The Centre for Aerospace & Security Studies (CASS), Islamabad, organised
an online Catalyst Conversation titled ‘Indigenisation of Aerospace
Technology’ on 4 August 2026. The discussion examined the strategic,
technological, and industrial imperatives for developing indigenous
aerospace capabilities, particularly in the context of tightening
technology controls, evolving global supply chains, and the growing
importance of self-reliance in critical technologies. As an independent
think tank, CASS regularly convenes such forums to promote informed
dialogue on issues of national and international significance.
Moderating the session, Director CASS, Air Vice Marshal Nasser Wyne
(Retd.) underscored the strategic importance of indigenising aerospace
technology as a long-term national priority. He highlighted the need for
sustained investment in research and development (R&D), stronger
collaboration among government, academia and industry, and institutional
continuity to build a resilient aerospace ecosystem. He noted that
technological self-reliance requires consistent policy support,
investment in human capital and a realistic roadmap aligned with
Pakistan’s national objectives.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr Rehan Mahmood, Director, Institute of
Space 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 the
lack of national will but in strengthening sustained R&D, qualified
suppliers, testing infrastructure and specialised product companies. He
stressed that technology matures through institutions rather than
individual projects. Moreover, he advocated a doctrine of controlled
indigenisation that balances capability development with operational
readiness. Dr Mahmood emphasised that every procurement, partnership and
technology transfer should generate measurable national learning,
enabling Pakistan to repair, test, modify, document and eventually
export aerospace subsystems. He further proposed developing a broad
network of specialised subsystem suppliers, supported by a phased
localisation strategy focused on technologies with faster learning
cycles while maintaining a long-term roadmap towards more complex
capabilities.
In his concluding remarks, President CASS, Air Marshal Javaid Ahmed
(Retd.), observed that indigenous aerospace capability is essential for
strengthening Pakistan’s technological resilience and strategic
autonomy. He emphasised that sustained institutional commitment,
coherent industrial policy and close collaboration between the public
and private sectors are indispensable for building a competitive
national aerospace ecosystem capable of supporting future defence and
civilian requirements.