AEROINDIA 2021: FLAVORS, HIGHLIGHTS AND TAKEAWAYS

The tri-coloured silhouette of the Tejas LCA with the Ashok Chakra in the centre is the core motif of this logo, reminiscent of the spirit of New India.

The defined outlines of the ‘A’ in Aero is symbolic of a fighter jet while conveying that Aero India is a premier global aerospace exhibition.

 

FLAVOURS / HIGHLIGHTS  OF AERO INDIA 2021

 

This was the 25th year of Aero India and the 13th edition of the event.

Aero India 2021 was a three-day mega event to showcase the prowess of the aviation industry. Inspired by the Prime Minister’s call for Aatmanirbhar Bharat.

Organized this year amidst the challenging circumstances created by the COVID-19 situation.

World’s first hybrid aero and defence exhibition with a concurrent exhibition integrating seminars, business to business events, product displays, etc.

A dedicated virtual platform was created to facilitate public participation.

Aero India 2021 featured 403 exhibitors – 238 from India and 165 from abroad – 62 aircraft on display, 28,386 sq m of exhibition space and 44 foreign delegations.

India pavilion was set up based on the theme of Rotary wings.

 

CONCLAVES AND CONFERENCES

 

Conclave of Defence Ministers of Indian Ocean Region with the theme – ‘Enhanced Peace, Security and Cooperation in the Indian Ocean’. Attended by ministers and delegates from 26 IOR countries. 

Conclave of Chiefs of Air Staff of various countries organised to pursue the objectives of collaborative security for the region and beyond.

The 6th India-Russia Military Industrial Conference was held.

iDEX ‘Start-up Manthan’ was  held.

 

AIR DISPLAY

 

The flying display featured formations showcasing India’s cutting edge technology and capabilities in the aerospace sector.

A total of 62 Indian aircraft, including civil aircraft, were on display with 42 aircraft taking part in the air display.

A C-47 Dakota from the 1940s took part in the air display.

For the first time, a combined air display of Sarang and the Surya Kiran Aerobatic teams of Indian Air Force was carried out.

Air Display also included LCAs and variants of Dhruv helicopters, and the new HTT 40 Basic Trainers.

A rare combination of aerobatics by the Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer (AJT) and the Sarang ALH (Advanced Light Helicopter team of the Indian Air Force (IAF).

A flyby by the B1B Lancer bomber after a 26 hour flight from its home base had marked the opening of event. It was escorted by Tejas aircraft.

 

TAKE AWAYS OF AERO INDIA 2021

 

Offered opportunities for collaboration and cooperation between Indian and global industry leaders, academicians, visionaries, centre and state administrations.

Brought  together the defence ministers of various countries, service chiefs, policymakers, foreign OEMs, industry, entrepreneurs and academia to showcase, connect and collaborate as well as highlight policy reforms driving India’s new defence manufacturing revolution.

Generated a sense of pride in India’s defence manufacturing and took defence cooperation to the next level.

The show concluded with signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoU), product launches and technology transfers at the Bandhan ceremony held on the concluding day to provide further impetus to the aerospace and defence industry of the country. 

Around 3,000 Business-2-Business meetings were conducted 

The event generated orders worth Rs 203 crore  apart from 128 MoUs being signed, 19 Transfer of Technology (ToT) agreements being exchanged, four significant products, including a customised naval version of the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) being handed over and 18 specialised products being handed over to the end users – the Indian Armed Forces.

One of the biggest takeaways from Aero India 2021, was without doubt the formal order placed on Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 fourth-generation Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCAs) for the Indian Air Force, at Rs 48,000 crore ($6 billion).

Conclave of Defence Ministers of Indian Ocean Region – reinforced the relevance of the region and its continued importance for stakeholders from the perspective of trade, security and freedom of navigation.

Chiefs of Air staff conclave brought senior air force officers from across the world on a single platform enhancing cooperation and understanding of common threats and challenges.

 

OVERALL A VERY WELL ORGANISED EVENT

 

References

https://www.indiastrategic.in/2021/02/05/aero-india-2021-is-an-unprecedented-success-says-president-kovind/

https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bengaluru/beyond-planes-focus-on-strategy-and-self-reliance/articleshow/80716961.cms

https://pib.gov.in/Pressreleaseshare.aspx?PRID=1694553

 

Value additions, Views and Comments are most welcome.

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