India took a decisive step toward technological sovereignty with the dedication of a Titanium and Superalloy Materials Plant at PTC Industries’ Strategic Materials Technology Complex in Lucknow. The facility, one of the first private sector units to manufacture aero-engine and superalloy components, was inaugurated in a ceremony that underscored India’s ambition to become a creator of advanced technologies in defence and aerospace.
Speaking at the event, the Defence Minister emphasized the critical importance of rare earth materials in sectors such as defence, space, and electronics, noting that only a handful of countries possess the capability to refine and produce high-end products from these strategic resources. He said India must manufacture its own materials, components, chips, and alloys to truly safeguard its technological independence. The new plant, he added, places India among a select group of nations capable of producing critical materials for fighter jets, missiles, naval systems, and satellites.
The minister described the facility as a living embodiment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat, asserting that it will benefit not only industry but society at large by establishing an innovation chain that strengthens the defence sector and boosts the state economy. He stressed that while technology is power, material is the real strength, and strategic materials form the backbone of everything from semiconductors to turbine engines.
The Strategic Materials Technology Complex, spread over 50 acres and built with an investment of ₹1,000 crore, has a production capacity exceeding 6,000 tonnes per annum. It enables India to produce aviation-grade titanium and superalloys from domestic and recycled sources, marking a major milestone in strategic materials independence.
The minister expressed confidence that the complex adds a new dimension to Uttar Pradesh’s industrial landscape. He said the facility, along with its ancillary units and supplier industries, will generate direct and indirect employment and contribute to the growth of the UP Defence Industrial Corridor, which is poised to become one of Asia’s most advanced manufacturing zones. He praised the state’s leadership for transforming Uttar Pradesh into a hub of industrial activity, citing improved law and order and rising investor confidence.
He hailed India’s evolving mindset, stating that the country has moved beyond Make-in-India to Design, Develop and Deliver in India. He acknowledged the growing role of the private sector in defence production and research, and called upon youth, innovators, MSMEs, and start-ups to view the defence sector not just as a business opportunity but as a national responsibility. He assured continued government support for public-private partnerships and urged all stakeholders to pursue the goal of making India a global defence manufacturing hub.
During the visit, the minister toured the complex alongside the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, the Deputy Chief Minister, senior officials from DRDO and BrahMos, and the Chairman and Managing Director of PTC Industries. The dignitaries were briefed on the facility’s capabilities, which include the indigenous development of critical components for next-generation fighter aircraft and jet engines.
PTC Industries received Letters of Technical Acceptance from CEMILAC, DRDO, for the indigenous development and manufacture of Titanium Rear Fin Root Castings for the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft program and Oil Tank Assembly Titanium Castings for the Kaveri Derivative Engine. These components were developed in collaboration with DMRL, ADA, and GTRE. Additionally, PTC received a purchase order for post-cast operations to manufacture single-crystal ‘ready-to-fit’ turbine blades for the Kaveri Derivative Engine, marking a significant advancement in India’s capability to produce one of the most complex components in modern jet engines.
An MoU was also signed between PTC Industries and Bharat Dynamics Limited to form a joint venture for the design, development, and manufacture of propulsion systems, guided bombs, and small aeroengines for missiles, UAVs, and loitering munitions. The collaboration aims to accelerate indigenization and reduce dependence on imports, further strengthening India’s defence manufacturing base.
