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Karnataka inks pact with French institute for aerospace training centre

Anil Urs Bengaluru | Updated on January 13, 2018 Published on February 18, 2017

The Karnataka Government has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Institut Aeronautique et Spatial (IAS), a non-profit organisation based in Toulouse, France, which is engaged in designing and implementing training solutions for professionals in the aeronautic and space sector.

The government engagement with IAS will ensure development of relevant and high quality skills through the Centre of Excellence. Karnataka is the leader in aerospace and defence attracting 65 per cent of the investments in the country.

Karnataka Minister for IT, BT and Tourism, Priyank Kharge, said, “Bengaluru is a globally recognised technology hub. The endeavour of the state government is to further strengthen its position through the Centre of Excellence in aerospace and defence sectors.”

“There is an acute shortage of skilled engineers and professionals in the aerospace and defence sector. The Centre of Excellence will act as a catalyst of growth by making world-class skilled professionals available for the aerospace and defence sector,” he added.

Expressing enthusiasm at the announcement, Samson Khaou, Managing Director-India, Dassault Systemes said, “We are extremely delighted to partner with Karnataka government in setting up the Centre of Excellence in Aerospace and Defence. Dassault Systemes would draw upon its expertise and experience in ensuring that the training imparted in the Centre of Excellence is of a high standard”.

Pierre Valenti, MD of IAS, Toulouse, said “We are happy to engage with the Karnataka government in developing the proposed Centre of Excellence into a world-class institution for the aerospace and defence sector”.

Skill development through the Centre of Excellence will strengthen Karnataka as a hub for the aerospace and defence sector with several companies and organisations such as HAL, ISRO, BEL, ADA, DRDO Labs, Airbus, Safran, Mahindra Aerospace, Tata Power SED, Tata Advance Material, Quest and Bombardier having operations here.