News Analysis India

Tag: Aero India-2021

  • Self-reliance in defence manufacturing is crucial for India’s strategic autonomy, says Rajnath Singh

    By ANI
    BENGALURU: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday said that attaining self-reliance in manufacturing of defence equipment is a crucial factor for maintaining India’s strategic autonomy.

    Addressing the ‘Startup Manthan’ at Aero India 2021, Defence Minister said, “Our Government is acutely conscious that startups being the latest entrants in the defence manufacturing sector require that extra push. With this aim in view, we have taken many steps to foster and encourage this partnership with private industry.”

    “Attaining self-reliance in manufacturing of defence equipment is a crucial factor for maintaining India’s strategic autonomy. Innovation for Defence Excellence (iDEX) initiative stands out as one of the most effective and well-executed defence Start-up ecosystems created in our country,” said Defence Minister.

    This comes after a contract to manufacture 83 LCA Tejas fighters was handed over to the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) by the Defence Ministry at the Aero India 2021 on Wednesday.

    Further speaking on the Startup India campaign in India, he added: “Startup India was based on three major pillars — simplification and handholding, funding and incentives and industry-academia partnerships.”

    “Rs 4500 crores of investment made in 384 startups through funds of fund scheme. Our economy is soon going to be driven by the startups,” said Rajnath Singh.

    The Defence Minister said that the Start-up Manthan is going to provide a unique opportunity for start-ups to showcase their capabilities, products and services to the “targeted audience of industry leaders and business decision makers.”

    “iDEX Open Challenge initiative creates opportunities for innovators to propose ways for harnessing their technological capabilities to strengthen our nation’s military capability. Anyone with an idea that can be used in defence and aerospace can apply under this initiative,” Singh added.

    As 45 MSMEs received orders worth Rs 203 Crore, Singh said,”I am very happy to announce , that 45 MSMEs who have participated in Aero India have already got orders worth Rs 203 Cr. This is a very heartening news and I am sure it will grow further in the times to come.”

    On Thursday, Defence Minister had said that India is ready to supply various types of missile systems, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and other weapons systems including missiles, helicopters, tanks and artillery guns to friendly foreign countries in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).

    “India is ready to supply various types of missile systems, LCA/helicopters, multi-purpose light transport aircraft, warship and patrol vessels, artillery gun systems, tanks, radars, military vehicles, electronic warfare systems and other weapons systems to IOR nations,” Singh had said at IOR Defence Ministers’ Conclave in Bengaluru. 

  • HAL’s futuristic, deadly CATS to be battle-ready by 2024-25

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is looking at a 2024-25 deadline to develop its unique Combat Air Teaming System (CATS), a deep penetration attack system that enables a fighter pilot to remain safely within the country’s borders, while being able to deploy missiles or swarms of drones deep into enemy territory to destroy targets.

    The project, with an initial investment of Rs 400 crore, comprises three components that can be separately or simultaneously deployed – CATS Hunter, CATS Warrior and Alpha-S — all of which are unmanned systems, but which can be controlled from the ‘mothership’, the fighter aircraft from which it is launched by its pilot from a safe distance. This unique concept will ensure maximum firepower against enemy targets, while keeping the pilot and fighter aircraft out of enemy fire.

    The CATS Hunter is being conceived as an air-launched cruise missile that has the capability of deep penetration strikes which can be released by a fighter aircraft like LCA Tejas, Jaguar or Sukhoi-30 MKI. CATS Warrior can take off on its own from the ground and target enemy locations carrying heavy explosives. “It can go up to 700km and hit a target, or fly 350km, release attack drones and return to base,” said Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL.  

    The Warrior can also carry and release the Alpha-S, a swarm of up to 24 drones each carrying about 5-8kg of explosives, and can target multiple enemy locations simultaneously on being released. Alternatively, the Alpha-S can be released directly by a fighter aircraft using a glider that can carry the drone swarms deep into enemy territory, controlled by the pilot from the mothership. The drones in the swarm of Alpha-S are networked via electronic data links, and equipped with electro-optical and infrared sensors. This enables each drone to select separate targets.

