- Integrating India into Global Supply Chains: Merlinhawk’s Mission at DSEi 2025
- VP Operations Karthik Ramineni on Merlinhawk’s Defence Growth Story
By Sangeeta Saxena
Excel Centre, London. 17 September 2025. At DSEi UK 2025 in London, Aviation & Defence Universe sat down with Karthik Ramineni, Vice President of Operations and one of the Directors at Merlinhawk Aerospace Pvt. Ltd., a fast-growing Indian defence technology company known for its indigenous development and global collaborations. From building systems for Indian OEMs to establishing a new composite facility in Tamil Nadu and signing landmark agreements with global majors, Merlinhawk is aligning itself closely with India’s Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India missions. In this candid conversation, Ramineni outlines Merlinhawk’s focus, capabilities, collaborations, and ambitions in both domestic and global defence ecosystems.
ADU. Where in aerospace and defence ecosystem does Merlinhawk Aerospace stand?
Karthik Ramineni. I am one of the Directors and Vice President of Operations at Merlinhawk Aerospace. We are focused on the design and development of a wide range of products for the Indian Armed Forces. Our mission is to support the defence ecosystem by building indigenous capability and fostering international collaborations.
ADU. What brings you to DSEi 2025 in London?
Karthik Ramineni. We are here to explore emerging opportunities, understand the latest technologies, and identify potential partnerships that align with the Make in India initiative. The idea is to bring advanced technologies into the Indian ecosystem and integrate them into our platforms.
ADU. As part of the FICCI delegation, what are you showcasing at this event?
Karthik Ramineni. We are focusing on two key capabilities: integration into global supply chains for composites and high-end PCB/box-building work. These are our strengths and we aim to position Merlinhawk as a reliable Indian partner for international OEMs looking to localise in India.
ADU. Where are your operations and facilities currently based?
Karthik Ramineni. We are headquartered in Bangalore, and we are currently setting up a composite manufacturing facility in the Tamil Nadu Defence Industrial Corridor. This facility is expected to be operational by Q4 of this financial year.
ADU. Have you signed any major partnerships recently?
Karthik Ramineni. Yes, we recently signed a teaming agreement with GRSE (Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers) to develop composite doors and hatches for the Indian Navy. This is a significant step for us, showcasing both our capabilities and our strategic direction.
ADU. While you are an Indian company, you seem to be quite visible in international forums. Is this your first overseas participation?
Karthik Ramineni. This is our first time participating with FICCI. However, we have attended shows like Dubai Airshow and Singapore Airshow previously, either independently or with SIDM. We are steadily increasing our global footprint.
ADU. Who are your major Indian clients?
Karthik Ramineni. We work with almost all the major Indian defence OEMs – L&T, Tata Advanced Systems (TASL), Mahindra Defence and we are in the process of getting integrated with Naval Group. Our client base spans both public and private sectors.
ADU. Could you elaborate on your foreign partnerships?
Karthik Ramineni. We partner with several American and European companies. Notably, we are collaborating with L3Harris (USA), Pasquale Microwave Systems (Italy), and a subsidiary of Eaton Group. These partnerships bring in technologies that we integrate into Indian defence solutions.
ADU. What is Merlinhawk’s core strength?
Karthik Ramineni. Our core strength lies in technology integration—bringing advanced foreign tech into India and adapting it to Indian requirements. We understand both global OEM expectations and the specific needs of the Indian Armed Forces, allowing us to bridge the gap effectively.
With a clear focus on composites, electronics, and systems integration, Merlinhawk Aerospace is poised to become a key player in India’s defence supply chain. From signing major teaming agreements to setting up facilities in defence corridors, the company reflects the new face of Indian private defence enterprise—agile, collaborative, and technology-driven. As it engages with global partners and Indian giants alike, Merlinhawk’s journey from Bangalore to London is emblematic of India’s growing defence-industrial ambitions on the world stage.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena
