Aero India, one of the largest air shows in Asia, focuses on ‘Self-Reliant India’ and ‘Make in India’ in the aviation sector. The biennial event, which is organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Indian Air Force, took place in Bangalore between the 13th to 17th of February 2023.
The theme of Aero India 2023 was “Runway to a Self-Reliant India.” The event showcases India's indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing capabilities, as well as provide a platform for global aerospace and defence companies to showcase their products and services to potential customers.
Aatmanirbhar Bharat or self-reliant India is a vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who launched the initiative in 2020 to make India self-sufficient in various sectors, including defence and aerospace. The initiative aims to reduce the country's dependence on imports and promote local manufacturing.The focus of these reforms is to create a conducive environment for research and development, manufacturing, and testing of aerospace products in India.
Aero India 2023 features exhibitions, seminars, and demonstrations of the latest aerospace and defence technologies, including fighter jets, helicopters, drones, missiles, and radar systems. The event also showcases India's efforts in developing unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), space technology, and cyber security.
One of the highlights of Aero India 2023 was the live demonstrations of various aircraft, including India's Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, which has been developed by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). The Tejas is India's first indigenously developed supersonic fighter jet, and it has already been inducted into the Indian Air Force. Aero India 2023 has seen the unveiling of India's new indigenous fighter jet, which is currently under development by HAL.
In addition to showcasing India's capabilities, Aero India 2023 also provides a platform for international companies to showcase their products and services to potential customers in India. The event attracts leading aerospace and defence companies from around the world, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Airbus, and BAE Systems. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision is a call to action for Indian companies to develop indigenous capabilities in various sectors, including aerospace. The vision is aimed at reducing India's dependence on imports and increasing exports of high-tech products and services.
The event also featured Startup Day, which provide a platform for Indian startups to showcase their innovations in the aerospace and defence sector. The Startup Day provides an opportunity for startups to connect with potential investors and customers.
The Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiative has already had a significant impact on the Indian aerospace and defence sector. In the past few years, India has made significant progress in developing indigenous defence equipment and reducing its dependence on imports. The success of the Tejas fighter jet is a testament to India's capabilities in the sector.
Another important aspect of Aero India 2023 is the emphasis on sustainable and eco-friendly aerospace technology. The event showcases the latest advancements in green technology, including electric and hybrid aircraft, sustainable fuels, and advanced materials. The focus on sustainable technology is in line with India's commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable development.
In conclusion, Aero India 2023 is a platform for Indian companies to showcase their capabilities in the aerospace sector and demonstrate their commitment to the Aatmanirbhar Bharat vision. It is a step towards realizing India's potential as a global player in the aerospace sector.
Rishav Vatsh/19/02/2023
