AEROMAG ONLINE 75th Indian INDEPENDENCE DAY issue by Aeromag

www.aeromagonline.com | August 2021

a magazine dedicated to aerospace & defence industry

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Content Editorial Advisory Board Dr. C.G. Krishnadas Nair Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (Rtd) PVSM, AVSM, VM & Bar Air Marshal P. Rajkumar (Rtd) PVSM, AVSM, VM Air Marshal Ajit Bhavnani (Rtd) PVSM,AVSM, VM(G) Rear Admiral K. Mohanan (Rtd), AVSM Dr . K. Ram Chand Mr. J.K.Sharma Mr. Arunakar Mishra

India’s military: From strength to strength in 75 years

Berlin, Germany Detlef Becker E : dw.becker@arcor.de T : +49 3375 5857590 M : + 491 701626053 Paris, France Marie-Thérèse Bonfigli E : mt.bonfigli@indavia.com M : +33 (0)6 89 20 95 68 Moscow, Russia George Smirnov E : gs1972@yandex.ru M : +7 (906)711-0351 / (495)644-17-33

Rosoboronexport to unveil latest products at IDEF 2021 in Turkey

IAC Vikrant completed its maiden sea voyage

Sunny Jerome Managing Editor Preethi M. Associate Editor David Barnabhas Design

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Printed and Published by Sunny Jerome, Managing Editor, Aeromag Asia, Aerosun Media, Aeronautical Society of India Building, Suranjandas Road, Off Old Madras Road,Bangalore 560075, Karnataka. Printed at Rashtrotthana Mudranalaya, 19/1, K.G.Nagar, Bangalore-19.

Rafale aircraft inducted into No. 101 Squadron of IAF

Indian Navy – UAE Navy Bilateral Exercise Zayed Talwar 2021

GKN Aerospace leads new Swedish Project on hydrogen propulsion

53 SAMAD Aerospace Completes Hover Tests for eStarling

Eastern Fleet Ships on Overseas Operational Deployment

58 7

Modi announced major schemes for National Growth Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced six major initiatives for reaching all the government schemes to the majority of the population. In his Independence Day speech on 15th August from the Red Fort, Prime Minister announced the following schemes. Ayushman Bharat which offers free medical insurance, Ujjwala Yojana that offers free LPG connections, the twin life insurance schemes backed by the government, the Atal Pension scheme, the PM Housing Scheme and Har Ghar Jal Scheme for drinking water. 8

English rendering of the text of PM’s address from the Red Fort on 75th Independence Day My dear countrymen! Best wishes to all of you and those who love India and democracy from all over the world on the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom, the 75th Independence Day. Today, on the pious festival of the Amrit Mahotsav of freedom, the country is bowing to all its freedom fighters and brave heroes who continue to sacrifice themselves day and night in the defense of the nation. The country is remembering every

personality, including the revered Bapu, who made freedom a mass movement, Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, who sacrificed everything for the freedom, or great revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh, Chandrasekhar Azad, Bismil and Ashfaqulla Khan; Rani of Jhansi Lakshmibai, Queen Chennamma of Kittur or Rani Gaidinliu or the valour of MatanginiHazra in Assam; the country's first Prime Minister Pandit Nehru ji, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, who integrated the country into a united nation, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar, who determined and paved the way for the future direction of India. The country is indebted to all these great personalities. India is a land endowed with gems. I salute countless people from every corner of India whose names don’t even figure in history, but who have built this nation and have also taken it forward in every period. India has fought for the motherland, culture and freedom for centuries. This country never gave up the pain of slavery and the longing for freedom for centuries. In the midst of victories and defeats, the aspiration of freedom engraved in the mind was never diminished. Today is the time to bow down to the leaders of all these struggles, the warriors of centuries of struggle and they also deserve our reverence. Our doctors, nurses, paramedical staff, sanitation staff, scientists engaged in developing vaccines, millions of countrymen engaged with the spirit of service during this Corona global pandemic also deserve praise from all of us. Today there are floods in some areas of the country, landslides have also occurred. Some sad news also keeps coming. The hardships of the people have increased in many areas. At such a time, both the Central and State Governments are with them in complete readiness. Today, the young athletes and our players who have brought laurels to India are also present in this event. Some are present and sitting here. Today, I appeal to all the countrymen, those who are present here and all those who are present in this ceremony from every corner of India, that in the honour of our players, for a few moments let's salute them with resounding clapping applause and show respect for their huge accomplishments. Let us show our respect to the sports of India, youth of India and honour the young Indians who bring laurels to the nation. Crores of countrymen are showing respect to the youth of India, especially the athletes who brought honour to India with a thunderous applause. I can be proud that they have not only won our hearts today, but also inspired the youth of India and future generations with their huge achievements. Full text will be available in www.aeromagonline.com

India’s military: From strength to strength in 75 years During Independence, India did not belong to the category of nations which possessed the strongest armed forces. However, since then, the country has grown steadily into one of the world's biggest military powers.

s India is celebrating ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’, marking the 75th year of Independence from foreign rule, the nation has to be much proud of its armed forces, which have played a major role in preserving this freedom. Ever since Independence, India has grown steadily into one of the world's biggest military powers. At present, the strength of active armed personnel of the nation is over 14.4 lakh and all the three wings of the services – Army, Navy and Air Force – are among the most advanced in the world. Moreover, there is significant budgetary allocation in India’s budget for defence. For instance, the amount sanctioned for the Indian military for the financial year 2021 is Rs 4.78 lakh crore. Reducing imports However, an issue related to defence affecting the country since Independence is yet to be completely solved. It is regarding defence imports. The requirements of the armed forces far outweigh the output of the domestic defence industry, forcing the country to import armaments, advanced equipment and aircraft. This has led to a situation whereby India is the second largest defence importer in the world making up 9.2% of global arms import. As much as 12% of worldwide arms exports by value reach India. The country produces only 45-50% of defence products it uses, while the rest are imported. As a result, the Indian Government, over the years, has launched several programmes to boost the domestic defence industry with the aim of reducing imports. Currently, 80% of India’s defence industry is owned by the government. The public sector undertakings engaged in defence-related activities include the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and its 50 labs, four defence shipyards, five defence PSUs and 41 ordnance factories. Considering the situation, the Indian government has recently allowed the private sector also to

Narendra Modi Prime Minister

Rajnath Singh Defence Minister

enter the defence production arena. In addition, the country launched a new defence procurement, acquisition and manufacturing policy to reduce imports and enhance domestic production. In fact, the ‘Defence Production Policy of 2018’ (DPrP2018) has set a goal for India to become one among the top five global producers of aerospace and defence manufacturing with an

MPR and LLTR Ashwin. Private firms The following are among the major private companies who have received defence manufacturing licence in India: Bharat Forge; Kalyani Group, which is developing the DRDO Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS); Larsen & Toubro; Tata Group and SSS Defence. In September 2019, DRDO formulated the ‘DRDO Policy and Procedures for Transfer of Technology’ and released information on ‘DRDO-Industry Partnership: Synergy and Growth and DRDO Products with Potential for Export’.

annual export target of US Dollars 5 billion by 2025. India has been striving for greater indigenisation of military hardware as it imports around 70% by value of its high-tech defence hardware such as aircraft, ships, submarines and missiles from countries such as Russia, Japan, Israel and the United States. Meanwhile, indigenization projects by DRDO have made good progress. This has led to the successful use by the Indian armed forces of numerous technologies produced by the organization such as Varunastra, Maareech, Ushus, Advanced Light Torpedo (TAL) Shyena; Electronic Warfare Technologies, radars, composite materials for LCA, AEW&C, Astra, LCA Tejas; ASAT, BrahMos, Nag missile, SAAW, Arjun MBT Mk 1A, 46 metre Modular Bridge,

Make in India After the Narendra Modi government came to power in 2014, several programmes such as ‘Make in India’ have been launched to promote Indian defence manufacturing. In fact, the government, in its first year itself, cleared 39 capital procurement proposals, of which 32 proposals worth Rs 88,900 crore were categorized as Buy (Indian) and Buy and Make (Indian), which are the top two prioritized domestic industry-centric procurement categories as per the defence procurement procedure (DPP). From the year 2000 to 2020, India’s defence budget allocation increased from Rs 58,587 crore to Rs 471,378 crore. By 2015, India was recognised as the seventhlargest military spending nation, but in 2016, it moved up to the fourth-largest military spending nation in the world. Defence public sector undertakings Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL): A Navratna Company, HAL is the largest DPSU under the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. HAL has 20 production divisions, 11 R&D centres and one facility management division spread across the country. It has so far produced 15 types of aircraft from in-house R&D and 14 types under licence. Major aircraft/helicopters in the current production range are SU-30MKI Multi-role Fighter, Hawk - Advanced Jet Trainer, Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Dornier-228 Light Transport Aircraft, Dhruv-