    The CATS Warrior and Hunter can be powered by a modified PTE-7 engine of the HAL, which was the power plant of the Lakshya unmanned aircraft. He said it will take around 15 months for the mothership to be made compatible with CATS.

    “We should be able to develop the CATS by 2024-25,” he said. “We are investing our own funds and going ahead with the project, and subsequently the Indian Air Force will come in.” HAL had quietly initiated the CATS project in 2017, and also tested the project in Pokhran  for the IAF, and its capability had left senior officers impressed.

    Rotary Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (RUAVs) are being developed and tested to deliver rations and supplies to soldiers posted at high altitude border posts, Chatterjee said. With extremely difficult conditions making helicopter flights almost impossible to carry rations to forward posts, HAL has come up with RUAVs to do the job instead.  

    SHOOTER SATELLITE UAVHAL is planning to develop an unmanned flying system that can fly at about 70,000ft continuously for 2-3 months, to maintain surveillance on the ground below. Arup Chatterjee, Director (Engineering, Research & Development), HAL, described it as the first in the world. “This is a futuristic concept which no other country has yet developed. It will be a solar energised system. We are developing this jointly with a startup,” he said. 

    IAF proposal for basic trainer HTT40HAL has received a Request for Proposal (RFP) and quotation from the IAF for its basic trainers requirement, at Aero India 2021 on Thursday. The documents were handed over to HAL CMD R Madhavan, by Deputy Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Sandeep Singh, and Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, VL Kantha Rao. The RFP is for 70 HTT40 aircraft, with an additional clause for 38 more. Production will take place at HAL’s two manufacturing units in Bengaluru and Nashik. The RFP has come within six years of HAL’s first flight, which is claimed to be the shortest timeline in the aircraft industry. The trainer will have more than 60% indigenous content. 

    MoUs with MIDHANI, GE Aviation signedHAL on Thursday signed an MoU with MIDHANI (Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited) at the ongoing Aero India 2021 for development and production of composite raw materials. Composites raw materials, mainly in the form of Prepregs used in platforms like LCA, ALH, LCH and LUH are currently imported. HAL also signed a contract with GE Aviation for development and supply of ring forgings for GE Aviation military and commercial engine programmes. The 5-year contract valued over `100 crore involves supplying both steel and nickel alloy forgings for shrouds, cases, rings and seals. The forgings will be manufactured at HAL’s new facility at its Foundry and Forge Division in Bengaluru. 

  • We can protect Indian Ocean Region: Rajnath Singh

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: In a tangential way, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sought to reaffirm and redefine India’s traditional role in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) as against China’s aggressive agenda, by offering to take on the task of being a net security provider in the IOR. “India can be a reliable partner in the region and we can take on the role of being a net security provider here,” said Singh here on Wednesday.

    Addres s ing the Chiefs of Air Staff conclave, attended by senior officers from 26 countries, he emphasised the need for these countries to work together and towards the common goal of maintaining peace in the region. The conclave is one of the highlights of Aero India 2021 that started on Wednesday, and senior officers from friendly nations are attending the twoday session virtually. Singh said IOR is one of the most densely populated regions in the world and is prone to natural calamities that cause extensive damage to lives and properties.

    India can be a reliable partner as it looks forward to cooperation from friendly countries to create a more stable environment, he added. He said that new technologies are changing the way battles will be fought in the future and India is focused on building those capabilities. On the role played by the Indian Air Force and its drive for self-reliance, he said that India’s defence acquisition policy has created an ideal environment and it is the best time for foreign firms to invest in the country.

    Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria said there is a need to enhance cooperation among air forces of friendly nations. The advent of new technologies has complicated the art of fighting wars and a threat may emanate several time zones away but can have an impact at some other place.

