India's first C-295 aircraft formally inducted into IAF by Rajnath Singh

Digital Desk: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday formally inducted the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF) in the presence of Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari and other top military officials at the Hindon Airbase in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh.

The new generation C295 from Airbus is a highly adaptable tactical transport designed for missions ranging from carrying troops and cargo, and maritime patrol to signals intelligence and medical evacuation. At a maximum cruise speed of 260 knots, it can transport up to nine tonnes of payload or as many as 71 troops.

At the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, the Defence Minister inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 show. The Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Drone Federation of India (DFI) are hosting the massive drone show.

The Defence Minister and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari witnessed the skill of the Indian drone industry after inaugurating the Bharat Drone Shakti-2023 expo.

Live aerial demonstrations of a range of drone operations and uses by several drone companies were presented at Bharat Drone Shakti 2023.

Notably, the IAF is working with the Drone Federation of India (DFI) to jointly host Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 after realizing the potential of domestic drone design and development.

Live aerial displays will take place during an event, which is slated for September 25 and 26, at the IAF's Hindan airfield in Ghaziabad.

In India, the use of drones for both military and non-military purposes is increasing. According to a press release, drone technology has quickly changed the civil and defence sectors by improving efficiency, lowering risk exposure, and raising capabilities.

In deploying remotely piloted aircraft for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions, the IAF has extensive expertise.

According to the press release, the IAF started the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition to capitalize on India's expanding drone technology industry and demonstrate its confidence in the country's drone capabilities.

With Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, the IAF is prepared to capitalize on this experience even more.

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 seeks to emphasize the full potential of the Indian drone industry, with a remarkable roster of over 50 live airborne demonstrations.

According to the press release, these demonstrations will cover a wide range of drone applications, such as survey, agriculture, fire suppression, tactical surveillance, heavy-lift logistics, loitering munition systems, drone swarms, and counter-drone solutions.

More than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities will also actively participate in the event.

Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, which is projected to gather around 5,000 attendees, will act as a focal point for a variety of stakeholders.

The event is expected to be attended by officials from state departments, the military, paramilitary organizations, friendly foreign nations, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts, stated the release.