Thiruvananthapuram: As Kerala showcases its industrial strengths using the grounded UK F-35B fighter aircraft for state promotion, a former Kerala cadre IAS officer has highlighted a significant investment opportunity in aircraft engineering that the state once declined. K Mohandas, former shipping secretary and industries secretary, shared on social media the story of a global aerospace giant’s offer from around 25 years ago that could have transformed Kerala’s capabilities in aircraft engine repair and engineering.
A Proposal from Pratt & Whitney
According to Mohandas, during the tenure of the E K Nayanar government (1996-2001), Pratt & Whitney, a leading international aircraft engineering firm, proposed a major investment in Kerala. The plan involved taking over a struggling state public sector undertaking and turning it into a prominent aircraft engineering company in Asia. The offer included a 51 percent equity stake for Pratt & Whitney and 49 percent for the Kerala government.
Ideological Concerns Influenced Decision
While the then Industries Minister Susheela Gopalan was reportedly impressed with the proposal, the decision required approval from the Communist Party of India (Marxist), the ruling party at the time. Mohandas noted that the party did not approve the investment, primarily due to ideological considerations, and the opportunity did not materialize.
Reflecting on the Missed Opportunity
Mohandas, who was the industries secretary during that period, commented that while the episode may be seen as a missed chance, it is not productive to label it a “historical blunder.” His reflections come amid Kerala’s ongoing efforts to promote its industrial and aerospace infrastructure.
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Kerala’s Current Aerospace Promotion
Today, Kerala is using the grounded UK F-35B fighter aircraft in Thiruvananthapuram as a symbol to boost state industrial promotion. The Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC) is actively promoting the state’s achievements in aerospace, highlighting facilities such as the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre and BrahMos Aerospace through a social media campaign featuring the F-35B.