    ‘IAF developing UAV capabilities’

    Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria added, “We are closely watching the threat posed by technologies like drones. The Indian Air Force is developing capabilities in unmanned aircraft and anti-drone capabilities and technologies.” He said that LCA Tejas is one of the best aircraft in its class and IAF is also developing an advanced medium combat aircraft.Senior officers from Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, the USA, Iran, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, Tanzania, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, Qatar, Myanmar and other countries are taking part in the conclave.

    CM: MRO UNITS PLANNED IN B’LURU, HASSAN Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa on Wednesday said the State Government is planning to set up maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) facilities near Kempegowda International Airport at Devanahalli, and in Hassan. The acquisition of land for the Hassan airport project is completed, while an aerospace park near KIA was set up in 2008. With excellent connectivity and surplus power, it is the best state for investment in defence and aerospace sectors, he said

  • India prepared to counter, defeat any misadventure on its territory: Rajnath Singh

    Express News Service
    BENGALURU: As Aero India 2021, that displays Indian defence sector’s ability to make state-of-the-art fighter jets and helicopters, took off with a spectacular flying display at the Yelahanka Air Base on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sent out a strong message to hostile neighbours saying India is prepared to counter any threat and protect its sovereignty at any cost. Rajnath highlighted the current security scenario in the neighbourhood as well as the rising demand in the civil aviation and defence sector to woo foreign companies to come with big investments to India to set up facilities to exploit the huge potential.

    Inaugurating the three-day event, attended by over 600 firms from across the globe, Rajnath said India faces threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts and it has been a victim of state-sponsored terrorism. “Like many of our friendly countries, India also faces threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts. India is a victim of state-sponsored and state-inflicted terrorism which is now a global threat. We long witnessed unfortunate attempts to change the status quo along our unresolved borders. We are vigilant and prepared to counter and defeat any misadventure to defend our people and territorial integrity at all costs,” he said. 

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa at Aero India in Bengaluru on WednesdayRajnath said the government’s vision is to make India one of the biggest countries in the defence sector from design to production. “We have set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore, including export of Rs 35,000 crore, in aerospace and defence and services by 2024,” he said. “We plan to spend $130 billion on defence modernisation in the next seven to eight years,” he added.

    “India has the fastest growing civil aviation market in the world with a rising passenger and cargo traffic. Therefore, demand for aircraft and related supply chain is also increasing. India has a huge potential for foreign investment in the aerospace sector, especially in manufacturing aero engines and maintenance, repair and overall segment, for which I invite foreign companies to set up facilities in India,” he added. Aero India has laid a strong foundation for cooperation among countries of the Indian Ocean Region for peace and stability in the region, he said.

    The three-day expo took off with an impressive inaugural aerobatic fly-past and display on Wednesday after Rajnath inaugurated the event. After providing a trailer of the joint performance India’s two most popular aerobatic teams – Surya Kiran and Sarang – at the full dress rehearsal on Tuesday, the two teams put out an even better show at the inaugural with both teams doing several tangoes during their aerobatics jointly. 

    Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Sukhoi MKI of the Indian Air Force displayed a powerful aerobatic performance individually, while Rafale opened the display, being the IAF’s latest acquisition.The inaugural event also featured India’s indigenous products – LCA trainer (LIFT Trainer), HTT-40, Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Advanced Hawk Mk 132 and Civil Do-228 – all flying together in a special formation called ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight’ to a rousing applause from spectators, which included several defence chiefs from various countries.

    One of the major attractions at the inaugural of the event was the flight display of the US Air Force’s B-1B Lancer heavy bomber, a supersonic aircraft with a flying range of 12,000 km, and weighing about 87 tonnes, which exclusively landed in Bengaluru to participate in Aero India 2021 after a total flight duration of 26 hours.During the fly past of the B-1B heavy bomber, the massive aircraft was accompanied by Indian Air Force’s own Tejas, looking like a bee escorting an elephant!

