CURTAIN RAISER – AERO INDIA
From February 13–17, 2023, Air Force Station Yelahanka in Bengaluru will host the biennial Aero India event. The event provides a venue for the sector to display their newest machinery, helicopters, and airplanes. Additionally, it gives defence professionals the chance to speak with OEM representatives and get first-hand knowledge of the items that will eventually be introduced to the armed forces.
Indian Navy recently launched the LCA (Navy), an indigenous technology demonstrator fighter (a forerunner to the Twin Engine Deck Based Fighter), on the homegrown aircraft carrier INS Vikrant in support of the country’s aim to attain “AatmaNirbharta.” An Indian test pilot for the Indian Navy piloted the aircraft. This niche capability is the result of Indian Navy’s long term vision of AatmaNirbharBharat.
The Indian Navy is taking part in a variety of events during Aero India 2023. During the event, the indigenous aircraft ALH Mk III and MR aircraft P8I would take part in the fly-by and static display, respectively.
One aspect of IN’s efforts to attain self-reliance has been continuous engagement with academia and industry. Various academic institutions and important industry partners have signed memorandums of understanding (MoUs) to share resources and knowledge in this regard. Two significant partners for Aero India 2023, ISRO and M/s AV Oil, have signed MoUs to work together on the Bandhan event.
Aero India would serve as another step towards the development and empowerment of Naval Aviation and the Nation’s Defence Forces, having grown in scope and size over the years. In keeping with the emphasis on self-reliance, a customized graphic Photo-Essay, compiled by HAL, for use as a reference document for undertaking repairs of engines of MiG 29K aircraft, would be presented by CMD HAL to the Chief of the Naval Staff.
Additionally, as part of the “Launch of New Technology,” the DRDO has incorporated a project to analyse the Health Usage & Monitoring System (HUMS) of MiG 29K aircraft using artificial intelligence. As a result, aircraft turnaround times will be shortened and predictions for preventative maintenance will be improved. The Indian Navy and DDP are working together to host a conference on the subject of “AatmaNirbharta in Aero Armament Sustenance.” Key participants from the MoD, User, Maintainer, QA agencies, DRDO, DPSUs, and the Indian industry will have a forum at the seminar to engage in in-depth talks about the government’s initiative and the path forward for taking on the maintenance of missiles held by the Armed Forces.
