In a major boost to India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sector, Max Aerospace & Aviation Pvt Ltd signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Maharashtra government to set up a state-of-the-art helicopter manufacturing plant in Nagpur.

The agreement was formalised in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis at Mumbai’s Sahyadri Guest House and marked a historic step in the state’s journey toward becoming an aerospace hub.

With a proposed investment of ₹8,000 crore over the next eight years, the project aimed to generate over 2,000 direct and indirect jobs and significantly boost employment and industrial opportunities in the Vidarbha region. The construction and development of the plant is scheduled begin in 2026.

Industries Department Secretary P Anbalagan and Max Aerospace Chairman Bharat Malkani signed the MoU. MIDC CEO P Velrasu, Max Aerospace CFO Kirit Mehta, Business Development Head Meghna Malkani, President Jayesh Mehta, and senior advisors also attended the event.

Chief Minister Fadnavis said, “This is not just an investment in Nagpur, but in India’s strategic capabilities.” He said, “Maharashtra is committed to providing all necessary support for the timely execution and success of this venture.” He emphasised how such projects aligned with national missions like ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ and paved the way for self-reliance in defence manufacturing.

The upcoming facility would focus on the customisation, integration, and flight testing of rotary-wing platforms. They designed it to function as a Centre of Excellence and to adopt international standard technologies. Its proximity to Nagpur Airport ensured seamless logistics and supply chain integration and made it an ideal location for the project.

Chairman Bharat Malkani said, “As a Maharashtrian, it is a matter of pride to bring this transformative project to my home state.” He said, “Nagpur offers a strategic ecosystem for aerospace development, and we are excited to make it a centre of global excellence.”

This development marked Maharashtra’s first dedicated helicopter production facility and reinforced the state’s leadership in attracting high-value, future-ready industries.

With this landmark agreement, Maharashtra secured a key role in India’s aerospace ambitions and promised new economic momentum for the Vidarbha region.