Pre-Budget Expectations Quote on Aerospace & Defence Sector by Mr Vamsi Vikas, Founder and Managing Director of Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group
Below the Pre-Budget Expectations Quote on Aerospace & Defence Sector by Mr Vamsi Vikas, Founder and Managing Director of Raghu Vamsi Aerospace Group
What must not be overlooked.
India today does not suffer from a lack of intent or ambition in defence manufacturing. Over the years, industry has developed meaningful capabilities, created robust infrastructure, and nurtured specialised talent aligned with clearly identified defence priorities. What now requires equal attention is the sustainability of this ecosystem as it moves from promise to performance.
The cost and risk borne by industry in taking a technology beyond early production are often underestimated. From practical experience, the most fragile phase of any defence programme is the transition from initial production to scale. This is the stage at which development timelines tend to stretch, costs escalate due to refinements and testing, and programme momentum can weaken.
Similarly, capital investments made by industry in defence manufacturing are inherently long term in nature and expenditure is uneven across budget cycles. Hence disrupts capacity planning, quality systems, compliances, and after-sales support though the overall budget allocation appears stable.
On the exports front, there is today genuine global interest in sourcing defence systems from India. However, exporting defence equipment cannot be treated as an extension of domestic procurement. To be credible in international markets, industry must invest upfront in regulatory compliance, certifications, disciplined documentation practices, and long-term maintenance and support infrastructure.
A Union Budget that recognises these realities, without micromanaging execution, can strengthen national security while creating long-term economic value.
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