Three Key Takeaways for the Aerospace Industry from Aero India 2023

By: Sudhakar Singh, Editor, Industry Outlook | Sunday, 19 February 2023

Sudhakar Singh, Editor, Industry Outlook

Aero India 2023, the 14th edition of Asia’s largest aero show concluded on 17th February. It was a major event for the aerospace industry in India, drawing in experts and innovators from around the world. Over the course of five days, more than 800 companies displayed their aerospace and defense capabilities during the event. At the show, attendees had the opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in aerospace technology and discuss strategies for further development.

The event was a successful one, with 266 partnerships being forged, which included 201 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), 53 major announcements, nine product launches and three Transfers of Technology (ToT), estimated to be worth approximately Rs 80,000 crores.

“The sky of Bengaluru is becoming a witness to the capability of New India. Bengaluru's sky is giving a testimony that the new height is the truth of New India. Today, the nation is touching new heights and even crossing it,” said PM Narendra Modi. In this article, we will be looking at three key takeaways for the aerospace industry from Aero India 2023 and what they mean for the industry.

The Shift towards Indigenous Technologies

Aero India 2023 was a testimony to the fact that the aerospace engineering in India is undergoing a shift towards indigenous technologies. This shift has been driven largely by government initiatives that have emphasized the need to move away from reliance on foreign suppliers and promote the growth of local manufacturing capabilities. The Indian government's Make in India campaign has been especially influential in this regard, with its focus on the creation of an ecosystem that facilitates research, cutting-edge innovation, and development.

The event witnessed some interesting product launches. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) showcased its new air-defense weapon system, the VL-SRSAM. The vertical-launch short-range surface-to-air missile is designed for Indian Navy vessels to provide quick defense against fast and low aerial threats such as aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles. This all-weather system is expected to offer top performance in engaging supersonic targets in various scenarios.

Bharat Electronics Limited presented HF SDR Radio which is a state-of-the-art software defined radio. It has a lightweight 20 W transmit capability and a variety of features to

cover short distance communications in the HF band or longer line of sight connections. This advanced solution offers complete coverage for many communication needs.

Increasing Global Partnerships with International Enterprises

The aerospace industry is a globalized sector, and India has much to gain from entering into strategic partnerships with other countries and companies. By collaborating with stakeholders from around the world, India can access the necessary resources and knowledge to develop advanced aerospace technology solutions. Global partnerships can also provide opportunities to cost-effectively scale up local production, and to benefit from a competitive advantage in the world market.

At Aero India 2023, HAL signed a contract with the Argentinian Air Force (AAF) to provide spares and engine repairs for two-tonne class helicopters. Moreover, they entered into a workshare agreement with Safran Helicopter Engines to jointly develop an engine intended for the 13-ton Indian Multi-Role Helicopter and its naval version Deck Based Multi-Role Helicopter. Gopalan Aerospace India Private Limited and Omnipol of Czech Republic signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for manufacturing 1st passenger aircraft (L 410 UVP-E20 version).

Furthermore, Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) partnered with Thales to set up manufacturing facilities for Laser Guided Rockets as well as its components in India. In addition, Airbus partnered with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru to expand access to aerospace education and research.

Opening the Door to Global Supply Chain for Local MSMEs and Startups

The aero show provided MSMEs with an opportunity to work with aerospace and defense suppliers in order to gain access to defense procurement programs, as well as a range of supply chain services. They also had the chance to take part in technology transfer programs and partner up with companies from around the world in order to gain access to new skillsets and technologies. Home-grown organizations made their presence felt by launching a broad range of exciting products and services.

NopoNano Technologies, located in Bengaluru, showcased single-walled carbon nanotubes which are used for applications in aerospace such as coatings and batteries. These nanotubes received attention from visitors at Aero India due to their wide range of capabilities that can be put to use for various projects in the aerospace industry. Redwing Aerospace Labs, a startup based in Bengaluru, has achieved the commendable feat of developing an indigenous medical drone. This prototype has been deployed in Arunachal Pradesh's small town Seppa to deliver medicines and vaccines to remote areas that are difficult to access because of their mountainous terrain.

Driven by the monumental efforts such as Aero India, the Indian aerospace industry is set to become one of the largest in the world in the years to come. The industry is on the cusp of an aerospace manufacturing revolution, driven by advanced technologies, bold government initiatives, and major investments in R&D and facility expansion. In the near future, India is going to become a dominant force in the global aerospace ecosystem, and an exporter of aerospace products and services. With the emergence of a comprehensive regional aerospace industrial infrastructure and ecosystem, the sector will also witness a rapid growth in exports and investments.