Pawan Kumar
The largest aerospace and defence exhibition in India, Aero India,
All eyes are on the 14th edition of Aero India, the country’s largest aerospace and defence show, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate in Bengaluru on Monday. The largest aero display in Asia will open with a speech by the prime minister supporting the “Make in India” initiative and reviving the local aviation industry. The address will be conducted at the Air Force Station in Yelahanka until February 17. The Runway to a Billion Opportunities is the event’s theme this year.
According to a formal announcement, the five-day event will emphasise showcasing homegrown tools and technology and forming alliances with global businesses in keeping with Prime Minister Modi’s aim of “Make in India, Make for the World.”
Rajnath Singh, the defence minister, said in a press conference on Sunday that Aero India 2023 will showcase the nation’s manufacturing capability and the advancements made towards achieving the Prime Minister Modi’s goal of a “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). “I’m sure Bengaluru will become a major aerospace hub. Our goal is to establish a thriving defence manufacturing environment, “He remarked.
Up to 809 exhibitors, including 110 foreign ones, have confirmed their attendance at the event.
The largest ever US mission to Aero India will be led by US Embassy Charge d’Affaires Ambassador Elizabeth Jones. “We certainly want to be the partner of choice as India modernises its defence capabilities. We are increasingly concentrating on partnerships for co-production and co-development that are advantageous to both parties “she stated.
With various Indian businesses, including Bharat Electronics Limited, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) will sign Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and joint venture agreements.
At Aero India, Russia will display 200 different models of its most cutting-edge weapons and military equipment, including the fifth-generation Sukhoi fighter jet, the Checkmate light tactical fighter, and Orlan-30 drones.
As a representation of the development of an independent India, the LCA Tejas and Prachand Helicopter will be on exhibit at the Indian pavilion.
“CEOs Round Table”
The opening of the Indian pavilion and a flying exhibition will take place on the first day. The Ministry of Defence will also host a “CEOs Round Table” on February 13 with the theme “Sky is not the limit: opportunities beyond boundaries,” which will be attended by delegates and international CEOs from 26 countries, including major investors like Boeing, Lockheed, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Liebherr Group, Raytheon Technologies, Safran, and General Authority of Military Industries (GAMI). The event will also be attended by domestic PSUs like HAL, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), BEML Limited, and MishraDhatu Nigam Limited.
Along with other seminars, the defence ministers’ summit with the topic “Shared Prosperity Through Enhanced Engagement in Defence (SPEED)” will take place on the second day. The latter two days are free to the general public, and the third day will feature ceremonies and an expo for business travellers.
Next-Gen Supersonic Trainer Scale Model to Be Displayed by HAL
The scale model of the Hindustan Lead in Fighter Trainer will be on display for the first time at Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HLFT-42).
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With cutting-edge avionics like Active Electronically Scanned Array, Electronic Warfare Suite, Infrared Search and Track, and Fly by Wire control system, the HLFT-42 is the “Next Gen Supersonic Trainer” that will play a “vital role” in training modern combat aircraft, according to the HAL.
The “Aatmanirbhar Formation” of HAL
The HAL will display a “Aatmanirbhar Formation” flight of 15 helicopters made up of all variations of the Advanced Light Helicopter, “Prachand” Light Combat Helicopter, and Light Utility Helicopter.
The company, which has its headquarters in Bengaluru, announced that it will highlight its whole range of training capabilities as well as its selection of goods and technology under the banner of “Innovate. Collaborate. Lead.”
The scale model of the Indian Multi Role Helicopter, the next-generation HLFT-42, and models of the LCA Mk 2, Hindustan Turbo-shaft Engine-1200, RUAV, LCA Trainer, and Hindustan-228 will be the main draws at the HAL’s indoor pavilion, it was announced.
TAPAS UAV from DRDO will make its flying debut.
At this year’s Aero India, the Medium Altitude Long Endurance class TAPAS-BH (Tactical Aerial Platform for Advanced Surveillance – Beyond Horizon) unmanned aerial vehicle from the Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will fly for the first time.
Prior to the occasion, Prime Minister Modi shared aerial video taken on Sunday during a practise by the DRDO of the TAPAS UAV at a height of 12000 feet.
