Raymond has entered the high-value aircraft structures segment after its subsidiary, JK Maini Global Aerospace, successfully bid for a tender connected with a major indigenous fighter aircraft programme. The tender was conducted by a leading Indian aerospace and defence original equipment manufacturer (OEM).

The programme covers the assembly of wing structures and centre fuselage structures for the fighter aircraft. The development expands Raymond’s aerospace and defence capabilities beyond precision manufacturing into complex aircraft assemblies with higher value addition.

The proposed programme is expected to use the customer’s existing infrastructure. This approach will allow JK Maini Global Aerospace to develop the necessary capabilities and build execution credentials while following a capital-efficient operating model.

The move gives Raymond a presence in another part of the aircraft manufacturing value chain. Its participation in the programme will involve assembly activities related to major structural sections, adding to its existing manufacturing capabilities in the aerospace and defence sector.

Raymond currently has two core businesses within its engineering vertical: Aerospace and Defence & Tools, and Auto Components. The engineering business serves both international and domestic markets and has a leadership position in the manufacture of files and hand tools, alongside a significant presence across national and international markets.

The company has described aerospace and defence as sunrise sectors for its engineering business. Its successful tender bid provides a route to broaden that business into aircraft structures while using established customer infrastructure rather than relying on a large immediate investment in dedicated facilities. The programme also gives the subsidiary an opportunity to establish delivery experience in a strategically important segment of indigenous fighter aircraft production.