While defence equipment manufacturers were earlier reluctant to let India jointly produce their war machines under licence, more and more renowned companies in the trade, like Lockheed Martin at the Aero India 2019, are now ready to turn Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship 'Make in India' initiative a roaring success
Bangalore: The 12th edition of Aero India 2019 is bigger and better in every sense as not only 61 latest flying mean machines are on display, but industry giants are making major announcements and tie-ups to boost Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagship programme ‘Make in India’.
The five-day mega event began with much awaited Rafale fighter jet taking a centre-stage and several other aircraft and advanced helicopters scheduled to fly in the air show. Here are some major announcements in the mega air show:
Also read: Aero India 2019: India’s first self-made fighter jet LCA Tejas is now combat ready
The US defence giant Lockheed Martin showcased their F-21 multi-role fighter jet, which will now be made locally under the 'Make in India' program. The company claims that the F-21 fighter jet is specifically configured to address the unique requirements of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Lockheed Martin will build the plane in collaboration with Tata Advanced Systems.
The F-21 is different, inside and out, delivering unmatched Make in India opportunities and strengthening . Meet the :
— Lockheed Martin (@LockheedMartin)The US defence major, which had earlier offered its F-16 fighter to India, claims the F-21 is different, inside and out.
India’s first self-made fighter jet Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas is finally ready to be used in operations by the IAF. LCA Tejas received the final operational clearance for induction into the air force as a fully-weaponised fighter jet. At the Aero show, the country’s military aviation regulator CEMILAC gave the final operational clearance certificate and other release-to-service documents to Chief of Air Staff Air Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa.
Final Operational Clearance (FOC) of LCA Tejas MK I for Indian Air Force https://t.co/uvYB5u0IQW pic.twitter.com/RbK0j7Nsjo
— DRDO (@DRDO_India)LCA Tejas performed air-to-ground attacks and air-to-air refuelling at IAF's Vayu Shakti air display at Pokhran in Rajasthan on February 16. The IAF recently placed an order of 83 advanced FOC aircraft of the LCA Tejas. These jets will replace the Jaguar, Mirage and MiG 29 fighter jets.
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