Advanced Light Helicopter and Cheetal- helicopters. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL): Also a Navratna Company, BEL established in 1954 has nine units across India. BEL has core competencies in the Defence sector in areas of Radars & Weapon Systems, Sonars, Communication, EWS, ElectroOptics and Tank Electronics. Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL): A Mini Ratna Category-I Company, BDL was incorporated in the year 1970 under the Ministry of Defence. A pioneer in the manufacture of Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGM) in the country, BDL is now involved in manufacturing ATGMs of new generation, surface-to-air weapon systems, strategic weapons, launchers, underwater weapons, decoys and test equipment. Currently, Akash Weapons System (AWS) is one of the major products indigenously produced by BDL with DRDO as designer, which is being supplied to Indian Army and Air Force. BEML: Established in 1964, BEML is a Mini-Ratna (Category-1) public sector undertaking. The company has nine manufacturing units located at Bengaluru, Kolar Gold Fields (KGF), Mysuru and Palakkad and subsidiary steel foundry in Tarikere, Chikmagalur district of Karnataka and engaged in design, development, manufacturing, sales and aftersales activities of a wide range of areas of Mining & Construction, Defence and Rail & Metro products. The company's international business covers over 58 countries in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited (MIDHANI): A Mini-Ratna company, MIDHANI was established in 1973 to achieve self-reliance in the manufacture of a wide spectrum of critical and complex alloys like super alloys, titanium alloys, special steels & stainless steels, soft magnetic alloys etc. in variety of mill forms using state-of-art production facilities. MIDHANI caters to the needs of Defence, space, aeronautics, nuclear power, electronics, tele-communications and many other strategic sectors of the country. MIDHANI has developed, manufactured and supplied more than 105 grades of high performance alloys in different shapes, sizes, forms towards programmes of national importance in the Defence, Space and Atomic Energy sectors. Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL): The shipyard is engaged in construction of warships and submarines. MDL is presently constructing Missile Destroyers, Stealth Frigates and Scorpene Submarines in order to achieve selfreliance in warship production for the Indian Navy. Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE): Another Mini-Ratna Category-I company, GRSE is a profit-making and dividend paying DPSU for the last 22 years. It has kept pace with India's expanding maritime interests and is established as a leading shipbuilding yard. Presently, vessels under construction in GRSE include Anti-Submarine Warfare Corvettes, Landing Craft Utility ships and Water Jet Fast Attack Crafts. Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL): It is also a Mini-Ratna Group-I status company capable of indigenously designing and building sophisticated high technology ships for Indian Defence Forces and other varied clients including export markets. Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL): The largest and a strategically located shipyard in India, HSL has built around 180 vessels and repaired over 1,940 vessels for defence and maritime sector.

Rosoboronexport to unveil latest products at IDEF 2021 in Turkey Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) is the organizer of a joint Russian exhibit at the International Defense Industry Fair (IDEF) 2021, which will be held from August 17 to 20, 2021 in Istanbul, Turkey. “The IDEF exhibition is among the ten largest international defense industry exhibitions and is one of the most important venues to showcase armaments in Europe. Rosoboronexport will unveil the latest Russian military products in Istanbul for the first time in Turkey,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport. “Among them are the Su57E fifth-generation fighter, Typhoon K-63969 MRAP vehicle, Orion-E reconnaissance/strike UAV system, BK-16E high-speed craft for special operations, as well as the Msta-S selfpropelled howitzer modified to fire NATOstandard 155 mm ammunition.” Rosoboronexport’s Stand 232 will be located in Hall No. 2 of the Istanbul TÜYAP Fair Convention and Congress Center. It will feature products from Russia’s leading defense manufacturers: Kalashnikov Concern, UralVagonZavod (UVZ) Concern, United Aircraft Corporation (UAC) and Russian Helicopters, which are Rostec’s subsidiaries, Almaz-Antey Air and Space Defense Corporation and a number of other companies. In particular, scale models of the Su-57E fifth-generation fighter, Su-35 multirole supermaneuverable fighter, Ka-52 scout/attack helicopter, T-90S MBT and the BMPT tank support fighting vehicle will be on display. In total, the company will present information on 400+ Russian military, dual-use and civilian products at the exhibition. At Rosoboronexport’s stand, Naberezhnye Chelny-based Remdiesel will showcase scale models of the Typhoon K-63968, Typhoon K-53949 MRAP vehicles and a protected tactical ambulance vehicle. Automatika Concern will exhibit the Kupol portable counter-drone system, while KBIS LLC will

present Lobaev Arms sniper rifles that are well known among professionals: tactical TSVL-8 Stalingrad, long-range DXL-3 Vozmezdie and ultra-long-range DXL-4 Sevastopol. Special Technology Center, the manufacturer of the most popular Russian Orlan-10E UAV, and the Ural Instrument-Making Plant, which produces aviation and airfield equipment, will present promotional materials on their products. Almaz-Antey and Kalashnikov will also take part in the joint Russian exhibit. They will showcase their most in-demand products marketed by Rosoboronexport, including the S-400 Triumf long-range air defense missile system, the Viking and Buk-M2E medium-range SAM systems and various versions of the Tor-M2E short-range SAM system. Kalashnikov Concern, a Rostec subsidiary, will exhibit mockups of Kalashnikov assault rifles of all modern series (AK-101, AK-102, AK-103, AK-104, AK-201, AK-202, AK-203, AK-204 and AK-15), SVD, SVDS sniper rifles and the Vityaz submachine gun. As part of the IDEF 2021 business program, Rosoboronexport will hold meetings and negotiations with representatives of the Turkish armed forces and other law enforcement agencies of the country, as well as with partners from other countries in the region. Rosoboronexport plans to discuss the implementation of ongoing contractual obligations and promising military-technical cooperation projects.

Shivayu Aerospace: Focus on Equipment Manufacturing, Diversification

Gp Capt ER Rajappan (Retd) Managing Director Shivayu Aerospace

hivayu Aerospace Components is a Bangalore based startup company promoted by Gp Capt ER Rajappan – an Indian Air Force veteran driven by the passion for manufacturing state-of-the-art aerospace and defence equipment as well to support legacy equipment of the Armed Forces through indigenization leveraging reverse and value-added engineering process. The company’s vision is to support India’s efforts to develop; fifth generation fighter aircraft, combat helicopters, drones, radars, combat and ancillary equipment for the Armed Forces and Paramilitary Forces, thus enhancing the nation’s defence preparedness and ensuring internal security. The company is serving the Aerospace, Aviation and Defence industries in India and across the globe by providing Product Design to Manufacturing of high precision components through constant innovation and collaboration with the stake holders. Shivayu Aerospace offers a one-stop solution from product design to manufacturing solutions with its in-house state-of-the art CNC machines, CADCAM software and highly qualified and experienced aeronautical and military engineers. The driving force behind Shivayu Aerospace is Gp Capt ER Rajappan (Retd)- a

highly experienced Aerospace, Aviation and Defence, Management and Leadership expert and his sole aim is to support indigenous development of aerospace and military hardware. The highly qualified and motivated teams of engineers of Shivayu Aerospace are in continuous collaboration with the leading aerospace, aviation and defence industries in India and many countries across the globe for design, development and manufacturing of aerospace and defence products and rendering aviation consulting services (airport design and construction). In its four years of existence, the company has immensely benefitted from the increased demand in the aerospace, defence and aviation industries. The company also aims to grab a share of opportunities in the huge Offset Clause in the military hardware being procured from overseas companies. The company’s business development and scaling up of resources are in tune with the projected demand in the aerospace, defence and aviation industries in the coming years. In just two years of operation, the company has obtained AS 9100 and ISO 9001 certification and has achieved experience in the manufacturing variety of high precision components (up to 10 microns) for; aircraft, helicopter, drone, radar, missile, aircraft ground support equipment, satellite jigs and fixtures, medical and food processing machines etc. made of; aluminum, aerospace grade steel, Inconel, titanium, fiberglass and other composite materials. Shivayu Aerospace management is committed to support Indian DPSUs, ISRO, IITs, IISc and other private aerospace and defence companies for development and manufacturing of aerospace and defence equipment. The company’s design team is fully accustomed to Industry 4.0 technology and can design and develop products based on AI, AR, VR and Lean Manufacturing technologies. Shivayu Aerospace can support the Armed Forces in maintaining their legacy equipment through reverse engineering and re-engineering to integrate state-of-the art smart solutions. In the coming years, Shivayu Aerospace envisions to become a reliable partner for; the design, development and manufacturing of high precision machined components for the aircraft and defence equipment.

Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture Boeing 737 fan cowls TASL to supply 50% of the total Boeing requirement from India

ata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL) has been awarded a contract for manufacturing and supply of the Boeing 737 fan cowl, the legendary single aisle aircraft family, at the state-of-the-art TASL facility in Hyderabad. TASL will supply 50% of the monthly 737 fan cowl requirements from FY 2025. Fan cowl doors provide an aerodynamic surface over the fan case of the engine between the inlet and the thrust reverser and protect engine mounted components and accessories. There are two fan cowl doors (left and right) around each engine that can be opened to provide access for service and maintenance of the engine components and accessories on the fan case of the engine. Commenting on the new development, Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems, said, “The award of the strategic 737 fan cowl structures to TASL is a testimony to the strong relationship between Boeing and TASL. This contract won in global competition is a significant milestone in our partnership with Boeing. Projects like these with Boeing and other global aerospace companies have greatly helped build TASL’s capabilities such that today TASL has the ability to build an entire aircraft or helicopter at high-rate production, to global quality, in India.”

TASL also manufactures thousands of critical systems and components for some of Boeing’s most advanced products from its facilities in Nagpur, Bengaluru, and Hyderabad. Further, TASL runs a manufacturing facility in Nagpur, where advanced composite floor beams for all the Boeing Dreamliner airplane variants are produced. The Tata-Boeing joint venture in Telangana manufactures fuselages for the Apache helicopters and recently added a new production line to produce vertical fin structures for the 737 family of airplanes. The Tata and Boeing collaboration is an example of a successful partnership that is helping grow the Indian A&D ecosystem with advanced aerospace manufacturing capabilities. Tata Advanced Systems Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Tata Sons, focused on providing integrated solutions for Aerospace, Defence and Homeland Security. In less than a decade, Tata Advanced Systems has become a significant player in the global aerospace market, becoming the premier manufacturing partner for global OEMs as well as the Government of India’s Defence Research and Development Organization. It has capabilities throughout the entire aerospace value chain from design to full aircraft assembly, and is well positioned in areas that include missiles, radars, unmanned aerial systems, command and control systems, optronics and homeland security.

Collins Aerospace to support IATA Travel Pass

o help passengers manage their testing requirements, governments safely re-open their borders, and restart international air travel, Collins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies business, is teaming with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) to support its Travel Pass digital health platform. IATA’s Travel Pass enables passengers to store, share and manage verified test results and information that may be needed for travel to other countries. Collins Aerospace will help integrate IATA’s Travel Pass platform into airlines’ passenger management systems using the company’s TransAction™ solution, which allows passenger data to be safely and securely exchanged

between airlines and the IATA Travel Pass mobile app. TransAction is already in use by airlines around the world to share passenger travel information. “More than half of the world’s borders have some kind of travel restriction in place, but we see the deployment of vaccinations and enhanced testing measures as positive steps toward restoring passenger confidence in airline travel,” said LeAnn Ridgeway, vice president and general manager of Information Management Services and head of Collins Aerospace’s Redefining Air Travel task force. “With the use of Collins Aerospace’s technology, Travel Pass will verify the secure flow of necessary information to give governments the confidence to reopen their borders.”    “The industry restart is becoming a reality supported by IATA Travel Pass. Collins has embraced the solution and is helping airlines to accelerate its adoption by providing a tool to seamlessly and securely integrate airlines’ passenger management systems with Travel Pass to enable travelers to upload their flight details into the app,” said Nick Careen, IATA senior vice president for Operations, Safety and Security.

Aerospace Engineers: Supporting Atmanirbhar Bharat

R. Sundaram MD & CEO, AEPL

erospace Engineers Private Limited (AEPL), located at Salem, Tamilnadu, is an AS9100D, DGAQA, ISO45001, EMS14001, OHSAS 18001, and ZED GOLD certified company manufacturing High Precision Aerospace components, LRUs and sub-assemblies products in India under metallic and non-metallic group. The company traces its roots back to 1988, to meet the requirements of Aerospace components at the global level. AEPL’s core capabilities include indigenizing details as well as assembly. AEPL has developed more than 20,000 parts that meet the global aviation requirements. Meeting the international quality standards and earning the absolute approval of authorities from the Global Aviation industry demonstrates AEPL’s relentless commitment towards quality. Since a few years, with this strategy, AEPL is into ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT. AEPL is also focusing on “VOCAL FOR LOCAL” apart from indigenization. Out of about 1 lakh registered MSMEs in India, AEPL is rated with GOLD under ZED (Zero Defect and Zero Effect) quality promotion scheme launched by Govt. of India. Currently, AEPL is working energetically to achieve a PLATINUM rating in ZED. AEPLs QUALITY CLINIC SYSTEM is certified by UTC Aerospace Systems, USA. The company has been expanding its service along with an efficient and dedicated team of 300 members to deliver quality products and by extending services to its esteemed global customers in the Aerospace and Defence domain. The Inflatable cockpit seals are resourcefully developed for Kiran, LCA, LCA Trainer, Su30MKI, and IJT. AEPL is proud to mention that almost all the fighter aircrafts in India uses AEPL’s Canopy seal. Centre for Military Airworthiness Certification, CEMILAC from India has accorded Airworthiness clearance for 1124 unique varieties which include rubber components for use on aircraft, helicopters, missiles, Civil Aviation, and

other systems. AEPL has proved its courage in Missile Projects as well. Hose Assemblies manufactured and supplied by AEPL are approved by DGCA under CAR21 Subpart G-ITSO C140. The surface treatment plant is certified by NADCAP and the approval process is in pipeline for Aircraft Seals and Fittings required for civil aerospace as per QPL / QML by Performance Review Institute, PRI. To improve the quality of Rubber Product Manufacturing, DUST-FREE RUBBER MOULDING SHOP facility has been set. Since, MRO of Indian civil aviation is on the raise, there are abundant opportunities for the development of seals through indigenization. Another core area of AEPL is its strength in the Qualification of material and assembly. AEPL strongly believes in Testing Facility as a great asset. AEPL is approved by NABL for 63 types of testing of Metallic & Non-metallic details as well as product inspection & testing. Future programs like Composite manufacturing with cleanroom facility, MRO of actuators, Gear Box, Special Machining facility, R&D setup, Vendor Managed Inventory is on a rise at the Hosur facility. With highly motivated senior leadership, dedicated team effort, well-established systems and determined effort has yielded enormous recognition at National and State Governments. AEPL has bagged 14 National awards from State Government and other institutions so far. The significant achievement is National Award for Defence Absorption and Best Innovation given by Prime Minister of India. AEPL is very proud to share that it stood at mountain top in MSME segments in Tamilnadu for the past few years. The AEPL team is Happy and Proud to be part of Atmanirbhar Bharat and has already started moving towards the next level of Sub Assembly Manufacturing.

Defence Minister flags off nationwide events as part of ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually launched a series of events, organized by the Armed Forces & various other organisations of Ministry of Defence, to mark the 75th anniversary of India’s Independence, being celebrated as ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh congratulated the Ministry & the Armed Forces for organising various events across the country which will instill a sense of national pride among the people. He stated that events represent the Indian ethos of ‘unity in diversity’. Defence Minister paid homage to all the bravehearts who laid down their lives and defended the sovereignty & integrity of the country. Remembering Captain Vikram Batra who made the supreme sacrifice during the Kargil war, the minister said the bravery and deep-rooted passion of the gallant heroes will always be an inspiration for generations to come. He also threw light on the five pillars (Freedom Struggle, Ideas at 75, Achievements at 75, Actions at 75 and Resolves at 75) envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi when he had kicked off the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations in March 2021. He stated that the five pillars will act as a guiding force for the country to move forward in the path of development. Echoing the Government’s resolve, Rajnath Singh stated “we aim to develop a powerful & self-reliant Bharat which is peace-loving but fully capable of giving a befitting reply whenever challenged”. He assured the nation that the Armed Forces are fully equipped to deal with any challenge that endangers the safety, security, unity, and integrity of the nation. He said the decisions aimed to promote jointness among the Armed Forces will play a pivotal role in bolstering the security infrastructure of the country.

