The Indian aerospace industry is pacing ahead and rapidly positioning India within the global aviation and defense market. With increased demands for aircraft, advanced aerospace technologies, and strategic focus on defense and civil aviation, India is fast turning into a leading hub for aerospace production and innovation. The industry covers such a large scope of organizations performing work ranging from aircraft design and development to working with missile systems and satellite technology, alongside a thriving network of manufacturing companies contributing to the sector’s growth and success.

In this blog, we discuss the top 10 aerospace companies in India and also look into the contribution that they make towards the industry, their key products and services, in addition to job opportunities available.

This spells growth for the aerospace industry—a fascinating and promising industry for engineers, technicians, and other professionals across fields, depicting promising careers in such technology- and innovation-driven roles.

Growth Rate of Aerospace Industry in India

The aerospace sector in India is booming, with great promise to become a world market leader. Projections have indicated that the sector will be $53.06 billion by 2025, growing at a rate of 6.3% because of the rise in demand for aerospace products and services. These factors are further enhanced through government policy initiatives such as the National Civil Aviation Policy, undertaken to enhance air travel in the country and to improve upon its transport infra and logistics companies.

Indians increasing focus on R&D also accelerates the competitiveness of this industry, which provides scopes for innovation and technological progress. India, housing over 1,000 aerospace companies, is firmly and strongly stepping into the global aerospace industry and is sure to attract investment and talent for fueling its progress.

Top 10 Aerospace Companies in India

1. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited

The Indian government’s premier aerospace and defense firm, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, is based in Bangalore. HAL was established on 23 December 1940 and has since grown into one of the most extensive and oldest manufacturers of aerospace equipment in the world.

Its assets are spread across the country in 11 R&D facilities and 21 manufacturing divisions, with four production facilities, significantly contributing to India’s defense and aerospace sectors. HAL manufactures various products, including:

• Fighter Aircraft: Advanced Design and Manufacture of Fighter Aircraft for Indian Air Force, and other Defence Organizations.
• Helicopters: Versatile Helicopter Design for Military and Civil Applications.
• Jet Engines: Development of high-performance jet engines in military and commercial aircraft applications.
• Marine Gas Turbine Engines: Design and development of marine gas turbine engines for naval vessels.
• Software: Design of specialized software solutions for aerospace applications.
• Spare Parts: Manufacturing High-Quality Aerospace System spare parts.

HAL’s aspiration to dominate the world aerospace market can be looked at through continuous innovation and commitment towards the provision of cutting-edge technologies in defense and aviation sectors.

Chairman: DK Sunil

Headquarter: Bangalore, Karnataka

Average salary: 15.7 lakhs 

Number of employees: 24,457 (March 2023)

Website: https://hal-india.co.in/ 

2. BrahMos Aerospace

BrahMos Aerospace is a leading joint venture between Russian Federal State Unitary Enterprise NPO Mashinostroyenia (NPOM) and the Indian Defense Research and Development Organization. Established in 1998 in New Delhi, the company is renowned for developing the BrahMos missile, which was named after the two rivers that had first inspired the idea – namely, the Brahmaputra and Moskva rivers.

Under the leadership of BrahMos Aerospace by its CEO and Managing Director Mr Sudhir Kumar Mishra, it is proved that the missile technology has made tremendous progress. The principal products of the company include:

• BrahMos-II Hypersonic Cruise Missile: One of the fastest cruise missiles ever made, it supports hypersonic cruise speed; it actually is one of the speediest cruise missiles in the world.
• Production facilities in Hyderabad: It has one facility, wherein missile production takes place. The unit is the base for manufacturing missiles. It is the second unit in Kerala, established in 2007 and has specialization in system integration and testing for producing high quality missiles.

BrahMos Aerospace continues to be one of the most important defence capacity holders for the country of India, and therefore a leader in the aerospace companies in the nation.

CEO: Atul Dinkar Rane

Headquarter:  New Delhi, India

Average salary: 5.4 lakhs

Number of employees: 5

Website: BrahMos Aerospace – An India Russia Joint Venture

3. Indian Space Research Organisation

The Indian Space Research Organisation, founded on 15 August 1969, is the national space agency of India and headquartered in Bengaluru, Karnataka. With a workforce of 17,099, as of 2021, it has gone a long way in space research and contributed to the nation’s progress in aerospace technology. Aerospace companies in India continue to benefit from ISRO’s advancements in this field.

