New Delhi: The 12th edition of Asia's premier air show 'Aero India-2019' began at Yelahanka air force station in Bengaluru today with 61 metal birds, including HAL's indigenous products Light Combat Aircraft Tejas all set to roar in the city skies. The five-day long biennial event, which will showcase India's air defence prowess, will also act as a platform for aviation companies, the defence sector and government to forge new alliances and contracts.
However, the death of a pilot from Indian Air Force's aerobatic team Surya Kiran during a rehersal on Tuesday has cast its shadow on the show.
Besides the Tejas, the HTT-40 (Basic Trainer Aircraft), first indigenously upgraded Hawk Mk132- named as Hawk-i, Civil Do-228, Advanced Light Helicopter (Rudra), Light Utility Helicopter (LUH),Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) are scheduled to fly in the air show.
Here are the Highlights from Aero India 2019 Bengaluru:
Feb 20, 2019 13:11 (IST)
Around 5,000 guests and invitees were treated to a two-hour spectacular flying display of fighter jets, helicopters and civilian aircraft.
Feb 20, 2019 12:50 (IST)
International CEOs' round table conference begins at Aero India in Bengaluru. A total of 24 CEOs -- 13 foreign and 11 Indian -- are part of the conference.
Feb 20, 2019 11:21 (IST)
Rafale combat aircraft flew at low speed to pay tribute to Wing Commander Sahil Gandhi who died in a mid-air collision during rehearsal in a Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team's aircraft on Tuesday.
Feb 20, 2019 09:33 (IST)
India Air Force's Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team Aircraft lies with their canopies covered on runway behind the inaugural venue of Aero India 2019, according to news agency ANI. The aircraft won't participate in it due to the loss of two aircraft and one pilot in a mid-air collision during rehearsal on Tuesday.
Feb 20, 2019 09:30 (IST)
"India will purchase 2,300 new air planes. We are coming up with the strategy to set up the roadmap and ecosystem to improve the manufacturing destination in India," says Union Minister Suresh Prabhu.
Feb 20, 2019 09:23 (IST)
"India has introduced procedural reforms in defence manufacturing. We have space for everyone including of DPSUs, private firms and others. Aero India Show is a mega event that showcases India's capabilities and strength in aerospace," says Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Dr Subhash Bhamre at the inauguration of Aero India-2019.