India's Aerospace Transformation: The Rise of Self-Reliance

India's aerospace industry is going through a period of transformation. The nation is investing heavily in self-reliance and domestic capabilities, particularly in defence and space applications, after previously relying on foreign suppliers for essential technologies.

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The integration of cutting-edge semiconductors and avionics systems is a silent but vital force driving this revolution. The electronics included within—sophisticated chips and smart avionics—are what really define the intelligence, safety, and performance of contemporary aerospace platforms, even though aircraft frames and propulsion systems receive the majority of attention. India's aerospace goals are essentially controlled by avionics and semiconductors.

India has made significant progress in the last ten years in the development and deployment of domestic satellites, such as Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, unmanned aerial systems, and airframes, such as the Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, for both military and civilian applications. In the past decade, India has launched over 40 indigenous satellites, demonstrating increasing expertise in space technology. The Tejas Light Combat Aircraft, inducted into the Indian Air Force in 2016, represents a Rs. 48,000 crore investment in indigenous aerospace capabilities. These accomplishments rely significantly on a solid electronics base. For example, the Tejas fighter jet incorporates fly-by-wire flight control systems, radar warning receivers, and a mission computer—all of which depend on high-performance semiconductors. Likewise, India's satellites make use of real-time telemetry systems, autonomous navigation modules, and radiation-hardened processors. These technologies rely on a strong semiconductor architecture that can process massive data, withstand harsh environments, and preserve mission integrity.

The Role of Semiconductors in Aerospace Applications

• Rs. 10,000 crore: Modernization fund for Semiconductor Lab (SCL), Chandigarh

• $2.75 billion: Micron Technology ATMP facility in Sanand, co-funded by Indian government

• $11 billion: Tata~PSMC chip fab coming up in Dholera, Gujarat (Operational by 2027)