  • Aero India 2021: It’s WFH – Watch From Home for many

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: Touted as the first-ever hybrid aviation event in the background of the Covid-19 pandemic, Aero India 2021 on Day 1 on Wednesday clearly reflected the ‘work from home’ culture with a majority who would otherwise have attended the event, staying away from it and resorting to WFH –only this time it is ‘watch from home’! This, despite the event being cut to just three days.

    The C-17 Globemaster flanked bytwo Sukhoi SU-30s captivates the audienceWith the novel coronavirus clipping the wings of the mighty air show, the event organisers, the Ministry of Defence, had provided a virtual link (aeroindiavirtual.in) to “attend” the event without actually being present at Air Force Station Yelahanka. Apparently, a majority have used that route to “be” at the air show, rather than being physically present.

    For instance, even the Air Chiefs Conclave, which was participated by 26 countries, 14 air chiefs participated virtually.Not surprisingly, Air Force Station Yelahanka – the venue of the show – wore an almost barren look even on its very first day, which otherwise visibly bustles with activity.Checking at the entry points of the venue was doubly strict. It was not just for the otherwise cliched wariness about a possible terror attack, but equal (or even more) attention was given to ensure that the ‘invisible terror element’ – SARS-CoV-2 virus – did not enter the premises. 

    Teams of health workers were stationed alongside weapon-wielding hefty security men to check for minute details about the Covid-negative certificate that had been mandated to be carried by all those entering Air Force Station Yelahanka for the event.An MoD official said: “Look at the irony. This little, invisible virus has more than drastically cut down the size of the physically attending population at this air show which is touted as our biggest aviation event.”However, he pointed out that it was more important to look at the business conducted rather than the numbers of those who attended the event. “That, we will have to wait and see,” he added.

  • DRDO continuously developing technology for new India, says Rajnath Singh

    By ANI
    BENGALURU: Asserting that India has to focus on new goals for new India, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday said the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is continuously developing technology that will help the country in achieving these goals.

    “Today, when the world is changing so fast and a new world order is emerging in front of us. We have to focus on new goals for our new India, I am happy to see that the DRDO is continuously developing technology that will help us in achieving these goals,” Singh said in Bengaluru at Aero India 2021.

    “It is in pursuit of these goals that we had many successful trials recently like Akash NG Missile, Anti-Radiation Missile-RUDRAM and MRSAM. In many of our tests, we have got success in our maiden attempt itself, this is our great achievement,” he added.

    Commenting on the recent decision of induction of 83 TEJAS into Indian Air Force (IAF) by the government and the successes of indigenously developed systems like bombs, radars sonar, communication systems and armaments, he said the induction reflects the role of DRDO towards self-reliant India. “I have come to know that last year, 225 Licenses Agreements were signed by DRDO with industry. This shows the industries’ trust in homegrown technologies developed by DRDO,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile was also displayed at the event in coastal defence role. Indian Navy is going to induct the missile as part of the Next Generation Maritime Marine Coastal Defence battery role.

    “We have already demonstrated the underwater launch capability of the BrahMos missile. Whenever the Indian Navy makes submarines indigenously, I am 100 per cent sure that the BrahMos submarine-launched version would be equipped on it,” BrahMos DG Sudhir Mishra told ANI.

    American B-1B Lancer aircraft also took part in the show. The aircraft flew from an American airbase in South Dakota, United States for over 26 hours to reach the city.

    Moreover, Singh was briefed by a Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) official about the VIP version of an indigenous chopper at the show. 

  • Deal done: Government formally seals Rs 48,000 crore pact to procure 83 Tejas LCA from HAL

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: The government on Wednesday formally sealed the Rs 48,000 crore deal to procure 83 Tejas LCA from state-run aerospace behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd, a deal described by the government as the ‘biggest’ Make in India defence contract.

    The contract was handed over by Director General (Acquisition), Ministry of Defence, V L Kantha Rao to Chairman and Managing Director of HAL, R Madhavan, at the inaugural ceremony of Aero India-2021, the country’s premier Defence and Aerospace show, here, in the presence of Defence Minister Rajnath Singh.

