The milestone formalises a strategic India–Italy collaboration, bringing together global expertise in advanced materials and manufacturing technologies with India’s growing engineering and industrial capabilities, the company said in a statement.
The Shoolagiri facility is designed to manufacture advanced composite aero structures and high-performance materials that are critical to next-generation aerospace and defence platforms, including aircraft and unmanned systems, radar, and electronic warfare structures & high-performance defence applications.
With integrated capabilities spanning cleanroom layup, precision cutting, autoclave curing, and five-axis CNC machining, the facility enables end-to-end composite manufacturing from design to delivery within India. It also reflects a deeper shift in India’s defence ecosystem – from build-to-print manufacturing to design-led, high-value engineering capabilities, the company said.
The facility integrates globally aligned manufacturing technologies and processes, with key equipment and systems sourced from leading European partners, reinforcing its positioning as a globally compliant aerospace manufacturing centre. This collaboration enables technology transfer from Europe, strengthens capabilities in advanced materials, and supports integration into global aerospace supply chains, it said.
Aligned with national priorities under Make in India and Atmanirbhar Bharat, the facility contributes to the indigenisation of critical aerospace technologies, strengthens the Tamil Nadu Defence Corridor ecosystem, and supports India’s integration into global aerospace manufacturing networks. At full capacity, it is expected to employ over 200 skilled professionals, with a strong focus on training, knowledge transfer, and advanced materials expertise.
The facility was inaugurated by Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi, Former Chief of Navy Staff (CNS), in the presence of senior industry leaders, global partners, and key stakeholders from India’s defence and manufacturing ecosystem.
“I’m sure that this facility is going to be of immense importance to our nation in design and manufacturing of advance composite components for defence and aerospace industry,” Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi said.
“This facility marks a defining step in Merlinhawk’s journey from systems engineering to advanced aerospace manufacturing. As global aerospace platforms increasingly rely on high-performance composite materials, it is critical for India to build integrated capabilities in design, materials, and manufacturing,” R. Ramachandra Rao, Founder and Managing Director, Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., said.
Through our partnership with Vega Composites, we are bringing together global technology expertise and Indian engineering to create a manufacturing ecosystem that not only supports domestic programmes but also positions India as a credible player in global aerospace supply chains, he added.
“This joint venture reflects a strong and forward-looking industrial partnership between Italy and India. We see India as a strategic manufacturing base for advanced composites, with the potential to serve both domestic and global markets. Through this collaboration, we are enabling technology transfer, co-development, and the creation of globally competitive capabilities that integrate Italian expertise with India’s dynamic industrial ecosystem,” Roberto Lapini, CEO, Vega Composites (Italy), said.