In a strategic move to deepen its footprint in the aviation and defense sectors, the Adani Group’s defense and aerospace arm is in advanced talks to acquire Flight Simulation Technique Centre (FSTC), India’s premier independent pilot training provider, sources close to the development have revealed.
The proposed deal, if finalized, would represent Adani’s first foray into aviation training services, further accelerating its aggressive expansion through mergers and acquisitions in high-growth areas. The transaction is slated to be channeled through Horizon Aero Solutions, a 50:50 joint venture between Adani Defence Systems and Technologies (ADST) – a subsidiary of Adani Enterprises – and Prime Aero, owned by Prajay Patel, son of NCP leader Praful Patel.
FSTC: A Key Player in Pilot Training
Founded in 2012, FSTC operates four state-of-the-art simulator centers in Gurugram, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, alongside flying academies in Haryana, Surat, and Solapur. The company caters to a diverse client base, including the Indian armed forces and major commercial airlines, positioning it as a non-captive leader in the niche.
Financially robust, FSTC posted an operating profit of ₹124.2 crore on revenues of ₹214.5 crore in FY24, up from ₹96.4 crore profit on ₹165.1 crore revenue in FY23. This growth is driven by sustained investments in expanding its simulator fleet and training aircraft, partly funded through debt, as noted in a recent India Ratings and Research report.
When contacted, FSTC co-founder and Managing Director Dilawer Singh Basraon expressed surprise at the reports, saying, “You are giving me shocking news. I’m boarding a flight. I’m going on a holiday.” An Adani Group spokesperson declined to comment on the matter.
Adani’s Aggressive Push in Defense and Aerospace
ADST has been on an acquisition spree to build out its capabilities. In December 2024, it secured a controlling stake in Air Works, marking its entry into aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO). This was followed by a 50% acquisition in Indamer Technics, with the balance held by Prime Aero.
The defense and aerospace vertical is a cornerstone of Adani’s diversification strategy, with current investments totaling ₹5,000 crore and plans to triple that amount in the coming years. The unit already supplies critical assets like drones and loitering munitions to the Indian defense ministry, which played a pivotal role in Operation Sindoor – the brief but intense India-Pakistan skirmish in May 2025.
Tapping into Surging Pilot Demand
The acquisition aligns with booming demand for skilled pilots, fueled by escalating geopolitical risks, elevated defense budgets, and the push for cutting-edge training. Pilots are required to log mandatory simulator hours, creating a steady revenue stream for providers like FSTC.
The broader market echoes this trend. Rival CAE Simulation Training – a joint venture between Canada’s CAE and InterGlobe Enterprises – serves airlines like IndiGo and Akasa Air. Meanwhile, Flywings Simulator Training Centre is gearing up for an IPO. In August 2025, CAE forecasted a need for 20,000 new professional pilots in India over the next decade, part of a regional Asia-Pacific requirement for 98,000 aviators.
This potential deal underscores Adani’s vision to dominate integrated aviation ecosystems, from manufacturing to training, amid India’s aviation boom and defense modernization drive. Stay tuned for updates as negotiations progress.
