On September 25, 2023, Defence Minister Mr. Rajnath Singh inaugurated the groundbreaking Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 exhibition and show at the Air Force Station, Hindan in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. This unique event is a collaborative effort between the Drone Federation of India (DFI) and the Indian Air Force (IAF) and spans two days, taking place on September 25-26, 2023, showcasing the participation of over 75 drone start-ups from across India.
The exhibited drones at the event serve dual purposes, finding applications in both military and civilian contexts. The IAF and DFI are keen to contribute to the government’s vision of positioning India as a prominent drone hub by 2030. They plan to achieve this by demonstrating the capabilities of these drones through a series of aerial and static demonstrations.
The inauguration of the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 event was also marked by the formal induction of the first C-295 MW transport aircraft into the IAF. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a ‘Sarv Dharm Puja’ and a presentation showcasing the aircraft’s capabilities. This medium-lift tactical aircraft will replace the HS-748 Avro aircraft and possesses the capability to operate from challenging landing fields.
Of the 56 aircraft contracted, the first 16 will be delivered to the IAF in a ‘fly-away’ condition, while the remaining 40 will be manufactured by Tata Advanced Systems Limited at their facility in Vadodara. Interestingly, Vadodara is also home to the 11 Squadron (The Rhinos), the first IAF squadron scheduled to receive these new aircraft.
Additionally, the event provided an opportunity for the Defence Minister and other dignitaries to gain insights into the IAF’s latest internal innovations. Projects such as a hybrid drone detection system, an AI Engine for fault diagnosis, a fly-by-wire tester, stabilised power supply trolleys, a QR Code-based tool crib management system, and contemporary teaching tools were presented, highlighting the IAF’s commitment to technological advancements.