Reiterating the Government’s action plan to make India ‘AatmaNirbhar’, the the minister said no stone is being left unturned to make the country self-reliant in defence manufacturing. He said the country’s dependency on imports has decreased considerably due to measures taken by the Government, including notifying two positive indigenisation lists to promote selfreliance and defence exports. He also made special mention of Indigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) Vikrant, the first aircraft carrier to be built in India, saying that it was a moment of immense pride for the entire nation when the aircraft carrier undertook its maiden sea voyage recently. Rajnath Singh lauded the Armed Forces and different organisations of Ministry of Defence for providing continuous support to the civil administration in the fight against COVID-19. He highlighted the crucial role played by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) in setting up COVID care hospitals across the country and developing anti-COVID drug ‘2-DG’. He also commended the Armed Forces for providing logistic support to civil authorities to meet the oxygen requirement. Speaking on the occasion, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat remembered Mahatma Gandhi and Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose for their leadership role in India’s Independence movement. Saying that the Armed Forces are ready to deal with any challenge, he stated that the efforts taken to increase jointness among the forces will enhance their capabilities. In his welcome address, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar gave a brief overview of the various events launched on the occasion, saying that these are aimed at inculcating a sense of patriotism among the people on the 75th anniversary of Independence Day. The events inaugurated are: Hoisting of National Flag at 75 Passes/Places: 75 teams of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) departed to unfurl the National Flag at 75 Important Passes and Places in the country. The most prominent among them is ‘Umlingla Pass’, which is the Highest Motorable Road in the World at 19,300 feet, in Eastern Ladakh. The national tri-colour will also be unfurled at

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh virtually launching the nationwide events related to 75th Independence Day, in New Delhi.The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Bipin Rawat, the Chief of the Army Staff, General Manoj Mukund Naravane, the Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Karambir Singh, the Defence Secretary, Dr. Ajay Kumar and the Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar are also seen. prominent infrastructure landmarks like Atal Tunnel, Rohtang and Dhola Sadiya Bridge in the Northeast, besides in friendly foreign countries. Hoisting of National Flag in Islands: The Raksha Mantri launched proceedings for unfurling of National Flag at 100 islands Pan-India by Indian Coast Guard on August 15, 2021. Army Expedition: Defence minister flagged off the expedition of Indian Army teams which will scale 75 mountain passes to mark this momentous occasion. The passes include Saserla Pass in Ladakh region, Stakpochan Pass in Kargil region, Satopanth, Harshil, Uttarakhand, Phim Karnla, Sikkim and Point 4493, Tawang region of Arunachal Pradesh. Cleaning of statues: To pay homage to the freedom fighters and the bravehearts of the country, Rajnath Singh launched a PanIndia event, ‘Swatantra Senaniyon ko Naman’, organised National Cadet Corps (NCC). On the occasion, the NCC cadets carried out cleaning and maintenance of 825 statues adopted by 825 NCC Battalions. Gallantrypedia module for Gallantry awards portal: A Gallantrypedia module of Awardees’ has been launched (https:// www.gallantryawards.gov.in/) to honour the Gallantry awardees and motivate people, especially the youth, to interact with the portal. People will now be able to share their own content about the awardees which would help in making the portal more engaging, dynamic, and informative.

Book on ‘Deeds of Gallantry’: A book ‘Deeds of Gallantry’, commemorating India’s victory in the 1971 war, was unveiled. The book details 20 selected battles and highlights the valour of Indian soldiers. Defence Exports: To showcase and expand the defence export capabilities, Rajnath Singh launched ‘Off the Shelf’ Export Ready Defence Products Portfolio beginning with Fast Interceptor Boat by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL); a Transducer Manufacturing & Production facility developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) to cater to the production of wide range of Transducers & underwater equipment and oxygen concentrator developed by BEL. Jan Sampark Abhiyan: Jan Sampark Abhiyan for the Ex-servicemen has been launched wherein a representative each of the respective Zila Sainik Board along with a representative of Indian Ex-Servicemen League, a recognised ESM association, will interact simultaneously with the ESM fraternity in 75 districts across the country. On the occasion, Rajnath Singh virtually interacted with exservicemen in different states who shared their views on some issues faced by the veterans. The Raksha Mantri urged the ex-servicemen to give suggestions to the Ministry on the issues faced by them, stating that all efforts will be made to resolve them in a time-bound manner. Rejuvenation of water bodies: Underlining the importance of water conservation, Rajnath Singh flagged-off activities for rejuvenation of 75 water bodies across 62 Cantonments. He inaugurated the work on the Patel Park Lake in Ambala Cantt. DRDO Scientists: Defence Minister flagged off a team of DRDO scientists to border area villages to celebrate Independence Day. Chief of the Army Staff General MM Naravane, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Secretary (Defence Production) Raj Kumar, Secretary (Ex-servicemen Welfare) B Anand, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy, Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Sanjiv Mittal, DG Indian Coast Guard K Natarajan, DG National Cadet Corps Lieutenant General Tarun Kumar Aich, DG Border Roads Organisation Lt Gen Rajeev Chaudhary and other senior civil & military officials of Ministry of Defence were present on the occasion.

IAC Vikrant completed its maiden sea voyage

ndigenous Aircraft Carrier (IAC) ‘Vikrant’ successfully accomplished its maiden sea voyage for which she had sailed from Kochi. Trials progressed as planned and system parameters proved satisfactory. The carrier would continue to undergo series of sea trials to prove all equipment and systems prior handing over the vessel to the Indian Navy. ‘Vikrant’ designed by Indian Navy’s Directorate of Naval Design (DND) is being built at Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), a Public Sector Shipyard under Ministry of Shipping (MoS). IAC is a leading example of the nation’s quest for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and Indian Navy’s “Make in India” initiative, with more than 76% indigenous content. The Indigenous Aircraft Carrier is 262 m long, 62 m at the widest part and height of 59 m including the superstructure. There are 14 decks in all, including five in the superstructure. The ship has over 2,300 compartments, designed for a crew of around 1700 people, having gender-sensitive accommodation spaces for women officers. The ship with high degree of automation for machinery operation, ship

navigation and survivability, has been designed to accommodate an assortment of fixed wing and rotary aircraft. During the maiden sailing, ship’s performance, including hull, main propulsion, Power Generation and Distribution (PGD) and auxiliary equipment were tested. Trials, which were reviewed by Vice Admiral AK Chawla, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief Southern Naval Command, have progressed as planned and system parameters have been proved satisfactory. The successful completion of maiden trials sorties, despite challenges faced due to COVID-19 pandemic and COVID protocols in place, is testimony to the dedicated

efforts of large number of stakeholders for over a decade. This is a major milestone activity and historical event. The carrier would undergo a series of Sea Trials to prove all equipment and systems prior to its delivery in 2022. Delivery of Vikrant is being targeted to coincide with celebrations to commemorate 75th anniversary of India’s independence ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’. With the delivery of IAC, India would join a select group of nations with the capability to indigenously design and build an Aircraft Carrier and provides thrust to Government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative. Delivery of IAC would also strengthen India’s position in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) and its quest for a blue water Navy.

INS Tabar participates in INDRA NAVY 21

The 12th edition of exercise INDRA NAVY, a biennial bilateral maritime exercise between Indian Navy and Russian Navy was held in the Baltic Sea from 28 to 29 July 2021. Initiated in 2003, Ex INDRA NAVY epitomises the long-term strategic relationship between the two navies. This exercise was undertaken as part of the visit of INS Tabar to St Petersburg, Russia to participate in the 325th Navy Day celebrations of the Russian Navy. INDRA NAVY has matured over the years with increase in scope, complexity of operations and level of participation. The primary aim of this year’s edition is to further consolidate inter-operability built up by the two Navies over the years and also to enhance understanding and procedures for multi-faceted maritime operations. The scope of this edition includes wide-ranging and diverse activities across the spectrum of maritime operations. The Indian Navy was represented by the stealth Frigate INS Tabar and the Russian Navy was represented by Corvettes RFS Zelyony Dol and RFS Odintsovo of the Baltic Fleet. The exercise was progressed over two days and included various facets of fleet operations such as anti-air firings, underway replenishment drills, helicopter ops, boarding drills and seamanship evolutions. Exercise INDRA NAVY-21, being conducted despite the constraints imposed by the pandemic, enables further strengthen mutual confidence, inter-operability and enable sharing of best practices between both Navies. The exercise is another milestone in strengthening cooperation between the two navies and reinforce the long-standing bond of friendship between the two countries.

Collins Aerospace launches Perigon™ for future flight computing requirements

ollins Aerospace, a unit of Raytheon Technologies Corp. has launched its PerigonTM computer, available for a broad range of commercial and defense platforms. With advanced computing power, open-system architecture, and flexible configurability, Perigon is designed to enable future flight control and vehicle management needs. “From autonomy to cybersecurity, customers want their platforms to do more than ever before,” said Kim Kinsley, vice president and general manager, Environmental and Airframe Control Systems for Collins Aerospace. “Yet more capabilities require a commensurate increase in processing power. Enter Perigon. With its unique combination of power and flexibility, Perigon stands ready to help customers meet the future flight computing requirements of tomorrow.” Developing Perigon At the 2018 Farnborough International Air Show, Collins announced the development of a next-gen vehicle management computer designed to support autonomous flight. Since then, Collins has built a working prototype and is currently performing detailed development

and integration testing, with an eye toward qualification testing in 2022. The company has also branded the computer as Perigon, a mathematical term for a 360-degree angle. Collins chose the name to represent the many capabilities Perigon can offer customers, the holistic view of systems and inputs it provides, and its enhanced flexibility. Advanced computing power, open-system architecture Perigon will have the ability to provide 20 times the processing power of Collins’ existing flight control computers, thousands of which are currently in service on a multitude of platforms worldwide. Combined with its open-system design, Perigon’s high computing power will allow customers to load it with a variety of complex software applications, including autonomous and fly-by-wire flight control, cybersecurity, vehicle management and predictive health maintenance. In addition, capabilities that previously required multiple computers across a platform may now be able to be performed by Perigon alone, thanks to its enhanced processing power. This, in turn, could enable customers to reduce the number of computers onboard and enjoy space, weight and cost savings as a result. Flexible configurability for a range of applications Depending on the customer’s needs, Perigon can be configured as simplex, duplex or triplex redundant. It will be FAA certifiable to facilitate aircraft level certification, available for commercial or military rotary and fixed wing platforms. “From air transport, to sixth-gen fighters, to the U.S. Army’s Future Vertical Lift program, to aerial firefighting and beyond, we see broad opportunities for Perigon across the aerospace and defense industry,” said Kinsley. Perigon is supported by the LYNX MOSA.ic for Avionics product and AdaCore’s QGen TQL-1 qualifiable autocode generator for Simulink®/Stateflow® models.

