Science, Discovery, Tech and Environment · 7 February 2026

Apogee Aerospace and Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) Partner for Albatross 2.0 Seaplanes

Exam-focused facts from the 7 February 2026 current affairs briefing.

Key facts

  • Apogee Aerospace has placed an order for 15 Albatross 2.0 amphibian aircraft with Australia's Amphibian Aerospace Industries (AAI) for a total value of Rs 3,500 crore.
  • The Albatross 2.0 is a transport category amphibian aircraft with a capacity of up to 28 seats that can operate on both water and land.
  • Apogee Aerospace will invest Rs 500 crore to establish tail-section manufacturing, maintenance, overhaul, training, and advanced systems integration capabilities in India.
  • AAI plans to establish its second full Albatross manufacturing and assembly line in India, following its existing facility in the United States (US).
  • The first Albatross 2.0 aircraft is expected to enter the Indian market within the next 18 to 24 months.
  • The Union Budget for 2026-27 proposed a Seaplane Viability Gap Funding (VGF) Scheme to support operations and incentivise the indigenisation of seaplane manufacturing.