Defence Minister launches “Bharat Drone Shakti-2023” on September 25 at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. Furthermore, the Defence Minister formally commissioned the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force
On Monday, 25th September, the Union Defence Minister, Rajnath Singh, inaugurated the “Bharat Drone Shakti-2023” exhibition at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. During the same event, he officially introduced the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force, with the presence of top military officials, including Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari. The Indian Air Force collaborated with the Drone Federation of India to organise the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 exhibition, acknowledging the potential of indigenous drone design and development.
The event, slated for the 25th and 26th of September at the Hindon airbase in Ghaziabad, featured live aerial demonstrations. Drones are gaining prominence in India for both military and non-military applications. According to an official press release, drone technology has rapidly transformed civil and defence sectors, enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and expanding capabilities.
The IAF initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition to capitalise on India’s growing drone technology industry and demonstrate confidence in the country’s drone capabilities. The Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 event further enables the IAF to harness this expertise. With over 50 live airborne displays, “Drone-shakti” – Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 – aimed to showcase the full potential of the Indian drone industry.
These demonstrations encompassed various 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. The event also witnessed active participation from more than 75 drone start-ups and corporate entities.
“Bharat Drone Shakti 2023” is expected to serve as a focal point for a wide array of stakeholders, including representatives from central government agencies, state departments, public and private industries, armed forces, paramilitary forces, friendly foreign countries, academic institutions, students, and drone enthusiasts. 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 aims to showcase Indian drone capabilities and facilitate networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts. Importantly, “Bharat Drone Shakti 2023” signifies a significant step towards realising the full potential of this transformative technology for the country’s benefit.
