At Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru, the 14th edition of India's five-day biannual air show, "Aero India," recently took place.

About Aero India 2023

About: Aero India is a renowned international aviation trade event that gives the Indian aviation-defence sector, particularly the aerospace sector, a chance to present its goods, technologies, and solutions to national decision-makers.

Major highlights

The runway to a billion opportunities is the theme for 2023.

Every two years, the Aero India show is organised.

This year, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) organised it on behalf of the Ministry of Defense's Department of Defence Production.

The first  air show's inaugural performance took place in 1996.

Objective

The event's goal is to promote the export of domestic aviation platforms such the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas, the HTT-40, the Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH), and the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH).

In addition to bringing in foreign investments and collaborations for co-development and co-production, it will integrate domestic MSMEs and start-ups into the global supply chain.

India's rising aerospace and defence capabilities were emphasised.

98 nations, 32 defence ministers, 29 air commanders, and 73 CEOs of foreign and Indian original equipment manufacturers took part in the event.

Main Points

During the Aero India 2023 edition, more than 200 contracts totaling over Rs 80,000 crore were signed.

The Modi government's campaign for "Atma Nirbhar Bharat" was linked with the event's focus on domestic aerospace and defence technologies.

The supersonic F-35A Lightning II and F-35A Joint Strike Fighter multirole jets, two fifth-generation fighters being employed by the US Air Force, made their premiere on display.

Strategic Relevance

A strategic and geopolitical message is conveyed by the sizeable American group and the choice to travel in one of their newest planes.

The majority of India's military hardware is sourced from Russia, which is subject to Western sanctions as a result of the conflict in Ukraine. The US wants to wean India off of Moscow and win over the Indian military establishment by offering partnership chances in defence projects.

Main Attractions At Aero India 2023

At Aero India 2023, several Made-in-India defence goods were on display.

India's cutting-edge indigenous aircraft, such as the Navy Twin Engine Deck-based Fighter Jet, LCA Mark 2, and 5th Generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.

A mockup of a soldier sporting a jetpack that is being created by an Indian start-up will be unveiled.

Made-in-India Prachand Light Combat Helicopter

BrahMos Aerospace: Displaying models of both the BrahMos NG missile and the air-launched BrahMos supersonic cruise missile.

HLFT-42: At Aero India, HAL will display a full-scale model of the HLFT-42 supersonic training aircraft.