Such is ISRO, one of the six government space agencies globally with full launch capabilities, cryogenic technology, and extraterrestrial mission expertise. Some of its major products and services include:

• Satellite Launch Services: The development and launching of satellites for all sorts of purposes such as communication, navigation, weather, and defense.
• Cryogenic technology: Pioneers in cryogenic rocket propulsion-a critical technology for space missions.
• Space Exploration Beyond Earth: Prosperous missions to the Moon and Mars and water discovered on the Moon.
• Man-Made Satellite Operations: Supporting thousands of massive satellite fleets related to maintenance and operations.

ISRO’s success has only enhanced its status as one of India’s best aerospace companies and the world leader in space. 

Chairman: S. Somanath

Headquarter: Bangalore, Karnataka 

Average salary: 5.8 lakhs

Number of employees: 19,247 (as on 1 March 2022)

Website: Indian Space Research Organisation

4. Bharat Electronics Limited

Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is a Government of India-owned aerospace and defense electronics company. It was set up in the year 1954 and its headquarters is located in the state of Karnataka, specifically in the city of Bengaluru. BEL is reportedly one of India’s largest aerospace companies and has been classified as a “NAVARATNA” by the Indian government.

Bharat Electronics Limited manufactures high power electrical equipment, which can be used both in airborne as well as ground applications. Some of its main products include:

• Germanium semiconductors
• All India Radio (AIR) Radio transmitters
• High-tech defence electronics systems

Today, Bharat Electronics, through innovation and expertise, continued to make an immense contribution to India’s national security and technological advancements in aerospace, revenue worth Rs. 12,921.11 crores. Its leading position in the country’s aerospace and defense sectors leaves no qualm that it will continue being a saga of advancement in aerospace technology. 

Chairman: Manoj Jain

Headquarter: Bangalore, Karnataka

Average salary: 15.5 lakhs

Number of employees: 8,937 

Website: BEL | Bharat Electronics Limited

5. Antrix Corporation Limited

Antrix Corporation Limited was incorporated on 28 September 1992.The Department of Space is in charge of its administration.. Its headquarters is located in Bengaluru, Karnataka. It aims to promote ISRO products, services, and technologies worldwide.

In 2008, the Indian government bestowed MINIRATHNA status upon Antrix Corporation. The mission is to empower Indian businesses and clients across the world to use Indian space technology fully. Some of the major services and products offered by Antrix Corporation include:

• Provisions of hardware and software for space applications
• Earth observation and scientific missions
• Remote sensing data services
• Transponder lease services

In these products, Antrix Corporation is the key player in moving forward India’s capabilities by granting a range of leading-edge space solutions to its global customers. 

CMD: Sanjay Kumar Agarwal

Headquarter: Bangalore, Karnataka

Average salary: 9.3 lakhs

Number of employees: 32

Website: Welcome to Antrix | Antrix

6. Bharat Dynamics Limited

Established in 1970, Bharat Dynamics Limited, one of India’s leading manufacturers of ammunition and missile systems, is a firm headquartered in Hyderabad, Telangana. Founded to manufacture guided missile systems, today, BDL is a major aerospace and defence company. BDL stands for Bharat Dynamics Limited, which is a “ministry of the Government of India, a Public Sector Enterprise under the Ministry of Defence”.

This organization is responsible for the production of missile systems as well as associated equipment for the Indian Armed Forces. BDL has four manufacturing units located in the states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh employing around 3,030. BDL has built its reputation over time through designing and production of advanced missile systems, one such weapon being the state-of-art “Beyond Visual Range” Astra weapon system for the Indian Armed Forces. Some of the key products and services by Bharat Dynamics Limited include: Aerospace companies in India continue to play a vital role in enhancing the defense capabilities of the nation.

• Guided Missile Systems
• Missile launchers and associated equipment
• Astra Weapon systems
• Defence equipment and Ammunition for the Indian Military

BDL is one of India’s most promising aeronautical companies, contributing significantly to the defense capabilities of the nation. 

Chairman: Commodore A Madhavarao

Headquarter: Hyderabad, India

Average salary: 8.2 lakhs

Number of employees: 3,030 

Website: | Official Website of Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India

7. Mahindra Aerospace

Formed in 2003, Mahindra Aerospace has been constituted by the well-known Mahindra Group under the chief leadership of Anand Mahindra. It is India’s first private producer of small civil airplanes. It has been a significant player in the Indian domestic general aviation market.

