Karnataka plans 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park, says MB Patil

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

Speaking at the meeting, attended by leading industrialists, their representatives, and senior officials, Patil said Karnataka is at the forefront of the country’s aerospace and defence sectors.

The discussions included the establishment of testing centres and Common Facility Centres for aerospace and defence industries, which minister assured would be provided. Suggestions were also made to prepare a comprehensive roadmap for sectoral growth.

Patil said Karnataka should emerge as the capital of defence electronics manufacturing. "Plans are under consideration to set up a 200-acre Defence Electronics Park and a 100-acre Avionics and Sensor Park, which will be implemented once the Special Investment Region is operational" he said. He added that there would be no difficulty in making land available for these initiatives.

He said that Suzuki and Toyota are set to launch aerial taxi services in Japan by 2028, with Bengaluru-based Sasmos supplying electrical equipment for the project. Industrialists suggested introducing similar ‘fly-taxi’ services in Karnataka through an appropriate policy, which Patil said would be examined seriously.

“The state has already urged Central government to approve defence corridor projects in Bengaluru North-Kolar-Chikkaballapur and Dharawada–Vijayapura–Belagavi regions. Industrialists also highlighted the potential for a corridor between Bengaluru and Mysuru,” Patil said.

Machine Tools sector in Karnataka has recorded an annual turnover of Rs 36,500 crore and continues to grow steadily. To promote the sector further, large-scale exhibitions have been organised, generating higher demand, according to a statement from industries department.

Patil said state must strengthen its capabilities to develop control systems for heavy machinery. One testing unit is already operational in Bengaluru, and another is planned for Tumakuru. There are also plans to expand vocational training institutes in industrial areas.

Members of the Vision Group underlined the need for a network of dry ports in the Auto and EV sector, and more EV charging stations will be established across the State. Tata Group is now manufacturing EV buses in Dharwad for nationwide distribution and is preparing to begin production of mini excavators, with arrangements to facilitate exports. The requirement for a testing facility for two-wheeler EVs was also raised, which will be examined, Patil said.

In the Green Energy sector, industrialists emphasised the need for a suitable policy on battery-based energy storage. The establishment of data centres was also discussed, and Patil assured that the government would seriously consider all suggestions and respond positively.