Defence minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday inaugurated Hindustan Aeronautics Limited's (HAL) second Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) production line in Bengaluru, ahead of the upcoming Aero India 2021. During the inauguration Singh said, "India cannot remain dependent on other countries for the defence of our own nation." He also lauded HAL for procuring an order of ₹48,000 crore from armed forces. "This is the biggest procurement in terms of indigenous defence procurement, which will give new heights to Indian aerospace sector," he also said.
"I have been informed that several countries have expressed interest in procuring Tejas M1A and I assure you that you will get orders from other countries very soon," the Union defence minister added.
Last month, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS), chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the largest indigenous defence procurement deal worth about ₹48,000 crore to buy 83 LCA Tejas Mark1A fighter jets.
The deal to be signed in the next few days with HAL would strengthen the Indian Air Force's fleet of homegrown fighter jet 'LCA-Tejas' and overall combat capability.
The Aero India, which provides a platform for aerospace companies to showcase their products and services is scheduled to be held from February 3 to 5 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bengaluru. During the inaugural day, 41 aircraft including Dakota, Su-30 MKI would participate in the flight display while there would be 63 aircraft on static display.
This year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the air show would be a hybrid one, which means delegates would be present either physically or virtually. It is mandatory for people who will be attending the event to carry a negative RT-PCR report for Covid-19 test.
{{/usCountry}}This year due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the air show would be a hybrid one, which means delegates would be present either physically or virtually. It is mandatory for people who will be attending the event to carry a negative RT-PCR report for Covid-19 test.
{{/usCountry}}The key attractions would be the display by Surya Kiran aircraft and Sarang helicopters, which would be participating for the first time in this biennial event.