Bengaluru is geared up for its biennial aerospace, defence & tech fest, Aero India, with the participation of top global aviation and defence firms along with India’s MSMEs, companies and public sector undertaking (PSU)s to showcase technology advancements in the sector and India’s indigenous capability.
Organised by the Defence Exhibition Organisation under Ministry of Defence, Asia’s biggest air show is happening at the Yelahanka Air Force Station. The first edition of the air show was held in 1996 and the current edition Aero India 2021 is now the world’s first ‘hybrid’ air show.
The event is hybrid this time as the world is reeling under Covid-19 pandemic and gives an opportunities for people can attend the show in person digitally. The event also assumes significance as it is organised amid growing indigenous opportunities in the defence sector in line with India’s policy of “Atmanirbhar Abhiyan” and ‘Make In India’ initiatives.
Besides global aviation giants such as Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Dassault and Airbus, the show will also have participation from Indian PSUs and institutions like HAL, BEL, BHEL, DRDO along with top defence firms involved in the aviation sector like Thales, BAE Systems, IAI and missile manufacturer MBDA.
Aero India is known for Indian defence establishments signing big contracts, technology showcasing, product showcasing, finding right partners, signing agreement for sourcing components among others. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) on Tuesday signed a deal for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA).
It is interesting to note that the three-day show will be India hosting the defence ministers of about 28 IOR countries, including Iran. India sees the IOR as a natural extension of its sphere of influence, and has gone from calling itself the next “security provider” in the region to the “preferred security partner”.
Aerospace and defence majors are increasing the sourcing capabilities from India amid new geopolitical situation and growing proven capabilities of India in defence and aerospace industries. Global players and OEMs are scouting for Indian manufactures and MSMEs to manufacture spares and components in the areas like aircraft, armoured vehicles and ship.
