Guwahati: Assam’s chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, announced that Dassault Systèmes, the technology arm of the Paris-headquartered Dassault Group, will establish a state-of-the-art aerospace and defence training hub in the state. The project, with an investment of ₹240 crore, aims to attract and train the youth in the aviation, defence, and automotive sectors.
The Dassault Group’s aviation arm, Dassault Aviation, makes the Rafale fighter planes, which the Indian Air Force operates in its two frontline squadrons based in Ambala and Hasimara. In India, Dassault Systèmes has two offices each in Bangalore and Pune, and one each in Ahmedabad, Chennai, Coimbatore, Gurgaon, Kolkata, and Mumbai.
During a news conference held here in Guwahati, Sarma detailed the ambitious project, highlighting its potential to transform Assam into a hub for advanced technological training.
He said, “The Assam cabinet has approved the project, which will see Dassault Systèmes investing ₹200 crore, with the state government contributing an additional ₹40 crore.” “This project will not only generate interest among our youth in these cutting-edge fields but also equip them with the necessary skills to excel,” the chief minister added.
The training hub will be anchored at Assam Engineering College in Guwahati, with a network of 50 other colleges integrated into a tailored model. This initiative is expected to provide specialized training in a range of fields, such as aerospace, defence, automotive electric vehicles, artificial intelligence, and robotics.
Dassault Systèmes is renowned globally for its advancements in AI, robotics, defence, and digital platforms. The company’s decision to invest in Assam underscores the state's growing importance as a centre for technological innovation and education. “This collaboration with Dassault is a testament to our commitment to advancing technical education and fostering industry collaboration,” Sarma remarked.
The project follows a similar initiative previously implemented with the Tata Group, which focused on polytechnic institutes in Assam. The new training hub at Assam Engineering College is expected to build on this foundation, offering advanced training and creating a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the aerospace and defence industries.
The chief minister also emphasized the broader economic and social benefits of the project. He said, “By attracting global investments and fostering advanced skill development, we are paving the way for Assam's youth to pursue rewarding careers in high-tech industries.”
If this initiative becomes successful, it will mark a significant milestone in Assam’s journey towards becoming a leading hub for aerospace and defence training, which in turn will bring long-term benefits to the state’s youth and its economy.
