Karnataka aerospace park: Nothing is slipping off, says Minister Patil as Nara Lokesh woos industry
Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh invites aerospace industry to invest in his State after Karnataka government scrapped the acquisition of 1,777 acres of land in Devanahalli in the face of farmers’ protest
Bengaluru: With Andhra Pradesh inviting the aerospace industry post Karnataka government scrapping land acquisition for a proposed aerospace park near here, Minister MB Patil on Wednesday said the southern State doesn’t just offer land, but offers India’s number one aerospace and defence ecosystem.
No industry will leave Karnataka, the Minister for Large and Medium Industries said. He was responding to Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh inviting the aerospace industry to invest in his State after the Karnataka government scrapped the acquisition of 1,777 acres of land in Devanahalli in the face of farmers’ protest.
Lokesh in a post on X tagged a news report on the matter and said, “Dear Aerospace industry, sorry to hear about this. I have a better idea for you. Why don’t you look at Andhra Pradesh instead? We have an attractive aerospace policy for you, with best-in-class incentives and over 8,000 acres of ready-to-use land (just outside Bengaluru)! Hope to see you soon to talk across the table.”
Responding, Patil in a social media post said, “Dear Nara Lokesh, Karnataka doesn’t just offer land — it offers India’s No.1 aerospace & defence ecosystem. We’ve built the country’s strongest aerospace base over the decades, contributing 65 per cent of India’s aerospace output and ranking No.1 nationally, 3rd globally.”
Noting that it wasn’t about land alone — it was about talent, innovation, and a proven ecosystem, he said, “We know what to do, when to do it, and how to do it. Nothing is slipping off.”
“Karnataka will be one of the first states to reach a USD 1 trillion economy. And it’s not just aerospace; many new industries continue to choose Karnataka, and existing ones keep expanding here. We’ll always ensure the land and ecosystem needed to support both growth and new investments. Best wishes to your state (Andhra Pradesh) as well,” he told Lokesh.
The Karnataka government on Tuesday withdrew plans to acquire 1,777 acres of land in Devanahalli taluk near here following protest by farmers that went on for 1,198 days, claiming that it is “fertile land”.
Announcing the decision, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah had however said that those who were in favour of acquisition, could hand over the lands to the government, and would be compensated.
Meanwhile, speaking to reporters here, Patil said Karnataka contributes 65 per cent to the country’s aerospace and defence sector. “…and globally, our aerospace-defence ecosystem is ranked third. Not only aerospace and defence, any industry for that matter — we will not allow a single industry to go out of Karnataka for the sake of land. We will provide, we have a plan. So there is no need for anyone to worry.”
Stating that the government will acquire land in Devanahalli too, if someone wants to give it voluntarily, he said, there are other land parcels too. “On the whole I want to say to Mr Nara Lokesh, no one will leave Karnataka following your invitation. Not only land, we will provide them (industries) with all facilities including water….not even a single industry will be sent back without providing them with land wherever they ask for in the state. I’m saying this very firmly,” he added.
Asserting that there will be no set back to the State’s aerospace and defence sector following the government’s decision to withdraw land acquisition, Patil in response to a question said, “Nara Lokesh has asked industries to come (to Andhra Pradesh) stating that they have land and there are incentives. Industries won’t go just for land, ecosystem is also required.”
Companies like Safran, Boeing, Airbus, Collins, and Lockheed Martin—everyone is present in Karnataka, he said.
“He (Lokesh) is speaking about land. Not only aerospace and defence, whichever industry it may be, whether IT or deep tech or AI, for everyone I am ready to give them the amount of land they require, at the place they want, near Bengaluru itself.”
Noting that Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) chairman had recently met him, Patil said he has assured the company of full cooperation and land that is required for them.
To a question on neighbouring States’ repeated attempts to attract industries that are present in Karnataka, he said, naturally there is competition and it cannot be termed as wrong.
“But, we will not allow any industry to leave the State. If we give them required land and facilities, why will they leave? Not only land, the ecosystem is also equally important. Don’t worry….I’m saying with confidence and clarity. I have done enough homework in the last two years. Our government is working with commitment,” he said.