Technodinamika, Rosoboronexport to promote parachutes in external markets

echnodinamika JSC and Rosoboronexport JSC, both are subsidiaries of the Rostec State Corporation, signed programs to jointly promote airdrop equipment and research and development activities in external markets. The signing ceremony at MAKS Airshow was attended by Russian Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov. “Technodinamika is Russia’s flagship developer and manufacturer of various parachute systems. The holding company carries out the full cycle of development, from research to manufacturing, testing and modification. Today, the Russian Army is 97% equipped with Technodinamika-produced parachutes, they are used in the armed forces and special forces units of the CIS countries, the Middle East and Rosoboronexport’s key partners on the African continent. The joint promotion program will enable us to strengthen Russia’s positions in this segment in the markets of 24 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, Sub-Saharan Africa, Europe and the CIS,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport, who supervises the Yaroslavl and Saratov regional branches of the Russian Engineering Union. The joint action program, signed during a solemn ceremony at Technodinamika’s pavilion, implies that the holding’s airdrop equipment, designed to equip special forces units of various law enforcement agencies, rescue parachute systems required for emergency abandonment of military aircraft and helicopters, as well as braking landing systems used to shorten the landing distance or rejected take-off distance of combat (combat training) aircraft, will be promoted in external markets. In addition, Technodinamika and Rosoboronexport will promote training facilities, parachutist training centers and special simulators intended for classroom training and practical exercises of parachutists and paratroopers, including emergency drills. Such facilities can be made for any type of parachute, with their help it is possible to practice group jumps using controlled parachute systems, emergency situations, including failures, under any weather conditions. “Technodinamika’s parachute systems meet international standards and surpass foreign counterparts in many respects. A number of the holding’s competencies and capabilities are unique. So, Technodinamika is the sole holder of the authentic

documentation for brake parachutes used on all Russian- and Soviet-made aircraft, which means that only our systems are licensed. I am sure that with the support of Rosoboronexport, we’ll be able to strengthen our positions on the international market,” commented Igor Nasenkov, Director General of Technodinamika Holding, who supervises the Ulyanovsk and Penza regional branches of the Russian Engineering Union, a member of the bureau of the League for Assistance to Defense Enterprises. Another document signed by Technodinamika and Rosoboronexport at MAKS-2021 is a program for promoting research and development activities carried out by the holding’s enterprises for foreign customers. “Industrial partnership is a leading trend in the global arms market. A number of Rosoboronexport’s strategic customers see further development of our cooperation precisely in building up the high-tech component, and we are ready to cooperate on the topic. The company carries out hundreds of technology transfer projects and has vast experience in implementing such contracts in various forms. These are licensed production of Russian products abroad, assistance in the construction of special facilities in foreign countries and joint development of prototypes with foreign customers,” Alexander Mikheev added.

Pratt & Whitney Canada Advances Sustainable Hybrid-Electric Propulsion Technology for Canada’s Green Recovery Plan

ratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC), a business unit of Pratt & Whitney, announced plans to advance its hybridelectric propulsion technology and flight demonstrator program as part of a $163M CAD investment, supported by the governments of Canada and Quebec. “We see hybrid-electric propulsion systems as one of the key routes to making aircraft of the future even more fuel efficient. We expect that smaller aircraft, including regional airliners, will be the first to benefit from this technology, creating a clear opportunity for India to grow these segments in a sustainable manner,” said Ashmita Sethi, president and country head, Pratt & Whitney. “India has one of the newest and most fuel efficient aircraft fleets in the world, powered by our GTF, V2500, PT6 and PW100 engine families. So India’s aviation sector is superbly positioned to lead a sustainable flying roadmap in the future.” The new hybrid-electric propulsion technology will drive significant improvements in aircraft efficiency by optimizing performance across the different phases of flight, allowing the demonstrator to target a 30% reduction in fuel burn and CO2 emissions, compared to a modern regional turboprop airliner. P&WC is working with De Havilland Aircraft of Canada Limited (De Havilland Canada) to integrate this hybrid-electric technology into a De Havilland

Canada Dash 8-100 flight demonstrator. This demonstrator will include an advanced electric motor and controller from Collins Aerospace, also a Raytheon Technologies business. “Pratt & Whitney Canada is proud to be a leader toward ever more sustainable aircraft propulsion technologies and be an integral part of Canada’s green recovery plan,” said Maria Della Posta, president, Pratt & Whitney Canada. “With a long-time commitment to sustainability and as Canada’s top aerospace investor in research & development, having invested $500M CAD annually, we are driving economic growth, innovation and workforce expertise to benefit the environment. Hybrid-electric technology has an important role to play in enabling the next step-change in efficiency for aircraft engines, and we are uniquely positioned to demonstrate this potential.” As part of Canada’s green recovery plan, the Government of Canada’s Strategic Innovation Fund is backing the technology demonstrator, which will help put Canada’s aerospace industry at the forefront of global efforts to make aviation more sustainable. Combining advanced technologies developed by P&WC and Collins, this project is a successor to Project 804, launched in 2019 as a joint development program between the two companies and provides a solid foundation for this new demonstrator program to build upon. P&WC will target ground testing in 2022, leading to flight testing of the Dash 8-100 demonstrator in 2024. Developing hybrid-electric propulsion technology is a core element of Pratt & Whitney’s strategy to make aviation more sustainable. The company is also committed to continually advancing the efficiency of gas turbine engines across its portfolio, while supporting the wider use of sustainable aviation fuels, and pursuing alternative fuels. All these elements will be critical for the aviation industry to meet its goals to significantly reduce CO2 emissions by 2050. The company will continue to work with industry partners globally on a wide variety of projects targeted at increasingly sustainable aviation to benefit our customers and the environment.

Commander’s Conference held at Headquarters Training Command,IAF

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, presenting the Best Station trophy during Training Command Commanders Conference.

ir Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) inaugurated the Commanders’ Conference at the Headquarters Training Command, Bengaluru.

In his address, CAS highlighted the need to be vigilant and remain poised to undertake all operational tasks assigned to the IAF. CAS commended the hard work put in by all the training academies and stations under Training Command for ensuring timely completion of training commitments, despite severe constraints placed due to second wave of COVID. He also lauded the professionalism shown by air warriors of the Command during conduct of the International event - Aero India 21 and the Chiefs’ of Air Staff Conclave held at Yelahanka during the month of February this year. The CAS presented the ‘Best Stations’ trophies to the recipients and in his closing remarks urged the Commanders to continue their efforts towards building a strong foundation by grooming the young men and women in their formative years, since this forms the bedrock for enhancing the operational capability and transformation of the IAF. The CAS was received by Air Marshal RD Mathur, PVSM AVSM VSM ADC, Air Officer Commanding-inChief Training Command.

Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, addressing the commanders of Training Command held on 28 & 29 July 21.

Rafale aircraft inducted into No. 101 Squadron of IAF

he Indian Air Force formally inducted Rafale aircraft into No. 101 Squadron at Air Force Station Hasimara in Eastern Air Command (EAC) on 28 July. Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff presided over the induction ceremony. On arrival, CAS was received by Air Marshal Amit Dev AVSM VSM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Air Command. The event also included a fly-past heralding the arrival of Rafale aircraft to Hasimara followed by a traditional water cannon salute.

Addressing the personnel during the induction ceremony, CAS said that the induction of Rafale had been carefully planned at Hasimara; keeping in mind the importance of strengthening IAF's capability in the Eastern Sector. Recalling the glorious history of 101 Squadron which bestowed upon them the title of 'Falcons of Chamb and Akhnoor', CAS urged the personnel to combine their zeal and commitment with the unmatched potential of the newly inducted platform. He said that he had no doubt that the Squadron would dominate whenever and wherever required and ensure that the adversary would always be intimidated by their sheer presence. 101 Squadron is the second IAF Squadron to be equipped with Rafale aircraft. The Squadron was formed on 01 May 1949 at Palam and has operated Harvard, Spitfire, Vampire, Su-7 and MiG-21M aircraft in the past. The glorious history of this Squadron includes active participation in 1965 and 1971 Indo-Pak wars.

