Indian conglomerate Reliance Group is preparing to build an aerospace park near Nagpur in the state of Maharashtra, with an investment of $1bn.

Named Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park (DAAP), the facility will be first-of-its kind in the country with an aerospace structure, engine design and manufacture, fabrication and platform integration.

The aerospace park will host facilities to manufacture helicopters for commercial and military applications, and will also produce major aircraft components and spares for the aerospace industry.

"The group plans to develop DAAP as a centre of excellence in the aerospace segment."

The project is expected to create more than 2,000 direct and 10,000 indirect jobs.

Reliance chairman Anil Ambani was quoted by The Times of India as saying: "The group plans to develop DAAP as a centre of excellence in the aerospace segment on the lines of the global centre of ship building at Pipavav in Gujarat."

The company selected Mihan for the project following negotiations with state governments.

The investment is part of the group’s plan to tap $100bn worth potential opportunities in the aerospace sector, as a result of the country’s ‘Make in India’ initiative.

Reliance is believed to be in talks with potential technology partners, including Sikorsky, Eurocopter and Kamov.

Sources told the newspaper that the DAAP will be a key contributor to skill development in the aviation industry.

At the park, the conglomerate intends to include integrated solutions from sub-assemblies to completed platforms, as well as maintenance, repairs and overhaul (MRO) capabilities.