MoU Signed Between Max Aerospace and Industries Department in Presence of CM Fadnavis Helicopter Manufacturing Plant to be Set Up in Nagpur

Mumbai : A helicopter manufacturing plant with an estimated investment of ₹8,000 crore is set to be established in Nagpur. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for this project was signed between Max Aerospace and Aviation Pvt. Ltd. and the Department of Industries, Government of Maharashtra, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The Chief Minister said that this initiative will provide a major boost to Nagpur’s defense manufacturing sector.

The signing ceremony took place at Sahyadri Guest House, with the presence of Industries Department Secretary P. Anbalagan, MIDC CEO P. Velarasu, and other dignitaries. The MoU was signed between P. Anbalagan and Bharat Malkani, Chairman of Max Aerospace. As per the agreement, the company will establish a helicopter manufacturing facility in Nagpur, with actual construction beginning in 2026. The project is expected to create around 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and attract a total investment of ₹8,000 crore over eight years.

This project marks a significant step towards advancing the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ (Self-Reliant India) initiatives. It will be the first dedicated helicopter customization and production unit in Maharashtra. With this, Maharashtra is set to emerge as a key hub for aerospace manufacturing.

The plant will feature state-of-the-art international technology and act as a Centre of Excellence for customization, integration, and flight testing of rotary-wing platforms. Being located near the Nagpur Airport, it will benefit from existing infrastructure and logistical support. This will also enhance India’s growing aerospace supply chain network.

Speaking on the occasion, CM Devendra Fadnavis expressed his satisfaction with Max Aerospace choosing Nagpur, Maharashtra, as the site for its helicopter production. He assured the company of full support from the state government and emphasized that the company should commence production on schedule. He also highlighted that Nagpur has been developed with quality infrastructure for defense production.

Bharat Malkani noted that Nagpur offers a comprehensive ecosystem for defense manufacturing and praised the government’s support. Being originally from Maharashtra, he said, it was a conscious decision to start this major project in the state. He expressed his commitment to advancing Maharashtra’s role in the helicopter production sector.

MoU Highlights:

• Project Name: Helicopter Manufacturing Facility
• Location: Nagpur
• Investment: ₹8,000 crore (over 8 years)
• Employment Opportunities: 2,000
• Proposed Launch: 2026

This collaboration is seen as a crucial step toward Maharashtra’s industrial advancement and will play a vital role in strengthening India’s self-reliance in defense production.

Among those present were Bharat Malkani (Chairman), Meghna Malkani (Head of Business Development), Kirit Mehta (CFO), Jayesh Mehta (President), Neeraj Behere (Advisor), and Devdutt Vanare (Advisor).