Liebherr-Aerospace puts new machining center integrating a Liebherr robot into operation this new system will also facilitate the work of operators by refocusing them on high valueadded tasks.

Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, Liebherr’s center of excellence for air management systems, has put into operation at its production site in Campsas (France), a new high capacity five-axis machining center featuring a state-of-the-art rotary pallet loading system. Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH, Liebherr’s center of excellence for gear technology and automation systems, supplied the robot. This innovation allows Liebherr-Aerospace to strengthen and modernize its production capacities and opens the door for LiebherrVerzahntechnik to enter the aerospace market.

he production site of Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS in Campsas (France) has put into operation a new five-axis high-capacity machining center including a robot, which palletizes the machine’s tools. The machining center of the next generation features a six-wheel tool magazine, which contains 363 cutting tools. It is equipped with a 52 kW/430 Nm milling spindle that can rotate at 12,000 rpm. In addition, an IoT connector package enables real-time monitoring of the equipment and remote maintenance. The rotary loading system can lift up to 1.5 tons and stores up to 15 work pieces in its cell. The different modes of control ensure autonomy and flexibility in production. Waiting times are thus significantly reduced and Liebherr-Aerospace can respond and adapt even better to future market demands. As a man/machine interface,

Optimal use of synergies within the Liebherr Group The rotary loading system was jointly developed by teams of Liebherr-Verzahntechnik GmbH in Kempten (Germany), center of excellence for gear technology and automation systems, and Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS, center of excellence for air management systems within the Liebherr Group. This close internal cooperation has not only allowed a technological evolution of machining centers, but also laid a sound foundation for future collaborations between the two companies. During the pre-investment consultation phases, the integration of LiebherrVerzahntechnik in our project had several advantages in terms of technology and synergy potential within the Liebherr Group. From the design phase to the entry-into-service, the mutual trust and communication were the main drivers for success. Having LiebherrVerzahntechnik as an industrial partner allows us to continuously improve the reliability of our production means and to guarantee best performance. Thanks to the flexibility and configuration of this robot, we will be able to meet the new requirements of our customers and ensure future increases in production rate, » explains Mathieu Oulié, Methods Engineer at Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse SAS. “For Liebherr-Verzahntechnik, it was important to be able to offer a solution tailored to one of the specific needs of the aerospace market. Based on the RLS 1500, we have integrated a special pallet gripping system enabling to preserve the specific pallets (zero point system) already used by Liebherr-Aerospace Toulouse, while allowing a higher load capacity and a larger size. The whole Liebherr Group benefits from this “win-win” cooperation between our two divisions, improving the productivity of one and allowing access to a new market for the other”, explains Charles Mannocci, Country Manager Automation Systems at LiebherrVerzahntechnik GmbH.

DHL Express India becomes the first international service provider to launch non-contact delivery

HL Express, the world’s leading international express service provider, announced the launch of its OTPbased non-contact delivery service in India today, making it the first international logistics player to offer this service in the country. As an industry leader, the company has always been at the forefront of innovation. The launch of the non-contact delivery service will help to ensure maximum employee and customer safety, amidst the new normal. With customers becoming increasingly conscious about hygiene and safety protocols, DHL Express’ OTP-based non-contact deliveries leverages digital platforms to reduce the need for contact between customers and couriers, leave little room for error and are also ecologically safe in the long run. Commenting on this new offering, R.S Subramanian, Senior Vice-President & Managing Director, DHL Express India said, “The ongoing pandemic has made businesses rethink and re-invent operations. Safety of our employees and customers has always been our top priority, while ensuring business continuity. The launch of non-contact deliveries is a step towards enhancing customer experience, while maintaining safety standards at the time of delivery. It is a win-win for all.” Even prior to the pandemic, DHL customers

• New OTP-based delivery service for customers across India in line with current social distancing norms • This launch is in line with DPDHL Group’s net-zero emission goal for 2050 can pre-schedule deliveries through the On-Demand Delivery (ODD) online service. However, the pandemic has called for a shift in the way service-providers interact with customers. The newly introduced non-contact delivery service harnesses the power of DHL’s ODD service and the Global Courier Application Scanners to sync the deliveries with OTPs. The synergy of the two databases will provide customers with seamless and touchless cross-border deliveries. DHL Express India’s non-contact delivery proposition also aligns perfectly with DPDHL’s net-zero emission 2050 goal. The service diminishes the need for physical paperwork and printer cartridges, in turn reducing the company’s carbon footprint. The company also recently conducted a week-long specialized and intensive Learning and Development program to train and familiarize its frontline and customer-facing teams with this new service. Talking about the implementation, Manish Patel, Vice President, Operations, DHL Express India said, “The launch of non-contact delivery is in line with our ‘People First, Safety First’ approach. We specifically upgraded our systems in India to include OTP based features, so we could best serve our customers whilst ensuring safety of our frontline personnel.” Prasad Dhumal, Vice President for IT, DHL Express India added, “While digitalization and virtual means of engagement have always been focuses of DPDHL Group, the pandemic has driven us to accelerate our adoption of digital technologies. In line with this, we at DHL Express India managed to fulfil every regulatory requirement and make this technologically advanced service available to our customers in a record time.” DHL Express India currently caters to its customers across India through their non-contact delivery service and will soon onboard its delivery partners that serve special delivery areas and upcountry markets.

Indian Navy – UAE Navy Bilateral Exercise Zayed Talwar 2021

ndian Navy undertook bilateral exercise ‘Zayed Talwar 2021’ with UAE Navy on 7th August off the coast of Abu Dhabi. INS Kochi, with two integral Sea King MK 42B helicopters, deployed in the Persian Gulf, participated in the exercise. UAE participated with UAES AL Dhafra, a Baynunah class guided missile corvette and one AS – 565B Panther helicopter. As part of the exercise, the ships undertook tactical maneuvers, Over the

Horizon Targeting, Search and Rescue and Electronic Warfare exercises to enhance interoperability and synergy between the two navies. Helicopters were extensively used all through the exercise ranging from Search and Rescue serial to passing of targeting data to ships for simulated missile engagement drills.

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Special Day Cover for Platinum Jubilee of Airforce Central Accounts Office

ir Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of the Air Staff (CAS) visited Air Force Central Accounts Office (AFCAO) to commemorate its Platinum Jubilee year. To mark the occasion, a ‘Special Day Cover’ was released in coordination with Army Postal Service. AFCAO, the apex accounting office of the Indian Air Force is responsible for centralised disbursement of Pay and Allowances of all ranks of IAF besides

maintaining their Ledger Accounts, Provident Fund Accounts and release of other benefits till retirement. AFCAO has its origins as the ‘Royal Accts Base’ and was formed in 1945 at Bombay. It moved to Madras in 1946 and thereafter to New Delhi in 1947. AFCAO has been at the forefront of adapting new technologies and has been consistently enhancing the morale of Air Force Personnel through prompt accounting solutions, in turn strengthening the operational capability of the Indian Air Force. For its excellent contribution in “Ops Support Role” during the year 2020, AFCAO has been commended by the ‘Chief of the Air Staff-Unit Citation’.

GRSE lays keel of Fast Patrol Vessel Yard 2118

arden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), a Mini Ratna Category 1 Defence PSU and a leading warship building company laid the keel of Fast Patrol Vessel (FPV) Yard 2118.The keel laying ceremony was held in the presence of Inspector General Maneesh V Pathak, TM, Commander, Coast Guard Region (North East), Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding) and Cmde. PR Hari, IN (Retd), Director (Personnel) and other senior officials of the Indian Coast Guard, GRSE and M/s TWL, Kolkata. This vessel is being constructed for Indian Coast Guard as a replacement for the recently exported FPV SCG PS Zoroaster which was handed over by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi to Govt. of Seychelles. The FPVs are medium-range surface vessels with a length of 50 m, a width of 7.5 m and displacement of around 308 T and are proficient at operating in the maritime zones of India. These powerful, fuel-efficient platforms are designed to perform multipurpose operations like patrolling, anti-smuggling, anti-poaching, and rescue operations. The vessels are designed for a maximum speed of 34 knots with an endurance of more than 1,500 nautical miles. It will be equipped with 03 MTU 4000 series engine and built up with Advanced Control Systems, Water Jet Units and Integrated Bridge System for all communication and navigation structures. The ship is also fitted with 40/60 gun as the main armament with improved habitability features of fully air-conditioned modular accommodation for 35 personnel. The entire design of these FPVs has been developed In-House

by GRSE as per requirements specified by the Indian Coast Guard. GRSE also Started Production of Second and Third Ship (Yard 3030 & Yard 3031) of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC) project on 14 July 2021. ‘Start Production’ is the first ‘Milestone’ in shipbuilding and signifies commencement of vessel construction after design engineering phase. The compact and complex stealth crafts are designed by GRSE, and these platforms will be packed with state-of-the-art weapons and sensors like Hull Mounted Sonar, Towed Sonar, Torpedo Launchers and Rocket Launcher to interdict and destroy sub-surface targets in coastal waters. The crafts are capable of ‘Search & Rescue’ and ‘Low Intensity Maritime Operations’ and are propelled by water-jets capable of high speed movement. The shipyard is currently executing three major shipbuilding projects, namely the P17A Project for 3 Advanced Stealth Frigates, 4 Survey Vessels (Large) and 8 Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts. The Shipyard also received an Export Order from Govt of Guyana for Design, Construction and Delivery of 01 Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel. The vessel is under construction. With proven export credentials backed by a healthy order book, the shipyard is well on its way to realise its vision of being a global leader in shipbuilding.

