Ericsson’s India-Based Antenna Manufacturing Ecosystem

List of Contents

Background

Ericsson, a global leader in telecom infrastructure, has been steadily strengthening its footprint in India—a country emerging as a global hub for next-generation telecommunications and electronics manufacturing. In June 2025, Ericsson announced a major milestone: the launch of its first locally manufactured antenna model from India, designed not only for domestic use but also for global export.

This case study explores how Ericsson’s strategic localization move is transforming India’s telecom supply chain, fueling 5G readiness, and creating long-term value across the ecosystem.

Key Initiative

Launch Timeline: June 2025
Milestone: First India-made antenna model for domestic use and international export.
Strategic Aim: Strengthen supply chain resilience, reduce import dependencies, and meet growing global demand for 5G antennas.
Localization Target: More than 50% of components sourced from domestic suppliers, with future plans to increase the share as India’s component manufacturing ecosystem matures.

Ecosystem Development

Ericsson’s initiative goes beyond a manufacturing facility. The company is cultivating a comprehensive engineering ecosystem in India, which includes:

Local R&D Integration: Collaboration with Indian engineers and design teams to co-develop antenna innovations tailored for global and regional markets.
Supplier Partnerships: Building strong relationships with Indian component manufacturers, which accelerates capacity building and skill transfer.
Talent Development: Upskilling local engineers and technicians in high-precision antenna manufacturing, creating a future-ready telecom workforce.
Scalability Focus: Setting up a modular production framework that can rapidly scale with surging 5G and 6G infrastructure demands.

Strategic Implications

Supply Chain Resilience
By diversifying its manufacturing footprint, Ericsson reduces dependency on a few global hubs, minimizing risks from geopolitical tensions, logistics disruptions, or component shortages.
Support for India’s 5G Rollout
The domestically made antennas will directly support India’s fast-expanding 5G network, helping operators meet regional network requirements with shorter lead times.
Boost to Make in India
This initiative aligns with the Indian government’s “Make in India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India) programs, enhancing the country’s position as a trusted telecom manufacturing hub.
Global Competitiveness
Exporting India-made antennas strengthens Ericsson’s global competitiveness by offering a cost-effective, scalable, and diversified production base.
Innovation Catalyst
Localized R&D and design collaboration foster new antenna innovations that address regional spectrum requirements, climatic conditions, and operator needs, ensuring product adaptability.

Outcomes and Impact

For India: Creation of jobs, development of advanced manufacturing skills, and integration into the global telecom supply chain.
For Ericsson: Strengthened global supply resilience, faster market response, and reduced manufacturing costs.
For Operators: Quicker access to high-performance antennas, tailored to regional requirements, enabling faster and more efficient 5G deployment.
For the Ecosystem: A long-term shift towards a collaborative engineering and supply chain model that can serve both local and international markets.

Ericsson’s India-based antenna manufacturing ecosystem marks a pivotal shift in global telecom infrastructure production. By sourcing locally, developing engineering talent, and exporting globally, Ericsson has set a new benchmark in strategic localization. This move not only supports India’s 5G vision but also positions the country as a critical node in the global telecom value chain.