing and maintenance activities in the aerospace, defence, semiconductor and artificial intelligence (AI) sectors. The company also intends to set up a domestic research and development centre through global partnerships.
“The company will invest Rs 6,000 crore in phases. The project is expected to generate significant employment opportunities and strengthen Karnataka’s aerospace and defence ecosystem,” the minister said.
As part of the project, AxisCades plans to develop aerospace and defence infrastructure, including missile subsystems, radar and sensor systems, and Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facilities for fighter aircraft.
The investment will be made in three phases. In the first phase, the company will invest Rs 1,290 crore, followed by Rs 2,898 crore in the second phase and Rs 1,512 crore in the third phase.
To implement the project, the company has sought land near Devanahalli. It has also proposed the construction of a 1.8-km-long runway for the facility.
During the meeting, Patil suggested that airports at Hassan, Vijayapura and Shivamogga could also be considered if required. However, company representatives said the proposed facility should preferably be located close to its existing unit in Devanahalli. The minister subsequently directed officials to identify suitable land parcels, including sites where runway construction would be feasible.
Principal Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Dr N Selvakumar; Industries Commissioner Khushboo Goyal; Infrastructure Department Secretary Vishal; Technical Advisor to the Minister Aravind Galagali; AxisCades Managing Director Sharadhi Chandra Babu; Director Suresh Kumar; General Manager (Projects) NK Satish Kumar; and senior officials were present at the meeting.