Telangana flags off Skyroot’s Vikram-1, CM pitches state as global aerospace hub
Hyderabad : Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy on Friday flagged off the flight hardware of Skyroot Aerospace’s Vikram-1, India’s first privately developed orbital rocket, marking its departure to Sriharikota for launch preparations.
Vikram-1 developed entirely in Hyderabad ecosystem
The rocket, designed and developed in Hyderabad, will be launched from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in the coming months, marking India’s first private orbital launch attempt.
Addressing the event, the chief minister said the milestone underlined Telangana’s ambition to emerge as a global aerospace leader. “Skyroot has developed India’s first privately built orbital rocket to carry satellites into space. Reaching the orbital launch stage in such a short time is a remarkable achievement,” he said.
He added that the presence of global firms such as Boeing, Airbus and Safran had strengthened the state’s aerospace ecosystem.
Engineering exports surge led by aircraft components
Reddy said Telangana recorded the highest growth in engineering exports among Indian states, citing a 117.9% rise between 2023–24 and 2024–25.
“Aircraft parts and defence equipment have been the biggest contributors to this growth,” he said, adding that aerospace would remain a key sector in the state’s long-term development plans leading up to 2047.
Skilling push to align education with industry needs
The chief minister outlined plans to strengthen workforce readiness through the Young India Skills University (YISU), Advanced Technology Centres (ATCs), and polytechnic institutions.
He said the government plans to bring ATCs and polytechnics under YISU to standardise curriculum and ensure industry alignment. “Our focus is on training the trainers. Tata Technologies is supporting training programmes across ATCs,” he added.
Responding to the initiative, Skyroot Aerospace CEO and co-founder Pawan Kumar Chandana expressed interest in partnering with YISU. “Skilling is the biggest challenge for us. Collaborating with the Skills University will add significant value,” he said.
The chief minister invited Skyroot officials to visit ATCs in Mallepally and highlighted the flexibility offered by YISU in updating curriculum based on industry needs.
He also referred to reforms planned in school education, noting that despite spending ₹1.08 lakh per student annually, learning outcomes remain below expectations.
Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu, Special Secretary to the Chief Minister B. Ajith Reddy, and Skyroot co-founder and COO Naga Bharath Daka were among those present at the event.