The company collaborated with the National Aerospace Laboratories to manufacture its NAL NM5 light aircraft. Mahindra Aerospace manufacturers utility aircraft and aero-structures at its plants located in Kolar district, Karnataka, and Morwell, Australia. Some of the key products and services offered by Mahindra Aerospace are as follows:

• Manufacturing small civil aircraft, utility aircraft, and aerostructures for the Indian and international market
• Design of small aircraft like NAL NM5
• Aircraft assembly and integration

Innovative solutions from Mahindra Aerospace accelerate the pace of the aerospace sector not only in India but also globally. 

Founder: Anand Mahindra

Headquarter: Mumbai, Maharashtra 

Average salary: 3.1 lakhs

Number of employees: 108

Website: Mahindra Aerospace – India

8. BAE Systems India

BAE Systems India is the Indian subsidiary of the British multinational aerospace, defence, and security company, BAE Systems plc. BAE Systems India was established in the year 2006 and is one of the leading companies in the Indian aerospace sector.

The company offers advanced aerospace products and solutions to both the defense and commercial markets. The company aims at purely delivering superior-quality solutions to its customers by the talents it possesses. Some of its key services and product fields are:

• Aircraft Sales & Leasing
• Aircraft Maintenance & Repair
• Integrated Systems & Solutions
• Highly advanced defense and aerospace solutions

Continued to believe that customer satisfaction along with technological excellence are paramount, BAE Systems India has been a strong contributor to the development of the aerospace industries within India. 

Managing director: Ravi Nirgudkar

Headquarter: New Delhi, India

Average salary: 28.8 lakhs

Number of employees: 93,000 

Website: India | BAE Systems

9. Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is a prominent U.S.-based defense and aerospace company that has established its Indian subsidiary at New Delhi in 2008. This firm has played an important role in assisting the development of India’s defense capabilities by forming strategic partnerships. Among the most recognizable collaborations is with Tata Advanced Systems, which are jointly manufacturing key military products for the Indian Armed Forces, such as:

• F-21 Fighter Plane for the Indian Air Force
• IAF to get 56 C-130J Super Hercules Cargo Aircraft
• MH-60R Sikorsky Helicopter for the Indian Navy

It has been clear through its contribution to India’s defense and aerospace sectors in the form of the provision of advanced high-performance systems and equipment.

CEO/President/chairman: James D. Taiclet 

Headquarter: New Delhi, India

Average salary: 38.2 lakhs

Number of employees: 122,000

Website: Leading Aerospace and Defense | Lockheed Martin

10. Collins Aerospace

As a major aerospace and defense company, Collins Aerospace is the subsidiary of RTX Corporation formerly known as Raytheon Technologies. Collins Aerospace employs over 5,000 employees across the offices located in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Gurgaon within India. The firm acts as one of the major aerospace companies operating in India, and its overall activities ensure the provision of a range of sophisticated products at an all-time high level, such as in its work on: Aerospace companies in India continue to contribute significantly to the nation’s defense and aerospace sectors.

• Flight Control Systems
• Landing Gears
• Commercial aircraft Interior Systems

These products are part and parcel of ensuring the safety, performance, and efficiency of modern aviation systems and are the driving force of innovation in Collins Aerospace, the global leader in the aerospace and defence industry.

Founder: Arthur Collins

Headquarter:  Hyderabad, Telangana

Average salary: 22.3 lakhs

Number of employees: 80,000+

Website: AEROSPACE REDEFINED | Collins Aerospace

Job Opportunities in the Aerospace Industry of India

The aerospace industry of India offers openings in many areas as the business expands and expands demands for professionals. Here are some of the most significant areas where opportunities abound:

1. Aerospace Engineering

Job Activities of Aerospace Engineers: Aerospace engineers design, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft and missile systems. Specialization areas are Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Avionics and Structural Design.

Essential Skills: BE in aerospace; sound awareness of fluid mechanics, propulsion systems, materials science, and CAD software.

Companies Look for: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited BEL, Airbus India, Boeing India, DRDO.

2. Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft maintenance engineers are responsible for checking, rectifying, and undertaking aircraft to ensure that it’s airworthy.

Skills Required: DGCA certification, technical study of aircraft systems, direct maintenance experience.

Recruitment taking place: Air India Engineering Services, GMR Aero Technic, Jet Airways, SpiceJet, other airlines.

3. Avionics and Electronics

Avionics engineers are responsible for the electrical and electronic equipment aboard aircraft, that is, systems for navigation, communication, and control.

It should have a background in electronics, communication systems, and embedded systems, with avionics design and testing skills.

Some Companies Hiring: BEL, HAL, Airbus, Boeing, and other private companies for avionics manufacturing

4. Production and Manufacturing

Positions: Production engineers in this industry are striving to manufacture parts of aircraft and spacecraft to create quality, safety, and efficiency products.

