Union Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday formally inducted the C-295 MW transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force at the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad. The Union Minister also inaugurated the mega show in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari.
Singh and IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari witnessed the display of a Kamikaze drone during the mega show at the airbase in Ghaziabad.
The defence minister also witnessed drones with the capability to carry 50kg-100 kg payload during the event.
The C-295s will eventually take the place of IAF’s ageing Avro HS 748 fleet in the 2030-31 period, reported Business Today. The C-295s will boost IAF’s tactical airlift capability.
Spain's Ambassador to India, Jose Maria Ridao Dominguez on the occasion said, "It's the first plane coming from Spain in this programme. We are very happy and we think it's a great opportunity to become an important partner for India,"
The other demonstrations which were displayed at the mega show encompassed a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, as per a release of the PIB.
The IAF is now recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development. In recent times Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil as well as the defence sectors. It has enhanced efficiency, reduced risk exposure, and has also elevated capabilities, reported PIB's release.
The IAF has remarkable experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations, reported ANI.