Aero India is an event that is held every two years.
The event started in 1996.
The objectice of Aero India is to showcase primarily military aviation – new launches, upcoming products, and existing bestsellers.
It also gives a platform to buyers and sellers to interact.
The 2021 event was held in hybrid mode – most of the pavilions were also available online, and limited physical entry was allowed. This year’s event is back in the physical format.
The event is being held from February 13- 17 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station near Bengaluru.
Usually, trade exhibitions like this one end with many contracts being signed for sale of equipment and aircraft displayed at the exhibition. Aero India has helped India become an exporter of defence equipment.
7 Things to Know about Aero India 2023
1. Exhibitors
2. Daily display of aerobatics + Static Display
Like most years, there is a daily display of aerobatics by various firms. There is also a static display (exhibition) where people can see airplanes, models, full scale models, etc.
As many as 67 jets will take part in the flypasts at this event.
3. Largest US contingent
The US has sent its largest official contingent yet. In addition to F-16s and F-18s, the new launch F 35s have also been brought to the show. Image: F 35s on display.
The F 35 is a fighter plane that has the ability to hide itself. It can also fly at speeds higher than the speed of sound.
Aircrafts that can fly at speeds higher than the speed of sound are called Supersonic – Super – more than. Sonic – of sound.
4. Inauguration Flypast
The event was inaugurated by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi. The inaugural flypast had a very impressive display of the prowess of the pilots.
The Gurukul formation of the flypast was led by the IAF Chief, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
5. 23 Defence Ministers attend Conclave
The Indian Defence Minister, Shri Rajnath Singh, also held a Defence Ministers’ Conclave on the sidelines of the event. 27 Defence Ministers from the region participated in the event and shared their thoughts with each other.
Over 160 delegates from several countries, including Defence & Deputy Defence Ministers from 27 countries, 15 Defence and Service Chiefs and 12 Permanent Secretaries from 80 countries participated in the conclave.
6. HAL showcases full scale model of its supersonic trainer aircraft
HAL showcased the full-scale model of its supersonic trainer aircraft for the first time at the Aero India 2023.
7. Drones Make Their Presence Felt
For the first time, unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, were seen in sizes that look like regular helicopters or aircraft.
