The 14th edition of Asia’s largest aerospace show, Aero India 2023, kicked off in Bengaluru on Monday.
The five-day event will focus on displaying indigenous equipment, technologies and forging partnerships with foreign companies.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the theme of Aero India 2023 is “The Runway to a Billion Opportunities”.
In a statement, the Prime Minister’s Office said that India’s “atmanirbharta” in the defence sector will be showcased at the event, which would highlight the nation’s advancements in design leadership, expansion in the UAVs industry, defence space, and cutting-edge technology.
As per the statement, the event will also encourage the export of domestic aviation platforms including the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) ‘Tejas’, the Hindustan Turbo Trainer-40, the Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH). As part of the “Make in India, Make for the World” vision for a secure and prosperous future, indigenous equipment and technologies will be showcased, along with partnerships with foreign companies.
Additionally, by bringing together international investors and attracting co-development and co-production collaborations, the event will assist in integrating local MSMEs and start-ups into the global supply chain.
In his address on the occasion today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Today, Aero India is not only a show, but it is also a reflection of India’s self-confidence and capabilities. ‘New India’ of the 21st century will neither miss any opportunity nor will there be any shortage in its hard work.”
“Aero India is an example of the expanding capabilities of India. The presence of around 100 nations here shows that the trust of the world in India has increased. More than 700 exhibitors from India and the world are participating. It has broken all the past records,” he added.
In a news conference on Sunday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said that Aero India 2023 will showcase the nation’s industrial capability and the advancements made towards achieving the PM’s goal of an “Atmanirbhar Bharat” (self-reliant India). According to him, the occasion will have a big impact on the growth of the aerospace and aviation industry. Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai asserted that Bengaluru in particular will soon be able to produce its own aircraft. The CM said that in order to make it happen, he is in discussions with those involved in the company all around the world.
“Hosting the Aero India show is a matter of pride and it has become a practice for Karnataka to host it every year. This event has been held successfully both in the defence and aerospace industries, and showcases its strength,” said Bommai on the eve of the five-day show.
“Bengaluru manufactures all the parts used in the building of an aircraft. So my ambitious dream is that the day should not be far away when we build our own aircraft here in Bengaluru,” he added.
At the inaugural ceremony of Aero India 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said:
“The skies of Bengaluru are a testimony to a growing India. Participation of countries in large numbers shows the world’s trust in India. At the Aero India show, defence ministers’ conclave and CEOs’ roundtable have been organised, which will increase India’s global potential. There was a time when Aero India was limited to being a show… today it has become India’s strength. Today we are exporting defence equipment to 75 countries. From being a large defence importer, we have become a defence exporter. Now, the private sector should come forward and invest in the defence sector.”
The event will be attended by the defence ministers of 32 nations, the air chiefs of 29 nations, and 73 CEOs of international and Indian OEMs. 809 defence businesses, including MSMEs and start-ups, will present the development of specialised technologies and the expansion of the aerospace and defence industries. At Aero India, some 250 business-to-business deals are anticipated to be finalised, generating an estimated Rs 75,000 crores in new investment. Additionally, PM Modi stated that India plans to increase local production and more than triple annual defence exports from $1.5 billion to $5 billion by 2024-25. The largest event to date is being held at Air Force Station Yelahanka, and is expected to draw participants from 98 different nations over a total area of around 35,000 square metres.
Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and BEML Limited are among the principal exhibitors.
The focal point of the India Pavilion will be a full-scale LCA-Tejas aircraft in Full Operational Capability (FOC) mode. The single-engine, light, nimble, multi-purpose LCA Tejas is a supersonic fighter. Its primary functions are “air combat” and “offensive air support”, with minor functions of “reconnaissance” and “anti-ship.” Some businesses, including Airbus and Thales, have encouraged potential applicants to meet senior representatives during the event with the intention of creating at least a shortlist by the end of the exhibition. Additionally, there will be sections on UAVs, new technologies, and defence space that will provide information on how India is faring in each field.
