The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, organized an online Catalyst Conversation titled ‘Indigenisation of Aerospace Technology.’ The discussion examined the strategic,technological, and industrial imperatives for developing indigenousaerospace capabilities, particularly in the context of tighteningtechnology controls, evolving global supply chains, and the growingimportance of self-reliance in critical technologies.
As an independent think tank, CASS regularly convenes such forums to promote informeddialogue on issues of national and international significance.Moderating the session, Director CASS, Air Vice Marshal Nasser Wyne(Retd.) underscored the strategic importance of indigenising aerospacetechnology as a long-term national priority. He highlighted the need forsustained investment in research and development (R&D), stronger collaboration among government, academia and industry, and institutionalcontinuity to build a resilient aerospace ecosystem. He noted thattechnological self-reliance requires consistent policy support,
investment in human capital and a realistic roadmap aligned withPakistan’s national objectives.
Delivering the keynote address, DrRehanMahmood, Director, Institute ofSpace Technology (IST) and Assistant Professor of Satellite Technology &Communication Engineering, argued that Pakistan possesses the talent,ambition and strategic necessity to advance indigenous aerospace capabilities. He observed that the principal challenge lies not in thelack of national will but in strengthening sustained R&D, qualifiedsuppliers, testing infrastructure and specialised product companies. Hestressed that technology matures through institutions rather thanindividual projects. Moreover, he advocated a doctrine of controlledindigenisation that balances capability development with operationalreadiness. DrMahmoodemphasised that every procurement, partnership andtechnology transfer should generate measurable national learning,enabling Pakistan to repair, test, modify, document and eventuallyexport aerospace subsystems. He further proposed developing a broad network of specialised subsystem suppliers, supported by a phasedlocalisation strategy focused on technologies with faster learningcycles while maintaining a long-term roadmap towards more complex capabilities.
