Hyderabad: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, along with industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 rocket on Saturday, marking a major step toward Telangana aerospace leadership.
The event, held at GMR Aerospace Park in Shamshabad, marked the rocket’s departure to the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. The launch attempt, expected in the coming months, will be India’s first private orbital mission.
Revanth Reddy described the milestone as a major boost to Telangana aerospace leadership. He said the rocket’s complete design and development in Hyderabad reflected the state’s growing strength in the sector.
Revanth Reddy noted that Skyroot Aerospace had launched its first rocket in 2022 and reached the orbital stage quickly. He called the progress a remarkable achievement for a private Indian space company.
Telangana aerospace leadership strengthened by industry presence
The Chief Minister said Telangana already ranked first in India’s aerospace sector. He pointed to the presence of global firms such as Boeing, Airbus, and Safran in the state.
He reiterated the government’s goal to achieve Telangana aerospace leadership globally by 2047. Aerospace remains a key growth driver in this vision.
According to central government data cited by him, Telangana recorded 117.9% growth in engineering exports between 2023–24 and 2024–25. Aircraft components and defence equipment led this surge.
Telangana aerospace leadership backed by skilling initiatives
Revanth Reddy said the government had prioritised skill development to support Telangana aerospace leadership. Partnerships with global universities and industry players are underway to train youth.
He highlighted initiatives through Young India Skills University (YISU), Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and upgraded polytechnic colleges. The government plans to bring ATCs and polytechnics under YISU to ensure uniform and industry-driven curricula.
He added that trainer development remained a priority. Tata Technologies is currently training instructors at ATCs across the state.
Responding to these initiatives, Pawan Kumar Chandana, CEO and co-founder of Skyroot Aerospace, expressed interest in collaborating with YISU. He said skill shortages posed a major challenge and such partnerships would help address industry needs.
The Chief Minister invited Skyroot leadership to visit ATCs in Mallepally. He emphasised that YISU allows flexible curriculum updates based on evolving industry demands.
Telangana aerospace leadership linked to education reforms
Revanth Reddy also addressed gaps in school education. He said the state spends ₹1.08 lakh per student annually in government schools, yet learning outcomes remain below expectations.
He said the government had prepared a detailed plan to improve results. Strengthening foundational education is part of the broader strategy to sustain Telangana aerospace leadership.
Senior officials, including B. Ajith Reddy and Naga Bharath Daka, attended the event along with Skyroot representatives.
Hon’ble Chief Minister of Telangana, Shri @revanth_anumula, along with Hon’ble Industries Minister Shri @OffDSB, flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1 – India’s first privately developed orbital rocket. The Chief Minister said the occasion marks a key… pic.twitter.com/gPFisnwD7b
— Telangana CMO (@TelanganaCMO) April 25, 2026