New Delhi: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will inaugurate the ‘Bharat Drone Shakti-2023’ exhibition at Hindon in Ghaziabad district of Uttar Pradesh today. During the event, the minister will formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, according to IAF officials.
The Indian Air Force and Drone Federation of India will co-host the two-day event, during which the Indian drone industry will present aerial demonstrations.
“'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' will present the prowess of the Indian drone industry at full capacity hosting over 50+ live aerial demonstrations showcasing survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions and witness participation from more than 75 drone start-ups and corporates,” the Defence Ministry said.
The Bharat Drone Shakti is likely to be attended by around 5,000 people, including representatives from the central government, state departments, public and private industries, the armed forces, paramilitary forces, representatives from friendly nations, academicians, apart from students and drone enthusiasts.
According to reports, the C-295 transport aircraft is likely to replace the Indian Air Force AVRO fleet.
The 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' event will be in lines with India's commitment to becoming a global drone hub by 2030.
According to the Defence Ministry, the usage of drones in India has witnessed an increase, both in the military as well as in the civil domain. The IAF currently uses Remotely Piloted Aircraft extensively for Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance operations and its faith in emerging drone design and development capabilities in India are borne by its initiatives such as the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition that sought to tap this indigenous potential.