Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, the Chief of Staff of the Indian Air Force, led the Gurukul formation during the flypast at the inaugural ceremony in Bangalore.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said Aero India would act as a catalyst for further growth of the aerospace sector in India.
The five-day event will focus on displaying local equipment/technology and building partnerships with foreign companies.
In his speech, PM said, “India will move to become a leading defense exporter globally,” adding that Aero India 2023 “is a wonderful platform to showcase the limitless potential our country has in the defense sectors. defense and aerospace”.
Here are other key points from the prime minister’s speech:
*Prime Minister Modi said the Aero India event developed as a reflection of India’s strength with a focus on the Indian defense sector.
*There was a time when it was considered just a show. In recent years, the nation has changed this perception.
*Tejas fighter aircraft, home-developed INS Vikrant and helicopter factory in Tumakuru are examples of Make In India’s strength
*”The India of ‘Amritkal’ carries on like a fighter pilot, who is not afraid to reach the heights.
*Country that was the largest importer of defense products for decades now exports defense equipment to 75 countries
*India has rejuvenated its defense sector in the past 8-9 years. Let’s just consider this as the beginning. We aim to raise defense exports to $5 billion by 2024-25.
Aero India 2023 could see 251 MoU worth ₹75,000 crore
The Defense Ministry (MoD) said on Sunday that Aero India 2023, starting Monday, is likely to see 251 MoUs worth an estimated Rs 75,000 crore, while at least five lakh people are expected to flock to the venue.
More than 80 countries participate in the 2023 edition of Aero India. Ministers from around 30 countries and 65 CEOs from global and Indian OEMs were also expected to attend.
The Aero India 2023 exhibition was attended by more than 800 defense companies including around 100 foreign companies. Indian companies participating in the exhibition include MSMEs and start-ups, which will showcase the advancement of niche technologies and the growth of aerospace and defense capabilities in the country.
Major exhibitors at Aero India 2023 are Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited ( HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and BEML Limited.
(With contributions from agencies)
