- Dubai Airshow Witnesses Major India–Nigeria MRO Collaboration for Military and Commercial Fleets
- AXISCADES Expands into Middle East Manufacturing with ‘Make in Emirati’ Vision
- To Build Drone & P2F Conversion Facilities in UAE
Dubai. 22 November 2025. At Dubai Airshow 2025, Aviation & Defence Universe (ADU) caught up with Sharadhi Babu, President – Defence & Executive Director of AXISCADES Aerospace & Technologies Pvt. Ltd., one of India’s leading engineering and defence technology companies. With strong roots in aerospace, design expertise across global OEMs, and expanding footprints in the Middle East, AXISCADES is marking its presence with upcoming manufacturing, drones, counter-drone systems, and MRO capabilities. In this exclusive conversation, Babu shares his vision, the company’s strategic direction, and new global collaborations.
ADU. Before we talk about the contract signing we witnessed today, could you give our audience an overview of AXISCADES?
Sharadhi Babu. A very warm welcome to ADU at AXISCADES here in Dubai. We are glad to have this conversation. AXISCADES is a Bangalore–headquartered listed Indian company. Last year our revenue crossed ₹1030 crores and we are growing at a strong pace. Our core DNA is aerospace and defence. We have been specialists in both for more than three decades, participating in built-to-spec and built-to-print programmes for DRDO, DPSUs and the Ministry of Defence. We are also the largest airframe engineering partner for several global top-tier OEMs outside their home countries. With this experience, we have expanded into Europe, the US and now aggressively into the Middle East.
ADU. You mentioned expanding manufacturing into the region. Have you already identified a space and started building?
Sharadhi Babu. Yes, we already have an office and an established presence here. We are now finalising space for a production facility and we will likely have two entities operating, one in Dubai and another in Abu Dhabi. Based on customer requirements, we also have plans for a Tawazun-based production unit. Our objective is to fulfil “Make in Emirati.” The facility will include full-fledged integration, assembly, testing and delivery capabilities for defence electronics, EMS production and drones. There is a huge drone manufacturing requirement here, and we will set up a complete assembly line for it.
ADU. You also mentioned MRO and passenger-to-freighter (P2F) capabilities. Will this include commercial aircraft as well?
Sharadhi Babu. Yes, it will. There is a major requirement in the Middle East for passenger-to-freighter conversion. We plan to set up a full-fledged P2F conversion facility in Dubai. This will also cover MRO requirements, including repair, refurbishment and maintenance. Our defence pedigree—ranging from fighters to transport aircraft—gives us the confidence to apply that expertise here. We aim to address both commercial and select defence platforms through this facility.
ADU. We’ve just witnessed the signing of an important MoU here at Dubai Airshow 2025. Can you tell us what this collaboration is about?
Sharadhi Babu. Yes, AXISCADES has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Nigus International Ltd. to jointly address the Government of Nigeria’s requirements for maintenance, repair, and overhaul of both commercial and military aircraft. This partnership focuses on building strong and sustainable MRO capabilities within Nigeria.
ADU. What will this agreement specifically establish in Nigeria?
Sharadhi Babu. Under this MoU, we will work together to set up the required infrastructure, tools, processes and a skilled workforce to execute full-fledged MRO activities. The idea is not only to provide services but to develop local capabilities that meet global standards.
ADU. Is this partnership aligned with Nigeria’s larger aviation ambitions?
Sharadhi Babu. Absolutely. Nigeria is focusing on strengthening its defence and commercial aviation ecosystem. Our collaboration will support these goals by enabling the country to maintain its aircraft domestically instead of relying on overseas services. This is a strategic move toward self-reliance in aviation.
ADU. How do you see this partnership evolving over the next few years?
Sharadhi Babu. We foresee this partnership evolving into a full-scale MRO ecosystem serving Nigeria and potentially the broader West African region. The goal is capacity-building, technology transfer and long-term collaboration.
ADU. It is Day 4 of Dubai Airshow. How has the response been at your booth?
Sharadhi Babu. I must say, with a big smile, the response has been overwhelming. Dubai Airshow attracts business-focused visitors who are serious prospects, and we have had very productive discussions. Dubai’s strategic location enables access to North Africa, Saudi Arabia, Central Asia, Europe and beyond. Our drones, counter-drone systems and defence electronics attracted significant attention. The market clearly needs these solutions today.
ADU. We expected AXISCADES to sign the MoU with Nigeria, but the signing happened between the Sheikh and the Nigerian representative. Can you clarify?
Sharadhi Babu. The gentleman who signed on our behalf is our authorised Middle East representative. We work closely with local companies and stakeholders here. They represent us formally in the region for business and government engagements.
ADU. Before we conclude, would you like to share anything about India’s role in this growth journey?
Sharadhi Babu. India’s technology, design capability and production excellence have matured. Now is the time to replicate this expertise globally. The Middle East is the first step, and we look forward to expanding this success to other regions. The world sees India as a strategic technology partner, and we are here to demonstrate that capability.
AXISCADES is evolving from a high-end engineering services provider to a global technology and manufacturing leader with strong ambitions in defence systems, drones, electronics, and P2F conversions. With “Make in Emirati” now complementing “Make in India,” the company is poised to replicate Indian aerospace strength abroad. As the Middle East market scales rapidly, AXISCADES’ commitment to local production and global partnerships could reshape regional defence and aviation ecosystems.
As told to Sangeeta Saxena/ Interview conducted at Dubai Airshow 2025
