Quite disappointing
Rajnath Singh inaugurates Bharat Drone Shakti exhibition 2023, inducts C-295 MW aircraft
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Monday inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad district.
In a first, Singh also formally inducted the C-295 MW transport aircraft, set to replace the ageing Avro-748 fleet, into the Indian Air Force in the presence of top military officials, including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, ANI reported. In September 2021, India formalised the acquisition of 56 Airbus C295 aircraft at a cost of Rs 21,935 crore.
Announcing his presence at the exhibition, Singh, early Monday posted on X: “Today, 25th September, I shall be in Ghaziabad to attend the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, a drone exhibition cum display event. Shall also attend the unveiling ceremony of the IAF’s first C- 295 MW transport aircraft at Hindon Airbase. Looking forward to it.”
VIDEO | Defence Minister @rajnathsingh arrives to inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Ghaziabad. pic.twitter.com/P0caw97SMu
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) September 25, 2023
According to visuals released by news agency ANI, a compact system of drones, which can be carried on a motorbike, was on display at the exhibition. “Special motorbikes” have been “customised to carry unassembled drones,” ANI reported. Drones to assist farmers with modern agricultural practices across rural parts of the country can be transported using these motorbikes, the news agency said.
#WATCH | A compact system of drone that can be carried on a motorbike displayed during Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 at the Hindon Air Base in Uttar Pradesh’s Ghaziabad.
Special motorbikes are customised to carry unassembled drones. Kisan drones can be transported using motorbikes… pic.twitter.com/Zc5GFvvPg4
— ANI (@ANI) September 25, 2023
The two-day event being co-organised by the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India, will showcase the prowess of India’s drone industry at full capacity hosting over 50+ live aerial demonstrations, according to a press release. On display would be survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, the release stated.
During the course of the two days, the event shall witness participation from more than 75 drone start-ups and corporates. According to the statement, the exhibition, which is set to “give a fillip to India’s commitment to becoming a global drone hub by 2030,” is expected to attract around 5,000 attendees, including representatives from central government, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, representatives from friendly countries, academicians and students and drone enthusiasts.
Express Web Desk – 2023-09-25 12:32