Hyderabad: Telangana IT & industries minister D Sridhar Babu invited US companies to invest in the state’s fast-growing aerospace, defence and space sectors, pitching the state as a strategic manufacturing and technology hub during a meeting with a US National War College delegation in Hyderabad on Thursday.He sought collaboration with US companies, universities and research institutions in artificial intelligence, cyber security, advanced manufacturing and space technology.The minister told the delegation that Telangana recorded more than 30% annual growth in the sector and a 103% compound annual growth rate in exports between 2024 and 2026.He said the state was now pursuing a focused strategy to become a global centre for drones, counter-drone systems, aerospace components and defence electronics, while expanding capabilities in cyber security, artificial intelligence, satellite systems and advanced communications.Sridhar Babu said Telangana’s rise was supported by major global firms including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Safran, Airbus and Dassault Aviation, along with public sector institutions such as DRDO, BHEL, MIDHANI, BDL, RCI and HAL.He said over 1,500 MSMEs were also active in precision engineering, drones and defence electronics.Pointing out that Hyderabad was ranked the world’s most cost-effective aerospace city in a recent international survey, he said Telangana bagged the Indian govt’s ‘Best State for Aerospace’ award for five consecutive years.The minister said Telangana was all geared up to emerge not only as an investment destination but also as a long-term strategic partner for the US in technology, research, manufacturing and skill development.
