Karnataka to Develop 200-Acre Defence Electronics Park and 100-Acre Avionics and Sensor Facility

Karnataka Seeks to Strengthen Aerospace, Defence, and Green Energy Sectors

On February 24, Karnataka's Minister for Large and Medium Industries, MB Patil, chaired meetings of the Vision Groups for Aerospace & Defence, Machine Tools, Auto/EV, and Green Energy sectors.

Key Developments

• Karnataka aims to establish itself as a leader in the country's aerospace and defence sectors, with discussions centered on setting up testing centers and Common Facility Centres.
• Defence Electronics Park and Avionics and Sensor Park are planned to be established on a 200-acre and 100-acre land, respectively, subject to the operationalization of the Special Investment Region.
• Suzuki and Toyota are set to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Sasmos supplying electrical equipment.
• Industrialists suggested introducing 'fly-taxi' services in Karnataka, which will be examined seriously by the government.

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Sectoral Growth

• Machine Tools sector in Karnataka has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore.
• The sector is expected to grow steadily, with large-scale exhibitions organized to promote demand.
• The government plans to strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery.

Auto and EV Sector

• A network of dry ports is required to support the growth of the Auto and EV sector.
• More EV charging stations will be established across the state.
• Tata Group is manufacturing EV buses in Dharwad for nationwide distribution.

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Green Energy Sector

• Industrialists emphasized the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage.
• The establishment of data centres was also discussed, with the government assuring a positive response to all suggestions.