Create manufacturing corridors for international and domestic manufacturers

By OEM Update Editorial April 1, 2022 4:26 pm IST

Defence and aerospace are the future for the manufacturing sector. We cannot only depend on the automotive sector for growth.

Sharing his views on self-reliance in defence manufacturing Keshav Khurana, Executive Director, Wohlhaupter India Pvt. Ltd. stated to OEM Update that tax relaxations, moves toward high standards of manufacturing, faster processing times and no middlemen are some of the things that can improve the state of defence manufacturing and promote self-reliance. 

Emerging opportunities in defence and aerospace manufacturing 

Defence and aerospace manufacturing calls for light weight and high-strength materials. Mostly it is about exotic alloys with these industries, and we provide special grades of tools for these machining applications. Due to the involved manufacturing costs and tight tolerances, our digital boring heads are the best solution for them. In aerospace manufacturing, the Wohlhaupter VarioBore provides precise hole sizes and versatile setups that not only minimise costs but also allow for easier preparation for various applications. Additionally, the Wohlhaupter DigiBore provides internal balancing that consistently produces the required surface finish needed in aerospace components such as fasteners. Sometimes jig boring machines are also used, and we have boring and facing heads for these applications and even tool holders for the special tapers of these machines. Similarly, in the defence industry, costs need to be kept low, and superior hole quality needs to be produced. Allied Machine has various holemaking solutions for these challenges from the Opening Drill to ASC 320 to GEN2 T-A drill—all of which excel in machining various defence components while maintaining high productivity. 

Defence and aerospace manufacturing corridor 

It is a welcome move by the government. Uttar Pradesh has a lot to offer: abundant land, labour, opening up one more international airport and existing defence companies. Most of the manufacturing in India happens in the western and southern parts of the country. This move will help bring focus to the possibilities that Uttar Pradesh offers. 

Defence and aerospace manufacturing are next in line for demand in the future. With the volatile international situations and higher labour costs abroad, India presents a favourable picture to international and domestic manufacturers alike to set up their bases here. We should create manufacturing corridors for them with lucrative incentives just like Uttar Pradesh. 

Securing raw material and components 

Defence manufacturing mostly relates to the special and exotic materials that have high costs and different mining and processing methods. With high raw material costs, the proper upkeep sometimes becomes a hassle for the manufacturing cycle. 

Automation and robotisation needs 

The high component cost, precise manufacturing and specific handling requirements can be more easily met with automation and robotisation, which requires greater investments. Also, it can be made easier by having lower tax slabs on these products, long term incentives and further privatisation. 

Future trends in defence and aerospace manufacturing sector 

Defence and aerospace are the future for the manufacturing sector. We cannot only depend on the automotive sector for growth. Many nations have already realised the need for investing in this sector. We too have taken a few steps in the right direction, and I am hopeful to see further positive trends in the future for the aerospace manufacturing sector.