The aerospace industry in India has experienced remarkable growth, propelled by factors such as technological advancements, government initiatives, and strategic partnerships. The nation's emphasis on make, democratizing satellite launches, and commercial aircraft manufacturing has significantly elevated its glob al stature. Despite these achievements, persistent challenges encompassing limited infrastructure, intricate regulatory frameworks, and shortages in the skilled workforce continue to pose obstacles. The pivotal role of innovative companies in surmounting these barriers cannot be overstated. These companies stand poised to not only overcome hurdles but also to steer the industry toward progress.

Embarking on this transformative journey is Jane Aerospace, an avantgarde enterprise positioned at the forefront of this evolutionary trajectory. In 2019, Leo Peter Charles laid the foundation of Jane Aerospace (Jane), leveraging his extensive involvement in the unmanned ecosystem. His visionary approach to building a robust support infrastructure for the burgeoning drone sector played a pivotal role in the inception of Jane. Rooted in the ambition to bolster the aerospace realm, Jane Aerospace is an endeavor that aspires to harness aerospace expertise to empower both the current and upcoming generations. This initiative holds the potential to foster self-sufficiency for India in the aerospace arena.

In this exclusive interaction with CIO Insider, Leo Peter Charles illuminates recent developments, emerging opportunities, and the remarkable contributions that the firm is making to reshape the aerospace landscape.

Could you tell us about the recent developments in the aerospace aviation sector and what are the new

opportunities that have been created?
Within the realm of India's aerospace sector, significant progress is being witnessed in both space programs and aviation. The liberalization of satellite launch policies has ignited a dynamic surge in the space tech market, catalyzing innovations spanning satellite manufacturing, vehicle design, and propulsion systems. Particularly noteworthy is the ascent of low Earth orbit (LEO) satellites, amplifying prospects within defense and commercial spheres and ushering in a transformative era of technological advancements. Concurrently, the realm of commercial air travel is experiencing a renaissance, fostering increased aircraft procurement, heightened demand for pilots, and a surge in charter flights. Remarkably, India's defense sector is in the throes of a transformative leap, characterized by strategic collaborations, indigenous manufacturing prowess, and the burgeoning impact of drone technologies, culminating in a thriving ecosystem ripe with untapped potential.

Give a brief about your experience & expertise in this field.
My journey has been marked by significant achievements in the field of aeronautical engineering. With a strong foundation in radio control models and drone technology, my DGCA certification solidifies my expertise. Having mentored over 250 students who now hold pivotal roles in global drone companies, I'm also a notable participant in the Drone Federation of India, actively shaping regulations and spearheading industry growth. Beyond this, I serve as an Expert Advisor for governmental initiatives, technology excellence centers and startup incubators, showcasing my commitment to nurturing innovation and driving progress in the aerospace sector.

What is the future roadmap envisioned for Jane Aerospace? Where is it headed for the next five years?
Jane Aerospace aspires to metamorphose into a lean, automated unicorn within the aerospace sector. Ambitions encompass achieving an impressive revenue milestone of 500 crores over the ensuing five years, coupled with a dedication to expanding the company's global footprint while keeping the core ethos of Indian manufacturing capabilities intact. Technological evolution is set to be a defining force, poised to redefine industry paradigms. Autonomous drones, driven by advanced propulsion technologies such as hydrogen-powered systems, are poised to take center stage, significantly reducing the need for human intervention. Moreover, the democratization of satellite communication promises to reshape data transmission dynamics, augmenting connectivity on an unprecedented scale.

In the ever-evolving tapestry of India's aerospace landscape, Jane Aerospace emerges as a veritable champion of innovation and progress. The captivating interplay between policy reforms, transformative technological break throughs, and visionary leadership is irrevocably reshaping the contours of aerospace exploration. Guided by an unswerving zeal for excellence and a bold vision for the future, Jane Aerospace is undeniably propelling India toward its rightful place as a global aerospace powerhouse. As the horizons of aerospace possibilities expand, Jane Aerospace stands as a testament to the limitless potential that this dynamic sector holds.