Its been close to four years since the Centre announced its plan to establish DEFENCE corridors inUttar PradeshandTamil Naduwith an aim to become Atmanirbhar Bharat in manufacturing and service of aerospace and defence equipment.
The plan behind the defence industrial corridors is to catalyse indigenous production of defence and aerospace-related items and promote Growth of private domestic manufacturers, MSMEs and startups in the defence sector.
But progress of the project has been limited due to multiple reasons including the outbreak of the pandemic. Further, the is characterised by the long gestation needed for DECISION MAKING and implementation of projects, given the sensitive nature of the sectors. The low volumes on offer also make it tough for projects to evolve from concept to reality.
Tamil Nadu has been silently going about identifying its advantages and converting it as opportunities to emerge stronger in the aerospace and defence segments. The aim is for Tamil Nadu to emerge as the manufacturing and service hub for aerospace and defence industries in the country.
In Tamil Nadu, the defence corridor plan identified Chennai, Trichy, Salem, Hosur and Coimbatore as areas of focused development for the targeted sectors. The state also unveiled an exclusive Aerospace and Defence Industry Policy in 2019.
A defence park will come up in 400 acres at Sulur near Coimbatore, while more such exclusive facilities will be established at Ulundurpet, Salem and Trichy, besides the 250-acre aerospace park established near Chennai.