Make in India Archives - Aviation Today

Rajasthan, India: India has achieved a significant milestone in civil aviation after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) successfully conducted the country's first satellite-based landing system (SLS) approach on a jet aircraft using the indigenous GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system. The landmark exercise was carried out on an IndiGo Airbus A320 at Maharana Pratap Airport in Udaipur, Rajasthan, marking the first time a jet-powered commercial aircraft in India has performed a Localiser Performance with Vertical Guidance (LPV) approach using GAGAN. Until now, satellite-based LPV procedures in the country had been demonstrated only on turboprop aircraft. The successful approach represents a major advancement in India's efforts to modernise air navigation infrastructure by reducing dependence on conventional ground-based landing aids while enhancing flight safety and operational efficiency. Developed jointly by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Airports Authority of India (AAI), GAGAN is India's Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS). The system improves the accuracy, integrity and availability of GPS signals by transmitting correction data through geostationary satellites, enabling aircraft to conduct highly accurate navigation during all phases of flight, including precision approaches and landings. During the demonstration, the IndiGo Airbus A320 successfully executed an LPV approach, a satellite-guided procedure that provides both lateral and vertical guidance to pilots. The capability allows aircraft to fly stabilised precision-like approaches without relying on expensive Instrument Landing System (ILS) infrastructure installed at airports. Officials said the successful validation demonstrates that GAGAN is now capable of supporting satellite-based approaches for jet aircraft, significantly expanding its operational applicability beyond regional turboprop fleets. The technology is expected to improve safety, particularly at airports lacking advanced ground-based navigation equipment, while also enhancing accessibility during challenging weather conditions and in geographically difficult terrain. Unlike conventional landing systems that depend on ground transmitters such as ILS, GAGAN relies on satellite navigation supported by a network of reference stations that continuously monitor GPS signals and transmit correction information. This substantially improves positioning accuracy and navigation integrity, enabling aircraft equipped with compatible avionics to safely conduct LPV approaches. India joins a small group of countries possessing an operational Satellite-Based Augmentation System, placing it alongside systems such as the United States' Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS), Europe's European Geostationary Navigation Overlay Service (EGNOS) and Japan's Multi-functional Satellite Augmentation System (MSAS). GAGAN is also the world's first SBAS certified for operations in the equatorial region, where ionospheric disturbances present unique navigation challenges. The latest demonstration builds upon earlier milestones achieved using GAGAN. In April 2022, IndiGo became the first airline in Asia to conduct a GAGAN-enabled LPV landing with an ATR-72 turboprop aircraft at Kishangarh Airport in Rajasthan. The Udaipur exercise now extends the capability to larger commercial jet aircraft, representing an important step towards broader fleet integration. Officials believe wider adoption of satellite-based landing procedures could reduce dependence on costly ground infrastructure, lower maintenance requirements, improve operational flexibility and make precision approaches available at many more airports across the country. The demonstration also aligns with India's broader vision of strengthening indigenous aviation technologies under the country's self-reliance initiatives while improving the safety and efficiency of the national air navigation system. According to aviation authorities, expanding GAGAN-enabled procedures across airports and equipping more aircraft with compatible avionics could eventually enhance operational reliability, minimise weather-related disruptions and support safer landings at airports where conventional precision landing systems are unavailable.

IndiGo Airbus A320 Achieves India’s First Satellite-Based Landing On Commercial Jet

Aviation Today News Desk / July 2, 2026

Rajasthan, India: India has achieved a significant milestone in civil aviation after the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) successfully […]

India

India And Airbus Discuss Expanding MRO, Aerospace Manufacturing And Supply Chains

Aviation Today News Desk / May 10, 2026

New Delhi, India: Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal held detailed discussions with Airbus India and South Asia President