Skills Sought: Bachelors and Masters degree in Mechanical, Electrical or Materials Engineering, with an experience in manufacturing processes and quality control

Hiring Companies: HAL, Tata Advanced Systems, Mahindra Aerospace, L&T Defence

5. Research and Development

Job: R&D engineers are conducting research for developing new technologies, improving existing systems and creating advanced aerospace solutions.

Skills Sought: M.Tech.,Ph.D. in aerospace engineering stream OR related; experimental design, simulation, prototyping work experience.

Companies Recruited: DRDO, ISRO, HAL, Airbus, Boeing, and various other private aerospace companies.

6. Supply Chain and Logistics

Designations: Supply chain managers ensure procurements and deliveries of the aerospace components and materials that ensure economical operation of production procedures.

Skill Set: Logistics supply chain management procurement, aerospace, experience in dealing with complex aerospace supply chains .

Companies Recruited: HAL, Airbus, Boeing, and major aerospace manufacturing companies.

7. Software Engineering and IT

Roles: Software engineers in the development of aircraft, satellites and defense technologies like flight control systems, navigation systems, and data processing.

Skills Required: Programming languages such as C++, Python, Java etc, experience on embedded systems, AI, and data analysis.

Companies Hiring: TCS, Infosys, Wipro, HAL, and other Aerospace Tech firms.

8. Marketing and Sales

Roles: Aerospace sales and marketing personnel handle marketing and sales related to aircraft and aerospace products and maintain customer contacts to ensure the sale of product and services.

Qualification Requirements: Marketing or business management background with current knowledge about the aerospace industry and its trends.

Organizations Recruit from: Airbus, Boeing, HAL, Lockheed Martin, and other aerospace companies.

9. Project Management

Roles: Aerospace project managers oversee aeronautical products from design stages to mass production of aerospace products, meeting specific time and budget constraints.

Competencies: The candidate must possess leadership, organizational, and communication skills. He/she should have hands-on experience about the management of projects using Agile and PMP methodologies.

Hiring Companies: HAL, Boeing, Airbus, and other defense companies

10. Government Agencies and Defense

Roles: There are various roles in defense organizations, such as DRDO and ISRO, which are involved in advanced aerospace and defense technologies, satellites, missiles, and defense systems.

Skills: The candidate should have a background in aerospace engineering, defense technology, or any other field related to it, and also be capable of handling classified projects.

Hiring Organizations: DRDO, ISRO, Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, and Indian Army

Other opportunities:

• Government Initiatives: The aerospace sector of the country is given an impetus in innovation, self-reliance, and employment generation in a lot of government schemes including “Make in India” and “National Civil Aviation Policy.”
• Global Companies: There are also some large global aerospace companies such as Boeing, Airbus, and Lockheed Martin, who have established research facilities and production hubs here, thus holding large job openings.
• Private Sector: Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Advanced Systems, and L&T Defence are at the forefront in the private sector, expanding the aerospace workforce in manufacturing, R&D, and services.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the aerospace sector of India is on the right trajectory-however, one that promises so much and is witnessing growth and gaining importance in the international arena. With a sharp turn in demand patterns, strategic government policies, and strong research and development initiative, the nation holds the ground to emerge as a strong player in the global aerospace sector.

Aerospace companies in India will contribute significantly to this growth as a result of a growing market, steadily increasing numbers of aerospace companies, and well-defined growth strategy, India will continue to rise as an innovation and manufacturing hub in the aerospace industry. As the sector grows, there will be opportunities in investment, collaboration, and technological advancement towards the nation’s economy and to the global aerospace landscape.

FAQs

What is the aerospace industry in India?

It refers to the manufacture, development, design and servicing of aircraft, missiles, and other such aerospace systems and components.

What are the growth drivers in the aerospace industry in India?

Increasing demand for aerospace products, government policies such as the National Civil Aviation Policy, and a focus on research and development are the growth drivers.

How is the Indian government promoting aerospace sector?

The Indian government is supporting the aerospace industry through initiatives like the National Civil Aviation Policy and promoting research and development in the sector.

Is the US aerospace industry similar to that in India?

India has over 1,000 companies in the aerospace industry, compared with more than 16,000 companies in the US aerospace industry. This would mean a great many more participants in the US aerospace market.

To what extent is the Indian aerospace industry dependent on research and development?

Indian aerospace research and development contributes strongly to innovation, competitiveness, and new technologies helping to drive industry growth.