- Show takes off on a runway to a billion opportunities theme
By Sangeeta Saxena
Bangalore. 13 February 2023. Corona clouds and masks are a thing of the past . Aero India is back with a bang. All roads lead to Yelahanka Airforce Station in Bangalore which is bustling with activity and cynosure of all eyes. This is Day 1 at the 14th edition of Aero India which promises the biggest one to date.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the show to a jam packed audience and an enthralling air display which made each and every Indian proud.“Bengaluru sky is bearing testimony to the capabilities of New India. This new height is the reality of New India. India will take rapid strides to be included among the largest defence manufacturing countries and our private sector and investors will play a big role in that. Aero India’s deafening roar echoes India’s message of Reform, Perform and Transform,” said PM Narendra Modi while declaring the show open.
“Today, Aero India is not only a show, but it is also reflection of India’s self confidence and capabilities,” he reiterated to the bureaucrats, diplomats , defence forces officials and the vast and varied audience sitting in the stands to witness the inauguration.
It was an enthralling flypast by the Indian Airforce fleet which performed great feat in the sky above, which kicked off with the IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari leading the Gurukul formation on a LCA SPT aircraft flanked by two Hindustan Turbo Trainers and two Intermediate Jet Trainers. HAWK-i followed in line after the LCA SPT, while Hindustan-228 was in the last position.
Besides, the LCH Prachand made by HAL also performed aerobatics at the show to a scintillating song with great lyrics rendered powerfully. Something different was the presence of white and blue Indian Coast Guard’s advanced light helicopters (ALH) flying past. Along with these the Indian Army’s advanced light helicopters (ALH) roared in the skies. Helicopters of the Indian Air Force’s aerobatic team ‘Sarang’ performed great aerial antics in their bright and so Indian livery. Indian Air Force’s light utility helicopters made the audience stare. And what made the audience gasp mesmerized were the Suryakiran aerobatics team of the (IAF). Indian Air Force’s C17 Globemaster lead a formation of the Suryakirans.
The most inviting were the first time in India F-35 US Navy Fighters made by Lockheed Martin and attracted audiences in plenty. Sadly they will be on static display only. The US Navy F-16 is also parked on the tarmac , which one hopes will fly. And for all Hollywood fans and Tom Cruise die hards, two F/A 18 both single and twin seater variants are being showcased here at Yelahanka. All are here from the US Pacific force stationed in a base in Japan.
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