Andaman & Nicobar Command Celebrates World Hydrography Day

ieutenant General Ajai Singh, AVSM, Commander-in-Chief Andaman & Nicobar Command (CINCAN) participated in commemorating the Centenary of the World Hydrography Day on 21 Jun 2021. The occasion is celebrated by the Hydrographic fraternity of the Indian Navy every year through a series of coordinated events at the respective Commands to spread awareness of hydrography and its contribution in ensuring safe navigation at sea as well as to showcase achievements and contributions of the Indian Naval Hydrographic Organisation. The theme for the event this year is “100 years of International Cooperation in Hydrography”. The CINCAN appreciated the yeoman service by the Indian Naval Hydrographic Organisation in capacity building initiatives among littorals in the Indian Ocean Region through hydrographic surveys and providing world class training to personnel from friendly foreign nations. The surveys help in augmenting the Sagarmala project under the NITI AAYOG for sustainable development of A&N Islands. The Hydrographic Survey Unit at Port Blair under HQ ANC is responsible for the surveys around the A&N Islands and is fully equipped with state-of-the-art equipment for the conduct, analysis and preparation of reports of hydrographic surveys. HSU (PBR) participates in various joint operations with the Indian Army

and Indian Air Force within the Andaman and Nicobar Command. The Unit has successfully conducted surveys for RCS 3.0 – UDAN, the prestigious Government of India project under regional connectivity by playing a vital role in identifying suitable sea plane landing sites at four locations in the Andaman group of islands at Shaheed Dweep, Swaraj Dweep, Hut Bay and Long Island, which will boost regional connectivity and tourism. Indian Navy hydrography ships Sutlej from Southern Naval Command and Nirupak from Eastern Naval Command are currently deployed for hydrographic survey in Andaman and Nicobar Islands since April 2021. These ships utilise state-of-the-art Multi-beam Bathymetric Data Acquisition Systems to survey and update navigational charts of the A&N Islands. All Covid protocol measures were followed by the personnel present at the event.

SCHIEBEL CAMCOPTER® S-100 COMPLETES SUCCESSFUL TRIALS FOR THE HELLENIC NAVY

chiebel demonstrated the outstanding capabilities of its Unmanned Air System (UAS) CAMCOPTER® S-100 to the Hellenic Navy. Stationed on board of the Elli-Class Frigate Aigaion (F-460) in the Mediterranean Sea west of Crete, the S-100 showcased in a oneweek trial its range, endurance and speed, as well as its maritime surveillance and detection capabilities, to the Hellenic Navy. For the demonstration flights, the CAMCOPTER® S-100 was equipped with a Trakka TC-300 EO/IR sensor and a Shine Micro Automatic Identification System (AIS) receiver. The scenarios alternated day and night takeoffs and landings. They included cooperation with other Hellenic Navy vessels, maritime traffic monitoring and coast observation. Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel

Group, said: “Our CAMCOPTER® S-100 is the only UAV of its class with extensive flight experience. It is operated by 14 navies worldwide and we are very proud that we had the chance to successfully showcase our system to the Hellenic Navy.”

BOOSTING DOMESTIC PRODUCTION OF DEFENCE EQUIPMENT

The Government has taken several policy initiatives and brought reforms to encourage indigenous design, development, and manufacture of defence equipment in the country, thereby reducing dependency on imports in coming years. These initiatives, inter-alia, include according priority to procurement of capital items from domestic sources under Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP)-2020; Notification of two ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ of total 209 items for which there would be an embargo on the import beyond the timeline indicated against them; Simplification of Industrial licensing process with longer validity period; Liberalisation of FDI policy allowing 74% FDI under automatic route; Simplification of Make Procedure; Launch of Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) scheme involving start-ups &

MSMEs; Implementation of “Public Procurement (Preference to Make in India), Order 2017”; Launch of an indigenization portal namely SRIJAN to facilitate indigenisation by Indian Industry including MSMEs; Reforms in Offset policy with thrust on attracting investment and Transfer of Technology for Defence manufacturing by assigning higher multipliers; Establishment of two Defence Industrial Corridors one each in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu. In addition, for 2021-22, the allocation for Domestic procurement has been enhanced compared to previous years and is planned to be about 64.09 % i.e. Rs. 71,438.36 Crore of the allocated amount for military modernization. Further, year-wise annual Turnover of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB), nine Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs), 06 other PSUs & 37 private companies manufacturing defence items, indicates the impact of measures taken by the Government to make successful “Make in India”. This information was given by Minister of State for Defence Ajay Bhatt in a reply to Rajiv Pratap Rudy in Lok Sabha.

E-booklet on 20 MoD reforms released

efence Minister Rajnath Singh released an E-booklet titled ’20 Reforms in 2020’, highlighting the major reforms undertaken by Ministry of Defence (MoD) in 2020, in New Delhi. Addressing the gathering, Rajnath Singh termed the E-booklet as an important document on the bright future of the defence sector in the country. “The booklet is a reflection of the resolve of the Government, under the able leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to make the defence sector stronger and more efficient,” he said. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the reforms undertaken by MoD will make India a global powerhouse in the defence sector in the times to come. The compilation provides a brief overview of defence reforms undertaken in the year 2020 by MoD to bring about greater cohesion and modernisation of the Armed Forces through policy changes, innovation, and digital transformation. Reforms also focused on the ‘Aatma Nirbhar Bharat’ initiative of Prime Minister Narendra Modi increased collaboration with the industry to boost defence exports; measures to accelerate defence acquisitions with greater transparency; digital transformation; strengthening of border infrastructure; increased participation of women in Armed Forces; transformation in R&D to boost innovation; expansion of NCC to remote locations and aid extended to the civil administration in fight against COVID-19. Chief of Defence Staff & Department of Military Affairs The appointment of India’s first Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and creation of Department of Military Affairs (DMA) were among the major decisions taken by the Government. The post of CDS was created to increase efficiency & coordination among the Armed Forces and reduce duplication, while DMA was established to ensure improved civil-military integration. General Bipin Rawat was appointed as the first CDS who also fulfils the responsibilities of Secretary, DMA. AatmaNirbharta in Defence To promote ‘Make in India’ in defence sector, a list of 101 defence items was notified in August 2020, while Defence Acquisition Procedure 2020 was unveiled in September 2020. Rs 52,000 crore budget was earmarked for indigenously made defence equipment in 2020-21. Corporatisation of Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) was approved in May 2020 for greater efficiency and productivity. There was an unprecedented push towards new technology developments within India. Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) developed a ventilator in record time to meet Covid-19 requirements in May 2020.In November 2020, Quick Reaction Surface to Air Missile, indigenously designed & developed DRDO, hit bullseye at medium range and medium height, while indigenously built Pinaka rocket system cleared test of 45-60 km range. Increased Defence Exports The increased partnership with the private sector has led to a substantial rise in defence exports. The value of total defence exports rose from Rs 1,941 crore in 2014-15 to Rs 9,116 crore in 2019-20. Also, for the first time, India figured in the list of defence equipment exporting nations, as the exports expanded to more than 84 countries. Modernisation & transparency in Defence Acquisition In highest-ever thrust towards modernization in last 10 years, there was 10 per cent budget increase in 2020-21 over the previous year. Policy reforms for increased transparency included launch of new Defence Acquisition Procedure in September 2020 and revision of DRDO Procurement Manual in October 2020. To encourage start-ups, a provision was introduced for procurement as

Rajnath Singh Defence Minister Buy Indian-IDDM, while leasing for nonmission critical requirements was introduced for the first time. Defence Acquisitions First five Rafale fighter aircraft arrived in India in July 2020 and several more since then, adding firepower to the arsenal of the Indian Air Force. Despite the COVID-19 challenge, the aircraft were delivered timely and inducted into IAF. Reforming Defence R&D To promote innovation by young minds, five Young Scientists Laboratories of DRDO were launched in 2020 in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata and Hyderabad. DRDO has joined hands with the private sector in design & development and identified 108 Systems & Subsystems for the industry to design, develop and manufacture. Digital Transformation For the first time, several organisations of Ministry of Defence went digital. Directorate General Quality Assurance (DGQA) started online Pre-Delivery inspection in May 2020 to address security threats, while Armed Forces Tribunal began digital hearing for the first time in August 2020. Defence Estates, Canteen Stores Department, services in Cantonment, MoD Pension and National Cadet Corps (NCC) also went online providing faster and transparent services.

