Aero India takes off on February 3 amidst COVID-19
(Sourced from PTI)
The country's premier aerospace and defense exhibition, Aero India 2021, takes off in Bengaluru 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 exhibitions, 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," officials said. Companies are showcasing their capabilities, latest technologies, solutions, products, and services at the show. Further, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will exhibit its latest defense technologies and demonstrate many systems.
"We will continue to support Make-in-India policy and Aatmanirbhar Bharat Mission of the Indian Government to promote indigenous production, knowledge transfer and global industrial cooperation, to facilitate Indian export of high-end defense technology," said Eli Hefets, Corporate Regional Director, India, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd.
Among the key attractions will be flight displays by Surya Kiran aircraft and Sarang helicopters. Don Heflin, US Charge d'affaires, will lead a high-level delegation of US Government officials and defense industry representatives to Aero India 2021. Additionally, a B-1B Lancer heavy bomber of the 28th Bomb Wing based out of Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota will perform a fly-by.
Further, Bengaluru-headquartered Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will showcase Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight. "The Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight consisting of 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," HAL said.
Alex Zino, Executive Vice President Business Development & Future Programmes (Defense), Rolls-Royce said, "We recognize that India's defense requirements are evolving, making indigenous development of modern defense hardware and technology a top priority for the Indian Government."
"Aligned with the Indian Government's Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan and the Make in India initiative, we look forward to participating in Aero India 2021," said William (Bill) Blair, Vice President, and Chief Executive, Lockheed Martin India. "We are reinforcing our commitment to supporting the growth of indigenous defense manufacturing ecosystem while continuing to deliver our best capabilities to support Indian MoD and Services," he said.
According to officials, the show will also see participation by think-tanks from different parts of the world. "Aero India will provide a unique opportunity for the exchange of information, ideas, and new developments in the aviation industry," the officials said. "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 defense industries, aspirant start-ups, and all other stakeholders to participate and witness the advances in global defense and aerospace fields and interact with many national and international delegations and industries," officials said.
