The joint venture will enable indigenous production of high tech air defence systems, anti-tank guided missiles, new generation precision guided munitions among others

Hyderabad: Adding one more feather to the cap of Telangana , Kalyani Group, which has interests in defence and aerospace segments, will set up the first ever missile system MRO (Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul) facility in Hyderabad, said Rudra B Jadeja, Chief Executive of Bharat Forge.

“This system MRO is first of its kind in the city as it is for missile systems, not for aircraft. It calls for diverse expertise,” he said.

Jadeja was in the city for the inauguration of the Centre of Excellence in RF and Microwave Engineering and to make the engineering students ready for the emerging areas.

Speaking at the event, Jadeja said the missile MRO will be established in the premises of Kalyani Rafael Advanced Systems (KRAS), a joint venture of Kalyani Group and Rafael Advanced Systems, a leading defence OEM based in Israel for undertaking programmes under Make in India scheme, here.

The joint venture will enable indigenous production of high tech air defence systems, anti-tank guided missiles, new generation precision guided munitions among others.

“We will soon make an announcement on the missile MRO,” said Jadeja, refusing to divulge additional information on the new project.

Industries Principal Secretary Jayesh Ranjan, who inaugurated the new CoE, said Telangana will continue to attract new investments in areas of engines, composites, MROs and other components of the aerospace and defence ecosystem.

“The invested companies are contented with their experience here. One of the key areas is engine manufacturing. As of now, the company GE has begun its operations. Safran has recently announced big investments and we are looking forward to attract more players,” he said.

“Defence and aerospace segment in the city is sturdy. Many companies have begun their operations in the city over the past four decades. There are around 1,000 companies operating here with around 300 of them being focused in defence electronics. Many flagship programs are happening in the city,” he said.

Speaking of the training to be imparted by CoE, he said: “The usage of missiles is getting advanced and radio frequency and microwave segments are playing an important role.” The 10-month training programme with 15 students in each batch will be offered in cooperation with Telangana Academy of Skill and Knowledge. The CoE will also continue research and development apart from the training program.