The Indian aerospace firm, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), delivered an advanced light helicopter to Mauritius ahead of schedule, strengthening ties between the two countries. The helicopter, an ALH Mk III, was handed over to the Mauritius Police Force, and HAL pledged to provide all necessary technical, logistic, and maintenance support for the helicopter in Mauritius.
PM Narendra Modi with Mauritius PM, Pravind Jugnauth
The delivery of the helicopter marked a significant achievement for HAL, which showcased 15 made-in-India helicopters, including an advanced light helicopter, during the Aero India 2023 event. The exhibition featured multiple variants of indigenous air platforms, such as LCA-Tejas, HTT-40, Dornier Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), and Light Combat Helicopter (LCH).
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the event, which attracted participation from over 80 countries. The theme of the event was ‘The Runway to a Billion Opportunities,’ and it focused on displaying indigenous equipment and technologies, forging partnerships with foreign companies, and integrating domestic MSMEs and start-ups into the global supply chain.
The exhibition also featured a CEOs Round Table, chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, which explored opportunities beyond boundaries. The event attracted participation from around 30 countries’ ministers and 65 CEOs of global and Indian OEMs.
Among the major exhibitors were Airbus, Boeing, Dassault Aviation, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industry, BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and BEML Limited.
PM Modi to inaugurated Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru
In addition to global giants, Aero India 2023 also hosted several Indian companies, including MSMEs and start-ups. These firms showcased the latest in niche technologies and aerospace and defence capabilities in India.
The event’s major exhibitors included BrahMos Aerospace, Army Aviation, HC Robotics, SAAB, Safran, Rolls Royce, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge Limited, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), and BEML Limited.
The aim of the exhibition was to foster partnerships between Indian and foreign firms, with a focus on co-development and co-production. This was expected to provide a boost to India’s domestic supply chain, while also attracting foreign investments.
As the world’s largest aero show, Aero India 2023 provided a unique platform for industry players to showcase their latest innovations, products and services. With participation from leading companies in the aerospace and defence sectors, the event further strengthened India’s position as a major player in these industries.
