The 13th edition of the Aero India show recently commenced at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, Karnataka. The event has made headlines as it is not only a significant affair for Indian and international military and civil aircraft manufacturers, but also for defence-enthusiasts, government dignitaries, and business visitors.
About Aero India
Aero India is a biennial international military and civil airshow. Since its inception in 1996, the Yelahanka air base, approximately 30 km from the city centre of Bengaluru, has been the host of this event every two years in February. As a premier event, it attracts Indian and international military and civil aircraft manufacturers, as well as their associated industries.
Aero India 2021: The First Hybrid Air Show
For the first time, Aero India 2021 was conducted as a ‘hybrid’ air show. It allowed people from across the globe to attend digitally, making it possible to reach a wider audience worldwide. With its focal region being the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) organised this year’s event.
Participation and Showcasing
Aero India 2021 witnessed the participation of leading aviation firms, both national and international. India showcased its indigenous defence capability during the show. Global aviation giants such as Boeing (USA), Lockheed Martin (USA), Dassault (France), Airbus (Europe), Thales (France), BAE Systems (UK), and missile manufacturer MBDA (Europe) participated in the show. These are corporations from which India has procured products including the Boeing P8-I, Dassault’s Rafale jets, and other aircraft.
Government Deals During the Show
The Aero show provided a platform for formalising significant deals between the government and the aviation industry. One such deal was the procurement of 83 Tejas light combat aircraft from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. (HAL), a state-run aerospace company, for Rs. 48,000 crore. Manufactured by HAL, Tejas is a single engine and highly agile multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments.
Significance of Aero India 2021
India holds a unique position and provides ample opportunities in defence and aerospace manufacturing. The country’s focus on domestic manufacturing of bigger and complex defence platforms has intensified under the Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan. Aero India 2021 serves as a catalyst to boost investments, support enterprises, expand the manufacturing ecosystem, enhance technology levels, and spur economic growth in the country.