Bengaluru, India: India has taken a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter jet programme after state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and GE Aerospace concluded a critical technical agreement for the co-production of F414 jet engines, paving the way for a final commercial contract expected later this year. The development marks a major milestone in India’s defence manufacturing ambitions, as the F414 engine is slated to power three key indigenous combat aircraft the Tejas Mk2, the Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF), and the initial variant of the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA). HAL and GE Aerospace have finalised the technical aspects of the agreement, including complex negotiations around technology transfer widely regarded as the most challenging phase of the deal. With this stage completed, both sides have moved into commercial negotiations, which are expected to take additional time due to rising global component costs and pricing complexities. Officials indicate that the final contract could be signed within the current financial year, marking the culmination of negotiations that have been underway for nearly three years. A central feature of the agreement is the transfer of approximately 80% of manufacturing technology from GE Aerospace to HAL, one of the most substantial technology transfer arrangements ever secured by India in the aerospace sector. The deal will enable India to manufacture advanced fighter jet engines domestically, significantly reducing dependence on imports and strengthening long-term self-reliance in critical defence technologies. Under the agreement: 99 F414 engines are planned to be manufactured in India for the Tejas Mk2 programme The Indian Air Force (IAF) has projected a requirement of 120–130 Tejas Mk2 aircraft, indicating further engine demand The co-production programme will involve licensed manufacturing in India, not just assembly The engine, capable of delivering around 98 kN of thrust, is critical for the performance requirements of next-generation Indian fighter platforms. Tejas Mk2 The F414 engine will power the Tejas Mk2, a more advanced and heavier variant of the Light Combat Aircraft designed to replace ageing fleets and enhance the IAF’s combat capability. TEDBF (Naval Fighter) The Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter, intended for aircraft carrier operations, will rely on dual F414 engines for enhanced thrust and maritime capability. AMCA (5th-Generation Fighter) The initial version of India’s fifth-generation stealth fighter, AMCA Mk1, is also expected to use the F414 engine before transitioning to a more powerful indigenous or co-developed engine in later variants. The agreement is expected to play a key role in: Boosting indigenous defence manufacturing under the “Make in India” initiative Strengthening India–US defence cooperation, particularly in high-end aerospace technologies Addressing the Indian Air Force’s declining squadron strength, a major operational concern Enabling future fighter programmes without dependence on foreign engine supplies Experts note that local production of such high-performance engines represents a critical capability gap that India has long sought to bridge. The HAL–GE engine collaboration traces back to a Memorandum of Understanding signed in June 2023, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the United States. Since then, negotiations have focused heavily on securing deep technology transfer, with India insisting on a minimum threshold of around 80% for the deal to proceed. Following the conclusion of technical discussions in April 2026, the programme has now entered its final phase before contract signing. Once finalised, the agreement will not only power multiple indigenous fighter programmes but also mark a decisive shift towards domestic production of advanced jet engines, a capability currently limited to a handful of countries worldwide.

MRO

HAL-GE F414 Engine Deal Moves Closer To Reality, Set To Power Tejas Mk2, TEDBF & AMCA

Aviation Today News Desk / April 26, 2026

Bengaluru, India: India has taken a significant step forward in its indigenous fighter jet programme after state-run Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

India

India-EU Aviation Pact Boosts Manufacturing As Airbus-Tata H125 Project Advances

Aviation Today News Desk / March 28, 2026

New Delhi, India: India and the European Union signed a Working Arrangement on Industrial Aviation Production on March 23, 2026,

New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5% GST rate on all drones and granting a full GST exemption on flight simulators and motion simulators. The Civil Aviation Ministry called the decision a strategic, principled and citizen-centric evolution of India’s landmark tax framework, aimed at supporting the country’s rapidly growing drone ecosystem and strengthening the aviation training sector. Under the previous structure, drones with integrated cameras attracted 18% GST, while drones classified for personal use were taxed at 28%. The newly rationalized regime applies a flat 5% GST to all drones, irrespective of whether a camera is integrated or separate, and regardless of commercial or personal use. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu hailed the decision, saying, “The GST rate rationalization with a simplified two-slab structure of 5% and 18% is the biggest reform in India’s indirect taxation ever. Under the strong leadership of our Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, we are charting the path towards our goal of Viksit Bharat 2047 with Atmanirbhar Bharat as its foundation. The sweeping rate reductions across sectors will strengthen ease of living, ease of compliance and ease of doing business in the country. It is going to be a big boon for the consumers and at the same time a big boost for the Indian manufacturers. This significant measure will also enable India to emerge as a leader in transformative technologies like drones. A uniform 5% GST will now apply on all drones, providing significant policy certainty and eliminating classification disputes. Furthermore, flight simulators and motion simulators which are critical for pilot training have also been exempted from GST. I believe it will encourage the training ecosystem in the country, helping airlines and academies reduce expenditure on training equipment.” According to the ministry, the reforms will provide greater clarity for manufacturers and lower costs for users, boosting drone adoption in agriculture, petroleum, mining, infrastructure, logistics, and defense. Affordable drones and reduced training costs are also expected to advance Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat goals, while creating employment opportunities in manufacturing, assembly, software development, data analytics, and field operations. Officials said the revised rates will make GST more growth-oriented for aviation and emerging technologies like UAVs, recognizing drones as both an economic opportunity and a strategic necessity for India.

Pilot Training

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

Aviation Today News Desk / September 10, 2025

New Delhi, India: The 56th GST Council has approved major reforms to India’s indirect tax regime, introducing a uniform 5%

Make in India

IndiGo Airbus A320 Achieves India’s First Satellite-Based Landing On Commercial Jet

India And Airbus Discuss Expanding MRO, Aerospace Manufacturing And Supply Chains

HAL-GE F414 Engine Deal Moves Closer To Reality, Set To Power Tejas Mk2, TEDBF & AMCA

India-EU Aviation Pact Boosts Manufacturing As Airbus-Tata H125 Project Advances

Pilot Training May Get Cheaper as Flight and Motion Simulators Gain Tax Exemption

Quick Links

Navigate

General Support

News Desk Support