Aero India 2021 on Thursday witnessed integrated display of Sarangs and Surya Kirans entertaining limited number of spectators allowed due to Coronavirus situation.
The inaugural flying display which usually is a major attraction of the show was incomparable with previous editions. The show began with three Mi-8 helicopters flying in formation. The actual display started with two ALH maritime choppers and a light utility helicopter flying in formation, followed by a Dhanush formation by light combat helicopter and HAL’s Atmanirbhar formation flight that had the HTT-40, Hawk-i, Sitara amd Dornier-228.
The air display was mostly crowded by HAL-manufactured aircraft in the absence of a big foreign presence. Other than the Rafale — which for the first time flew in Indian colours at Aero India — and the US B-1B Lancer bomber, all other aircraft, including choppers, were from the hangars of HAL.
A total of 602 exhibitors are taking part in the Aero India 2021. Of those, 524 are Indian companies, while 78 exhibitors have participated from 12 different countries. Due to Covid-19 situation, more than 50% of the exhibitors will virtually take part in the exhibition.
Some of the prominent Indian exhibitors include AEROSPACE ENGINEERS PRIVATE LIMITED, ABHYUDAY BHARAT MEGA DEFENCE CLUSTER (LLP), BEML LIMITED, DASSAULT SYSTEMES INDIA PRIVATE LIMITED, HAL AIRCRAFT DIVISION, BANGALORE and NAVAL SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGICAL LABORATORY (NSTL) among others. While, foreign exhibitors include SCHIEBEL (Austria), AIRBUS SAS (France), DASSAULT AVIATION (France), ISRAEL AEROSPACE INDUSTRIES LTD. (Israel) and REMDIZEL JSC (Russian Federation) among other foreign companies.
Karnataka chief minister BS Yediyurappa said, “It is a matter of pride for Karnataka and people of Bengaluru for being chosen as a host for another edition of Aero India. Over the years, the state has developed unique environment and infrastructure for holding an event of this magnitude.”
