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Global aerospace giant Airbus has announced the establishment of a Research and Development Centre of Excellence at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya in Gujarat, reinforcing its long-term commitment to India’s innovation ecosystem. The move comes as Airbus continues to source over one billion dollars worth of components annually from more than 100 Indian suppliers, positioning India as a strategic hub in its global supply chain.
The announcement was made following a high-level meeting between Airbus Managing Director Jürgen Westermeier and Union Minister for Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw. The new R&D centre is expected to catalyze advanced research in aerospace engineering, sustainability, artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
Strategic expansion into Gujarat
1. The R&D Centre of Excellence will be housed at Gati Shakti Vishwavidyalaya, a national university focused on transport and logistics
2. Airbus aims to leverage Gujarat’s growing industrial ecosystem and skilled talent pool to drive innovation in aviation technologies
3. The centre will collaborate with premier Indian institutes to co-develop solutions in cybersecurity, big data, and sustainable engineering
4. This marks Airbus’s first major R&D footprint in western India, complementing its existing digital and engineering hubs
India’s growing role in Airbus’s global supply chain
1. Airbus currently sources over one billion dollars worth of components and services annually from Indian vendors
2. More than 100 Indian suppliers contribute to Airbus’s global aircraft programs, including structural parts, avionics, and software solutions
3. The company’s sourcing strategy aligns with India’s Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat initiatives, boosting domestic manufacturing and exports
4. Airbus Helicopters recently awarded Mahindra Aerostructures a contract to manufacture the main fuselage of its H125 helicopter
Digital transformation and talent investment
1. Airbus’s Digital Centre in Bengaluru is now its second-largest digital facility globally, after its headquarters in Toulouse, France
2. The Bengaluru hub supports all divisions worldwide and employs over 1,500 skilled IT professionals
3. In 2018, Airbus established a Global Capability Centre in India to deliver integrated digital solutions across its business units
4. The company has over 3,600 employees across India, spanning engineering, maintenance, training and innovation roles
Government support and policy alignment
1. Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw welcomed Airbus’s expansion, calling India a world-class resource hub for emerging technologies
2. The R&D centre aligns with India’s Gati Shakti master plan, which aims to integrate infrastructure development with logistics and mobility
3. The initiative also supports India’s ambition to become a global aviation manufacturing and innovation powerhouse by 2040
4. Airbus’s investment is expected to generate high-value employment and foster industry-academia collaboration
Implications for India’s aerospace future
1. The Gujarat R&D centre will serve as a launchpad for next-generation aerospace technologies tailored to both civilian and defence applications
2. It will help India move up the value chain from component manufacturing to design and innovation leadership
3. The centre is expected to attract global talent and research partnerships, further embedding India in Airbus’s long-term strategy
4. With increasing aircraft orders from Indian carriers like Air India and Indigo, Airbus’s local presence will support faster delivery and customization
Conclusion
Airbus’s decision to set up a Research and Development Centre in Gujarat marks a pivotal moment in India’s aerospace journey. By deepening its sourcing commitments and investing in local innovation, Airbus is not just expanding its footprint—it’s helping India take flight as a global leader in aviation technology. The collaboration between industry, government and academia promises to unlock new frontiers in sustainable, secure and scalable aerospace solutions.
Sources: Economic Times, Free Press Journal, Indian Community News
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