Aero India 2021 underway at Yelahanka Air Force station
By TIOL News Service
BENGALURU, FEB 04, 2021: THE 13th edition of India's premier aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero India 2021, was inaugurated at the Air Force Station (AFS) Yelahanka by Defence Minister Mr Rajnath Singh on Wednesday.
Mr Singh said the exhibition displayed the vast potential and opportunities that India offers in defence and aerospace manufacturing, and its commitment towards growing these capabilities.
"I believe Aero India 2021 will boost investment, expand manufacturing ecosystem, support enterprises, appreciate and enhance the technology levels and propel the economic growth for the country," he said.
He added that the participation of over 540 exhibitors including 80 foreign companies and defence ministers, delegates, service chiefs and officials from more than 55 nations, reflected the global optimism in India's growth.
Announcing the government's plans to spend USD 130 billion on military modernisation over the next seven years, he highlighted the newly introduced "Buy Global-Manufacture in India" category of capital procurement in the Defence Acquisition Policy 2020. It allows outright purchase of equipment from foreign vendors and indigenous manufacture through an Indian subsidiary, a joint venture or an Indian agency.
"I am confident that these three days will prove to be productive and fulfilling. I am also sure that our shared vision and values will forge new relations and carry forth the existing relationships and associations to the next level," he said.
Contract documents to produce 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA)-Tejas MK1A, valued at more than Rs. 48,000 crore, were handed over by the Ministry of Defence to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), making it the biggest ‘Make in India' defence contract
The Defence Minister said, "To achieve the twin goals of self-reliance and exports, we have set a target to achieve Rs. 1,75,000 crore turnover, including export of Rs. 35,000 crore in aerospace and defence goods and services by 2024."
The three-day show, being held from February 3-5, is a combination of a physical and virtual exhibition - the first hybrid aerospace show in the world - due to the COVID-19 pandemic. It features companies showcasing their capabilities, latest technologies, solutions, products and services.