Airbus is preparing to take a significant step in its India strategy by sourcing aerospace‑grade titanium from the country for the first time.

This marks a new phase in the deepening of Airbus’ supply chain in India, driven by a robust order book and the availability of advanced engineering talent, Times of India reported.

Jürgen Westermeier, Airbus’ president and managing director for India and South Asia, explained in an exclusive interview that the company expects to begin sourcing raw materials directly from India. This move will substantially enhance India’s role in the global aerospace supply chain, which has traditionally been dominated by established suppliers in Europe, North America, and Russia.

The decision reflects Airbus’ confidence in India’s growing industrial capabilities and its emergence as a strategic aviation manufacturing hub. India’s localisation drive, supported by government policy frameworks such as Make in India, has already enabled domestic suppliers to transition from basic build‑to‑print tasks to high‑value design, systems integration, and advanced component manufacturing.

Sourcing titanium is particularly significant because the metal is critical for aircraft structures due to its strength, corrosion resistance, and lightweight properties. India has long been recognised for its reserves and metallurgical expertise, but this is the first time Airbus will integrate Indian titanium into its global production programs. This development is expected to reduce reliance on traditional suppliers and diversify Airbus’ sourcing strategy amid global supply chain realignments.

Westermeier emphasised that the next phase of localisation will not only involve raw materials but also advanced manufacturing processes, skill development, and integration of Indian suppliers into Airbus’ global ecosystem. He noted that policy support and predictable tariff regimes are essential for sustaining growth in capital‑intensive sectors such as aerospace.

India’s aerospace sector has already attracted major investments from both Airbus and Boeing, with sourcing volumes steadily increasing. Airbus has set ambitious targets to raise its annual procurement from India to $2 billion by 2030, while Boeing currently sources over $1.3 billion annually.

The inclusion of titanium sourcing adds a new dimension to this trajectory, positioning India as a comprehensive supplier of both advanced components and critical raw materials.

This initiative also aligns with India’s broader ambition to become a global aviation hub. By integrating titanium production and supply into the aerospace value chain, India strengthens its credentials as a reliable partner for high‑technology industries.

The move is expected to generate new opportunities for Indian metallurgical firms, MSMEs, and engineering talent, while reinforcing the country’s role in global aviation programs.

Airbus’ decision underscores the strategic importance of India in the future of aerospace manufacturing. It highlights how localisation, policy support, and industrial capability are converging to make India indispensable in the global supply chain.

Agencies