    “I am very happy that HAL has got the orders for development of 83 new indigenous LCA (light combat aircraft) Tejas MK1A from Indian Air Force valued at more than Rs 48,000 crore.”

    “It is probably the biggest Make in India Defence contract till date,” Singh said.

    Tejas, manufactured by the HAL, is a single engine and highly agile multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft capable of operating in high-threat air environments.

    The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi last month approved the procurement of 73 Tejas Mk-IA variant and 10 LCA Tejas Mk-I trainer aircraft from the HAL to boost IAF’s combat prowess.

    Singh had on Tuesday inaugurated HAL’s second LCA-Tejas production plant here, and said Tejas is not only indigenous, but it is also better than its foreign equivalents on several parameters, besides being comparatively cheaper.

    According to Madhavan, the delivery of the Tejas LCA to the IAF under the Rs 48,000-crore deal will begin from March 2024 and around 16 aircraft will be rolled out annually till the completion of the total supply of 83 jets.

    He has also said that a number of countries have shown keen interest in procurement of Tejas and that the first export order is likely to come by in the next couple of years.

    Madhavan had on Tuesday said the phase-1 of the facility getting ready on 35 acres of land here will enable HAL to enhance its production capacity to 16 from the current eight aircraft every year.

    HAL said the 83 LCA Mk1A aircraft will be produced in two production lines here with over 500 plus production partners across India.

  • India prepared to defend territorial integrity at all costs, says Rajnath at Aero India launch

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: As Aero India 2021, which will showcase the Indian defence sector’s ability to make state of the art fighter jets and helicopters, took off with a spectacular flying display, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh sent out a strong message to hostile neighbours, saying India is prepared to counter any threat and protect its sovereignty at any cost.

    Inaugurating the three-day event, attended by over 600 firms from many countries, Singh said India faces threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts and has been a victim of state sponsored terrorism.

    “Like many of our friendly countries, India also faces threats and challenges emanating from multiple fronts. India is a victim of state sponsored and state inflicted terrorism which is now a global threat. We have long witnessed unfortunate attempts to change the status quo along our unresolved borders. We are vigilant and prepared to counter and defeat any misadventure to defend our people and territorial integrity at all costs,” he said.

    Singh said the government’s vision is to make India one of the biggest countries in the defence sector from design to production. We have set a target of 1.75 lakh crore including export of Rs 35,000 crore in aerospace and defence and services by 2024.

    Aero India has laid a strong foundation for cooperation among countries of the Indian Ocean Region countries for peace and stability in the region.

    The three-day Aero India 2021 took off with an impressive inaugural aerobatic fly-past and display on Wednesday after Defence Minister Singh inaugurated the event.

    After providing a trailer of the joint performance of India’s two most popular aerobatic teams – Suryakiran and Sarang — at the full dress rehearsal on Tuesday, the two teams put out an even better show at the inaugural with both teams doing several tangoes during their aerobatics jointly.

    Light Combat Aircraft Tejas and Sukhoi MKI of the Indian Air Force displayed a powerful aerobatic performance individually, while Rafale opened the display, being the IAF’s latest acquisition.

    The inaugural event also featured India’s indigenous products – LCA trainer (LIFT Trainer), HTT-40, Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), Advanced Hawk Mk 132 and Civil Do-228 – all flying together in a special formation called ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight’ to rousing applause from spectators, which included several defence chiefs from various countries.

  • Aero India 2021 to propel India as defence manufacturing hub: Rajnath Singh

    By Express News Service
    BENGALURU: AS world’s first hybrid airshow is set to take-off in Bengaluru on Wednesday, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday said Aero India-2021 will position India as investment, innovation, and defence manufacturing hub and provide unprecedented access, insights and opportunities to participants to connect and collaborate with Indian and global leaders. 

    The three-day event will help Karnataka further consolidate its position as one of the most favoured investment destinations for the foreign and domestic investors as well as emerge as one of the gateways to invest in the defence sector in India, Singh said.

