The opening session of the 13th edition of the biennial Aero India-2021, inaugurated by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru, was a treat for aviation enthusiasts.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at Aero India 2021 | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
From the much-anticipated Dassault Rafale to the evergreen Su-30MKI, some of the IAF's deadliest fighters were on display.
Three Dassault Rafale perform a flyby at Aero India 2021 | Bhanu Prakash Chanda
Two Su-30MKIs alongside a C-17 Globemaster | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
A line of LCA Tejas aircraft | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
The HAL LCA Tejas in flight | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
It was an Atma Nirbhar Bharat festival in many ways, with the indigenously developed Tejas-LCA, LCH and LUH helicopters, and an assortment of foreign-aircrfat that are made-in-India all on display. Besides the classic Surya Kiran aircraft performance, the Sukhoi, Rafale, Hawk were among the star attractions—with a guest appearance by the American B-1 Lancer.
The BAE systems Mk-132 Hawk Suryakiran aircraft taxiing before takeoff | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
For the B-1B, of the 28th Bomb Wing Ellsworth Air Force Base, South Dakota, this is a historic moment and marks the first time an American bomber has touched down in India in the history of the Republic, according to U.S. officials.
An LCA Tejas and a B-1 Lancer | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
The B-1B Lancer carries the largest conventional payload of both guided and unguided weapons in the U.S. Air Force and is considered the backbone of Americas long-range bomber force, they said.
The Atma Nirbhar formation, including a Hawk Mk132, the HTT-40 trainers, an HAL LCA Tejas LIFT trainer variant, and the IJT | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
The heavy-lifters: IAF's Mi-17 helicopters | Bhanua Prakash Chandra
The Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) and Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited came up with 'Atma-nirbhar Formation Flight' consisting its products such as LCA trainer (LIFT Trainer), HTT-40, IJT, Advanced Hawk Mk 132 and Civil Do-228 which flew in a special formation showcasing the spectrum of trainers and signifying self-sufficiency in the trainer segment.
Dhanush formation of the Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
The LCH performs an inverted flyby | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
There was a scintillating display of 'Dhanush' formation by the Light Combat Helicopters. Besides the flashy aircraft there was also one that is key to battlefield intelligence: Defence Research Development Organisation's (DRDO) Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS).
The DRDO Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS) | Bhanu Prakash Chandra
The jaw-dropping manoeuvres by the Surya Kiran light combat aircraft left the audience spellbound.
Opening the proceedings Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar addressed the gathering and said that India has taken a leap in organising a completely COVID compliant Aero and Defence exhibition. He expressed his gratitude to ambassadors and delegates from more than 55 nations who were in attendance. Shri Raj Kumar said that the large attendance at Aero India 2021 reflects positive temperament of people across the world and renewed global interest in the capabilities of India. He said that Aero India 2021 would provide a platform for exchange of ideas and forge partnerships in the aerospace and Defence sectors. He also provided a brief about the events to be organized during Aero India 2021, including the Chief of Air Staffs Conclave, the Bandhan ceremony and the India Pavilion.
With inputs from PTI
