Aero India 2023: DRDO To Demonstrate Indigenous Technologies & Future Systems

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) intends to display a variety of indigenous defence technologies and systems at Aero India 2023, which will be held in Bengaluru from 13 to 17 February.

In addition to displaying its flagship products at the India Pavilion, the DRDO will exhibit a wide range of indigenously developed products and technologies, including numerous exhibits, flight displays and seminars.

The participation of the DRDO in the mega show will be marked by the flight demonstrations of LCA Tejas, LCA Tejas PV6, NETRA AEW&C and TAPAS UAV.

Aeronautical Systems, Missiles, Armaments, Electronics, Micro Electronic Devices and Computational Systems, Soldier Support Technologies, Life-sciences, Naval and Material Science and other technologies will be displayed by the DRDO.

According to DRDO officials, the pavilion will feature over 330 products divided into 12 categories, including Combat Aircraft and UAVs, Missiles and Strategic Systems, Engine and Propulsion Systems, Airborne Surveillance Systems, Sensors Electronic Warfare and Communication Systems, Parachute and Drop Systems, Artificial Intelligence Machine Learning and Cyber Systems, Materials, Land Systems and Munitions, Life Support Services, and Industry and Academia Outreach.

“The key highlights will be the display of its flagship platforms and systems from the Combat Aircraft and UAVs zone, such as AMCA, LCA Tejas Mk2, TEDBF, ARCHER, TAPAS UAV, Abhyas, Autonomous Stealth Wing Flying Test Bed,” a DRDO official said.

The Missiles and Strategic Systems Zone will display Akash, Astra, QRSAM, Helina, Nag and Pralay.

The Engine and Propulsion Zone will feature the FACECU, Gearbox module, Kaveri Dry Engine Prototype and Small Turbo Fan Engine.

There will also be an Airborne Surveillance Systems Zone and a Sensors Electronic Warfare and Communications Systems Zone, with AEW&C-NETRA, AEW&C-MkII, MMMA Aircraft, IFF, AAAU Model TWIR, BFSR-SR, Bharani, Ashlesha, AATRU, ASPJ Pod, LEOP on display.

The DRDO is also working on Airborne Sonar with Helicopter Model, as well as Air Launched Directional Sonobuoy from the Naval Systems Zone.

In terms of cutting-edge technologies, the DRDO is preparing to demonstrate the Air Warfare Simulation System, QRNG from the Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Cyber Systems Zone.

The India Pavilion, the main pavilion, will feature five DRDO products. AEWC&C Mk-II, AMCA, LCA Tejas Mk2, TEDBF and Archer are among the exhibits (Image intelligence with Weapon Payloads).

The indigenous Medium Altitude Long Endurance class UAV TAPAS-BH will also make its flying debut as part of the participation (Tactical Aerial Platform for Advanced Surveillance – Beyond Horizon). The TAPAS-BH will demonstrate its capabilities and cover both static and aerial displays.

TAPAS is the DRDO's solution to the ISTAR tri-services requirements. The UAV can operate at altitudes of up to 28000 feet and has an endurance of more than 18 hours.

The DRDO will also hold a seminar on the development of aero engines in India, titled 'Futuristic Aerospace Technologies, including Way Forward for Development of Indigenous Aero Engines'. The search for an indigenous aero engine for various fighter jet projects remains high on the government's priority list.

During the seminar, the DRDO will also hand over 16 Licensing Agreements for Technology Transfer (LAToT) for 11 DRDO-developed technologies to 15 industries. It includes the MiG-29K Health Usage and Monitoring System, which was developed with the help of the Technology Development Fund (TDF) and will be handed over to the Vice Chief of Naval Staff.

“Aero India 2023 is an excellent opportunity for the Indian aerospace community to foster the cause of indigenous development of military systems and technologies in the spirit of self-reliance and national pride,” said a DRDO spokesperson. 

It will serve as a platform for collaboration and the development of new opportunities to increase the export of indigenous defence products. Various interactions with scientists are expected to explain and demonstrate the systems and exhibits, he added.