The Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry is undergoing a structural shift driven by digitalization, sustainability imperatives, and evolving global supply chain dynamics. Persistent supply chain disruptions have led aerospace firms to reassess sourcing strategies, with India emerging as a critical supplier of key components. Companies such as Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Rolls-Royce are expanding their reliance on Indian manufacturers to mitigate risks and sustain production amid rising air travel demand. This trend underscores India’s increasing integration into the global aerospace supply network.
Aero India 2025, held from February 10 to 14 at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, provided a vantage point to evaluate India’s expanding role in international defense partnerships. More than 150 foreign companies participated, and the event featured both Russia’s Su-57 Felon and the US F-35 Lightning II fighter jets, highlighting India’s role in international defense collaborations. The convergence of competing fifth-generation stealth aircraft at the event underscored India’s positioning as a facilitator of multinational aerospace engagement and technology exchange.
Key Trends Shaping the Aerospace Industry
The aerospace industry is rapidly evolving, with digital transformation, AI-driven automation, and sustainability initiatives reshaping operations. As highlighted in Avasant’s Aerospace and Defense Digital Services 2024 Market Insights, enterprises are prioritizing predictive maintenance, supply chain resilience, and alternative propulsion technologies to drive efficiency and innovation. Integrating AI, blockchain, and Industry 4.0 solutions is becoming essential for addressing operational challenges and staying competitive in a dynamic market.
- AI-Driven Predictive Maintenance Gaining Traction
Adopting AI and machine learning (ML) for predictive maintenance is becoming a priority across the A&D sector. Shifting from reactive to data-driven, proactive maintenance strategies enable organizations to optimize maintenance schedules, reduce downtime, and extend asset lifespans. Airlines and aerospace firms are increasingly deploying AI-powered frameworks to refine engine maintenance models, balancing cost efficiency with stringent safety and compliance requirements.
- Strengthening Supply Chain Resilience Through Digital Technologies
Supply chain volatility remains a central concern, driving the integration of AI, ML, and blockchain for enhanced visibility, predictive analytics, and risk mitigation. Companies are leveraging digital threads to improve supplier collaboration, ensuring agility and responsiveness in navigating geopolitical and logistical uncertainties. These technologies are becoming essential in building a more resilient aerospace supply chain, mitigating the risks of production delays and component shortages.
- Advancing Sustainable Aviation Technologies
Sustainability continues to be a key focus, with increased investment in alternative propulsion systems such as electric, hybrid, and hydrogen-powered engines. Regulatory alignment and industry partnerships are accelerating the development of sustainable aviation technologies to reduce carbon emissions. The push toward net-zero targets is driving collaborative research and development efforts, particularly in next-generation fuel and energy storage solutions.
- Digital Innovation Driving Aerospace Operations
The role of AI in streamlining aerospace operations is expanding, with use cases ranging from document automation to quality assurance. For instance, GE Aerospace’s collaboration with Microsoft highlights the application of AI in technical documentation, issue resolution, and operational communications. These AI-driven efficiencies are enhancing productivity across aerospace engineering, maintenance, and regulatory compliance functions.
Key Takeaways from Avasant’s Visit to the TCS Booth at Aero India 2025
At Aero India 2025, TCS showcased its focus on AI-driven solutions, supply chain resilience, and sustainability in aerospace. The following are key highlights :
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- Predictive Maintenance Capabilities: TCS presented AI-powered predictive maintenance tools to optimize aircraft maintenance cycles, reduce downtime, and improve operational efficiency.
- Supply Chain Digitalization: The company demonstrated its AI and digital thread-based supply chain solutions designed to enhance agility and risk management in aerospace manufacturing.
- Hydrogen-Powered Engine Development: TCS highlighted its collaboration with Rolls-Royce on the world’s first hydrogen-powered aircraft engine, reinforcing its investment in sustainable aviation technologies.
- European Expansion: It announced a new delivery center in Blagnac, near Toulouse Airport, France. The center will focus on AI-driven aerospace innovation, supporting design, manufacturing, and maintenance operations for European clients.
As the aerospace sector continues to prioritize digital transformation and sustainability, service providers like TCS are aligning their capabilities to address industry challenges. The integration of AI, automation, and next-generation engineering solutions is set to play a critical role in shaping the future of aerospace operations, supply chain resilience, and environmental responsibility.
Jyotika Jain, Lead Analyst and Sahaj Kumar, Associate Research Director