Collins to Boost Aero Component Manufacturing in India.

Aerospace giant Collins Aerospace is set to accelerate aviation component manufacturing in India with the launch of its new Engineering Development and Test Centre (EDTC) in Bengaluru, a senior company official told businessline.

According to Clay Lindwall, Senior Vice President of Engineering and Technology at Collins Aerospace, the new test facility will enable faster certification of aerospace components, including “Made-in-India” parts, by global aviation regulators. This move is expected to enhance manufacturing capabilities and reduce costs by eliminating the need to send products abroad for testing and approval.

Enhancing Local Manufacturing and Testing Capabilities

Collins Aerospace currently manufactures seating systems, lighting systems, cargo systems, temperature sensors, communication and navigation systems, water solutions, and evacuation slides at its Indian facilities.

With an investment of $25 million as part of its broader $200 million commitment to India, the Bengaluru test facility will ensure that Collins’ aerospace systems meet global safety and performance standards. The centre will test products under extreme conditions such as high altitudes, extreme temperatures, vibrations, and electromagnetic interference to enhance their reliability.

Lindwall stated, “This centre will serve as a hub for testing and qualifying aerospace systems, including thrust reverser actuators, cabin lighting, and evacuation slides, ensuring we meet the evolving demands of modern aviation.”

Strategic Expansion and Strengthening India's Role in the Supply Chain

The EDTC will support all Collins Aerospace business units, including avionics, interiors, advanced structures, and power and controls, with plans to extend its services to parent company RTX's (Raytheon Technologies) broader aerospace and defense businesses.

Collins Aerospace has been expanding its presence in India since 2007 and is now focused on growing its aerostructures, interiors, and avionics manufacturing footprint. The Bengaluru facility is unique globally, as it is the only Collins site that works across all product portfolios, including connected aviation solutions.

Further, Collins is looking to triple its sourcing from Indian suppliers over the next three to four years, citing India’s competitive manufacturing ecosystem and a skilled engineering workforce as key factors driving this expansion.

Lindwall added, “For us, this investment brings advanced testing capabilities closer to where engineering and manufacturing happen, further recognizing India’s strategic importance in the global aerospace supply chain.”

HBL