Karnataka aerospace and defence talks cover fly-taxi policy, testing centres, and corridors

Karnataka Minister M B Patil met industry leaders from aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto and EV, and green energy to review sector growth and state support. Participants urged a fly-taxi policy, citing Suzuki and Toyota’s Japan plans with Bengaluru-based Sasmos as a supplier. Patil said testing and common facility centres and Defence Corridor proposals would be assessed.

Karnataka Minister M B Patil held a series of meetings on Tuesday with industry groups. The discussions covered aerospace and defence, machine tools, auto and EV, and green energy. Leading industrialists and representatives attended, with some joining online. The talks focused on sector expansion and the state’s support measures.

Patil said Karnataka remained a key state for aerospace and defence in India. Patil pointed to new global projects linked to Bengaluru firms. Patil said Suzuki and Toyota planned aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028. Patil added that Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplied electrical equipment for that effort.

Aerospace and defence sector growth in Karnataka

Industry members proposed a similar fly-taxi model for Karnataka. Patil said the idea would be examined seriously through a suitable policy. Participants also urged more testing centres and Common Facility Centres. Patil said these facilities would be provided to support aerospace and defence manufacturing and development.

Industrialists also called for a detailed roadmap for long-term sector growth. Patil said Karnataka asked the Central Government to clear Defence Corridor projects. The proposed routes were Bengaluru North–Kolar–Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi. Patil also noted a suggestion for a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru.

Patil said Karnataka aimed to build strength in defence electronics manufacturing. Patil outlined plans for a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park. Patil said the projects would start after the Special Investment Region became operational. Patil added that land availability would not be an issue.

Machine tools sector growth in Karnataka

On machine tools, Patil said the sector recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore. Patil said the industry was seeing steady growth across the state. Patil linked demand to large-scale exhibitions that increased orders. Patil said Karnataka must improve its ability to develop heavy machinery control systems.

Patil said a testing unit already operated in Bengaluru for the machine tools ecosystem. Patil said another testing unit was planned for Tumakuru. Patil also said vocational training institutes were being expanded in industrial areas. Patil linked these steps to the need for stronger skills and testing support.

Auto and EV sector growth in Karnataka

Vision Group members raised the need for dry ports across Karnataka. The group also asked for more EV charging stations statewide. Patil said the Tata Group manufactured EV buses in Dharawada. Patil said these buses were meant for supply across the country.

The auto and EV talks also covered future production and export support. Participants discussed plans for mini excavator manufacturing and export facilitation. The meeting also examined setting up a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs. Patil noted these steps were part of broader industrial planning.

Green energy sector growth in Karnataka

In the green energy meeting, the group focused on battery-based energy storage rules. The group also stressed the need to set up data centres. Patil said the government would seriously consider the suggestions. Patil added that the state would respond positively after reviewing the proposals.

With inputs from PTI