Rajnath Singh to inaugurate Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 today, to induct C-295 transport aircraft into IAF

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will Monday inaugurate the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 exhibition at the Hindan Air Base in Uttar Pradesh's Ghaziabad, an official from the Indian Air Force (IAF) said on Sunday. As per the IAF, the Defence Minister would also formally induct the C-295 transport aircraft into IAF.

The induction ceremony will be done in the presence of top military officials including IAF chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. Notably, the IAF, recognizing the potential of indigenous drone design and development, is collaborating with the Drone Federation of India to jointly host 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.'

This event, scheduled for September 25th and 26th, will take place at the IAF's Hindan airbase in Ghaziabad and will feature live aerial demonstrations. In India, the utilization of drones is on the rise, spanning across military and civilian applications.

Drone technology has rapidly transformed both civil and defense sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and elevating capabilities, said the press release. The IAF has extensive experience in deploying Remotely Piloted Aircraft for Intelligence Surveillance and reconnaissance operations.

READ | Meet Mumbai University alumnus, who joined Rs 11,477 crore company in 2013, now heads it as MD

To harness the burgeoning drone technology sector in India, the IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition, showcasing its faith in the nation's drone capabilities, according to the release. Now, with 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023,' the IAF is poised to further leverage this expertise.'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' promises to spotlight the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with an impressive lineup of over 50 live aerial demonstrations.

These demonstrations will encompass a diverse range of drone applications, including survey drones, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions, said the release.

The event will also witness the active participation of more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities. Anticipated to draw approximately 5,000 attendees, 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' will serve as a convergence point for a wide spectrum of stakeholders.

Representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts are expected to grace the event, said the release. This collaboration between the Indian Air Force and the Drone Federation of India underscores the commitment to advancing drone technology and its applications in India.

The event promises to showcase the capabilities of Indian drones and provide a platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. 'Bharat Drone Shakti 2023' marks a step towards harnessing the full potential of this transformative technology for the nation's benefit.