India has the potential for ‘nose-to-tail production’ in aerospace: Defence Minister

Making a strong pitch for more investments in the defence sector, Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday said India has established itself as a hub for manufacture and export of quality aerospace components, and now has the competence for “nose-to-tail production”.

Speaking after inaugurating the 12th edition of the biennial Aero India 2019, Sitharaman said the Make in India initiative has provided an impetus for increased self-reliance in defence.

Giving details about the government’s performance in the defence sector, she said that over the past four years, 150 contracts worth about ₹1,27,500 crore have been signed with Indian vendors for procurement of defence equipment.