    As many as 600 exhibitors from India and abroad will showcase their products. Meeting of Defence Ministers of Indian Ocean Region (IOR) is one of the key highlights of the event. Over 200 MoU are likely to be signed during the three-day event.

    ‘US a reliable partner’

    Speaking to reporters on the eve of Aero India earlier in the day,  US Chargé d’Affaires Don Heflin said the US is a reliable partner to India’s defence sector offering the world’s best defence equipment. India plays a key role in the Indo-Pacific region, and cooperation between the two countries advances the shared vision of a rules-based international order that promotes the prosperity and security of all countries, Heflin added.

    Kelli L. Seybolt, Deputy Undersecretary for the Air Force, International Affairs, said: “India is one of our premier security partners in the Indo-Pacific and together we are deepening defence ties through avenues like exercises, cooperative agreements, and the integration of advanced US defence systems and platforms into the Indian armed services.”

  • Aero India takes off on February 3 amid buzz around ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ as Tejas variants to take centerstage

    By PTI
    BENGALURU: The country’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2021 takes off here on Wednesday amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with buzz around “AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” and “Make in India” push.

    With a combination of both physical and virtual exhibition, the 13th edition of the biennial international event at Air Force Station Yelahanka will be the world’s first hybrid aerospace show, officials said.

    A negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report (dated January 31, 9 am or later) is a must to attend the three-day event, where each day only 3,000 visitors will be allowed at the flight display venue in view of the pandemic.

    As many as 601 exhibitors — 523 Indian and 78 foreign — and 14 countries have confirmed participation, they said.

    Companies are showcasing their capabilities, latest technologies, solutions, products and services at the show.

    Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will exhibit its latest defence technologies and demonstrate many systems.

    “We will continue to support ‘Make-in-India’ policy and ‘Aatma-Nirbhar Bharat Mission’ of the Indian government, to promote indigenous production, knowledge transfer and global industrial cooperation, to facilitate Indian export of high- end defence technology,” said Eli Hefets, Corporate Regional Director, India, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd,.

    Director & Industry lead for Aerospace & Defense in India, Dassault Systemes, Ravikiran Pothukuchi said the aerospace & defence sector in India is at an inflection point, given the large scale modernisation and indigenisation programmes being undertaken by the government.

    Alex Zino, Executive Vice President Business Development & Future Programmes (Defence), Rolls-Royce said:”We recognise that Indias defence requirements are evolving, making indigenous development of modern defence hardware and technology a top priority for the Indian government”.

    “Aligned with the Indian governments Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and the Make in India initiative, we look forward to participating in Aero India 2021 and reinforcing our commitment to supporting the growth of an indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem while continuing to deliver our best capabilities to support the Indian MoD and Services, saidWilliam (Bill) Blair, vice president and chief executive, Lockheed Martin India.

    Among the key attractions will be flight display by ‘Surya Kiran’ aircraft and ‘Sarang’ helicopters.

    Don Heflin, U.S. Charg dAffaires, will lead a high- level delegation of U.S. Government officials and defence industry representatives to Aero India 2021.

    One of the highlights of the show, a B-1B Lancer heavy bomber, of the 28thBomb Wing based out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota, will perform a “fly-by.” Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited would showcase Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight .

    The ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight’ consisting HAL products such as LCA trainer (LIFT Trainer), HTT-40, IJT, Advanced Hawk Mk 132 and Civil Do-228 will fly in a special formation showcasing the spectrum of trainers and signifying self-sufficiency in the trainer segment, it said.

    According to officials, besides global leaders and investors in aerospace industry, the show will also see participation by think-tanks from different parts of the world.

    “Aero India will provide a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry. In addition to giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it would further the cause of ‘Make in India’”, they said.

    Aero India is a platform for aerospace enthusiasts, prospective defence industries, aspirant start-ups and all other stakeholders to participate and witness the advances in global defence and aerospace fields and interact with many national and international delegations and industries, officials said.