13th edition of Aero India begins in Bengaluru in hybrid format today: Everything you need to know

The 13th edition of Aero India, country’s premier aerospace and defence exhibition, Aero takes off on Wednesday amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, pushing for “AatmaNirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan” and “Make in India” programmes. A full dress rehearsal was held on Tuesday. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said, “The decision to organise Aero India in these testing times forced by the twin challenges of the COVID pandemic and also the security challenges thrust up on us along the northern borders was not easy.” He added, “More than 200 MoU partnership agreements are likely to be signed during the Bandhan event.” The biennial international event at Air Force Station Yelahanka will be both a physical and virtual exhibition and the world’s first hybrid aerospace show, officials said. “Aero India is a platform for aerospace enthusiasts, prospective defence industries, aspirant start-ups and all other stakeholders to participate and witness the advances in global defence and aerospace fields and interact with many national and international delegations and industries,” they added, news agency PTI reported. As many as 601 exhibitors, including 523 Indian and 78 foreign, and 14 countries will be participating in the event. Companies will display their capabilities, latest technologies, solutions, products and services at the show. Major attractions Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will showcase its latest defence technologies and demonstrate many systems. Other key attractions will be flight display by ‘Surya Kiran’ aircraft and ‘Sarang’ helicopters. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) would display its Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight . “The ‘Aatmanirbhar Formation Flight’ consisting HAL products such as LCA trainer (LIFT Trainer), HTT-40, IJT, Advanced Hawk Mk 132 and Civil Do-228 will fly in a special formation showcasing the spectrum of trainers and signifying self-sufficiency in the trainer segment,” news agency PTI quoted HAL as saying. Think-tanks from different parts of the world will also be present. “Aero India will provide a unique opportunity for exchange of information, ideas and new developments in the aviation industry.In addition to giving a fillip to the domestic aviation industry it would further the cause of ‘Make in India'”, officials said. Rules for attendees Only 3,000 visitors will be allowed at the flight display venue in view of the pandemic. Attendees have to carry a negative COVID-19 RT-PCR test report (dated January 31, 9 am or later) for the three-day event.