Air India’s Dreamliner Crash in Ahmedabad Highlights the Need for Aerospace Self-Reliance in India
On June 12, 2025, a devastating accident involving an Air India 787 Dreamliner in Ahmedabad resulted in the tragic loss of over 250 lives, with additional casualties on the ground. The aircraft, built by Boeing, crashed almost instantly after takeoff, and authorities are now painstakingly working to uncover the reasons behind this disaster. Various theories have emerged—some suggesting that a bird strike might have been responsible, while others speculate that a simultaneous failure of both engines led to the crash.
The investigation has made progress with the recovery of the black box and several other crucial data-recording devices from the scene. However, with the nature of such investigations, it could take several months, or even a year, before the complete picture of the incident is revealed.
In the aftermath, scrutiny has fallen on Boeing’s safety record. Critics point to past issues, including problems noted with the Boeing 737 Max, and allegations have surfaced that certain Dreamliner aircraft with known technical deficiencies were assigned to Air India. Such concerns have fueled debates about the accountability of foreign manufacturers when technical faults contribute to catastrophic failures.
This tragedy has also intensified calls for India to strengthen its own aerospace industry. Currently, more than 90% of the civil aircraft operating in the country are imported, which leaves India dependent on external sources for critical aviation technologies. Proponents of self-reliance argue that, by developing domestic manufacturing capabilities, India would gain complete control over the design, certification, and maintenance processes, thereby reducing vulnerability to technical oversights and external interference.
The implications of the crash are profound. If the investigation concludes that technical lapses at Boeing were to blame, the financial and reputational losses for the company could be enormous. On the other hand, if pilot error is found to be the cause, there may be little accountability for the manufacturer. In either scenario, the incident underscores how risky it is to rely heavily on imported aerospace technology.
This dependence has real economic consequences as well. Recent reports indicate that over 130 aircraft in India have been grounded due to technical problems, costing airlines significant sums in daily losses. A similar pattern is seen within India’s defense sector, where reliance on foreign technology continues to impede operational readiness. For instance, the Indian Air Force’s cargo planes and even indigenous fighter projects have faced delays and problems partly because critical components are imported, rather than manufactured locally.
While India may not yet be in a position to independently produce aircraft as sophisticated as the Dreamliner or develop advanced jet engines, the progress made with systems like the BrahMos missile and the Tejas fighter jet offers a promising indicator of what can be achieved. This incident serves as a strong reminder that cultivating domestic expertise in aerospace technology is not only a matter of national pride but also a strategic imperative.
The Ahmedabad crash, as heartbreaking as it is, highlights the urgent need for India to invest in its own aerospace ecosystem. By reducing dependence on foreign manufacturers, India can improve safety standards, exercise greater control over quality assurance, and realize significant economic benefits in the long term. The path toward aviation self-reliance may be challenging, but the stakes have never been higher, and the time for decisive action is now.
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