Southern Air Command (SAC) Commanders' Conference was held at Thiruvananthapuram Chief of Indian Airforce, Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, CAS was the chief guest.

ir Marshal Manavendra Singh AVSM VrC VSM, AOC-in-C SAC received the CAS and briefed him on the status of operational preparedness of the Command. Air Chief Marshal Bhadauria re-iterated the need for IAF to remain ever ready for fulfilling its

operational mandate. He appreciated the efforts of SAC in fast tracking numerous infrastructure initiatives and undertaking tasks of operational significance within its Area of Responsibility. CAS also expressed his satisfaction at the swift operationalisation achieved by newly inducted assets particularly the LCA Tejas and Su-30 MKI squadrons.

Strengthening border infrastructure Reforms of processes and workflows within Border Roads Organisation (BRO) enabled it to achieve targets ahead of schedule, in some instances. World’s longest Atal tunnel above 10,000 feet, at Rohtang on the Leh-Manali Highway was inaugurated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in October 2020. It provides all weather connectivity to the northern borders. Zojila pass, situated on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway, was opened almost a month ahead of schedule in April 2020.

colleges in border and coastal areas were identified and the enrolment began in November 2020. In another decision, it was decided to give preference to NCC cadets in employment in Central Armed Police Forces from May 2020. Youth Exchange Programme Allowance for NCC cadets was increased from Rs 100 per day to Rs 750 and the number of countries was increased from 10 to 15.

Stree Shakti in Armed Forces In 2020, Ministry of Defence took some historic decisions to increase participation of women in the Armed Forces. Ten streams of Indian Army were opened for giving Permanent Commission to Short Service Commission (SSC) Women officers, while women pilots of Indian Navy were operationalised for the first time. All Sainik Schools were thrown open for girl students from academic session 2020-21. Reforms in NCC Expanding the reach of NCC to remote locations was a major announcement made by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi from the ramparts of Red Fort on Independence Day on August 15, 2020. More than 1,075 schools/

Aid to civil administration during COVID-19 Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces have mobilised resources to aid the civil administration in fight against COVID-19. Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS) provided all emergency support to tide over the situation. They have mobilised doctors, health professionals and set up Quarantine facilities at several locations across the country. DRDO has set up several hospitals to treat COVID patients across the states, passed on technology expertise to manufacture ventilators, oxygen plants, medicines, test kits and PPE kits to private sector for mass production. Help beyond boundaries The Armed Forces extended a helping hand to the countries in distress. Indian Navy mounted eight relief missions during 2020-21. Besides evacuating stranded Indians from Iran, Sri Lanka and Maldives under Vande Bharat Mission, Indian Naval ships providedCovid-19 medical relief, including medicines and doctors, to five countries. INS Airavat provided 270 MT foodaid to Sudan, Djibouti and Eritreastruck by natural calamities. The Indian Coast Guard led the rescue operation to save Sri Lanka coast of its biggest oil spill. Indian Air Force carried out over 800 relief missions during 2020-21. Minister of State for Defence Shripad Y Naik, Chief of Defence Staff General Bipin Rawat, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Karambir Singh, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria, Chief of Army Staff General MM Naravane, Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar, Secretary (Ex-Servicemen Welfare) Ravikant, Secretary Department of Defence R&D and Chairman, DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy and Financial Advisor (Defence Services) Sanjiv Mittal were present on the occasion.

CAE to invest C$1 billion to develop aviation technologies of the future

AE announced that it will be investing C$1 billion over the next five years in innovation. The investment will fund Project Resilience, a transformation project to develop the technologies of tomorrow, including digitally immersive solutions using data ecosystems and artificial intelligence in civil aviation, defence & security and healthcare. The project will also allow CAE to position itself as a leader in end-to-end technology, operational support and training solutions for Advanced Air Mobility, as well as develop green light aircraft technologies. In partnership with the Government of Canada and the Government of Québec, the project will allow CAE to play a key role in making air travel safer, defence forces mission ready, and helping medical personnel save lives. The Government of Canada and the Government of Québec will provide a combined investment of C$340 million over the next five years (C$190 million for Canada and C$150 million for Québec). Executives and employees of CAE joined the Right Honourable Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada, the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Canada’s Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry as well as Mr. François Legault, Premier of Quebec, and Mr. Éric Girard, Québec’s Minister of Finance and Minister of Economy and Innovation for the announcement. “CAE is launching a major five-year Research and Development investment program which will reinforce CAE’s position as a global technology leader, create high-value jobs and collaborations, and contribute to a greener, safer, and more inclusive world,” said Marc Parent, CAE’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “CAE is a Canadian innovation powerhouse, and our Research and Development will allow us to reinforce our leadership in training by creating digitally immersive solutions across many sectors and markets to make the world a safer place. The project will also allow us to expand into exciting new markets such as advanced air mobility, green light aircraft technologies and next generation healthcare equipment and services. We thank the government of Canada and the government of Quebec who will be partnering with us to open up these new markets for CAE and Quebec and Canada.”

“With advanced air mobility, we are on the cusp of a new era of aviation,” Parent added. “Disruptive aerospace companies are building cutting edge aircraft and creating a new sector within the industry from the ground up. We are investing to position CAE to be one of the leaders in defining this emerging industry, supporting OEMs with the development, testing and certification of aircraft programs, simulation equipment and the delivery of training to the next generation of pilots and maintenance technicians. It is expected that close to 60,000 uniquely trained professional pilots will be needed to safely fly passengers and cargo in these electric Vertical Takeoff and Landing vehicles, and CAE has the expertise to help make it happen.” CAE will harness its unique technological capabilities, long-standing expertise in supporting airworthiness test programs as well as its latest innovations in simulation, virtual/mixed reality (VR/MR) and data analytics to be at the forefront of disruptive mobility technologies such as eVTOL vehicles. Through the project, CAE will invest in the development of electric aircraft technologies and solutions, including retrofitting its large fleet of light trainer aircraft to reduce its carbon footprint. CAE announced on Sept 28, 2020 that it became the first Canadian aerospace company to reach carbon neutrality. Creating jobs and investing in future talent CAE will carry out Project Resilience in Canada, utilizing its R&D laboratories, as well as its test and integration, and training facilities. Throughout Project Resilience, CAE will collaborate and co-develop technology solutions with small and medium companies from across Canada and will create 700 new highly skilled jobs at CAE in Canada, including 600 in Quebec. Through this project, CAE will work with post-secondary institutions, research centres and STEM institutions and create 5,000 Work Integrated Learning (WIL) opportunities for students and 100 new scholarship positions.

GKN Aerospace leads new Swedish Project on hydrogen propulsion

KN Aerospace is leading a Swedish national collaboration programme called H2JET, aiming to develop technical solutions for three important engine subsystems for H2-propulsion of medium range civil aircraft. The two-year project, which started this month, sees GKN Aerospace collaborate with the Swedish Energy Agency, Chalmers University of Technology, Lund University, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, University West, Research institutes of Sweden (RISE) and Oxeon. Hydrogen is expected to play a key role in the decarbonisation strategy of aviation as it can power aircraft efficiently, leaving water as the only by-product. Power can be generated by either direct combustion, the focus of H2JET, or by generating onboard electrical power by use of a fuel cell, the focus of GKN Aerospace’s ‘H2GEAR’ program launched earlier this year. Whilst H2GEAR is exploring a liquid hydrogen propulsion system for sub-regional aircraft, H2JET will explore hydrogen combustion powered turboprop or turbofan engines for the single aisle market for potential entry into service on intra-European routes in 2035. H2JET puts GKN Aerospace at the heart of the technology developments needed for the future of more sustainable aviation. This would create a new generation of clean air travel, eliminating harmful CO2 emissions. By validating subsystem- and component technologies for hydrogen combustion engines, H2JET will speed up the development of vital international engine- and aircraft demonstrator programmes, such as Clean Aviation Partnership in the

recently launched EU framework programme Horizon Europe. Europe’s aviation sector has committed to an ambitious plan to reach net zero CO2 emissions, presented earlier this year as Destination 2050. The Destination 2050 roadmap shows a possible pathway that combines new technologies, improved operations, sustainable aviation fuels and economic measures. Hydrogen propulsion technology provides one of the most promising opportunities to decarbonize global aviation. Henrik Runnemalm, Vice President GKN Aerospace Global Technology Centre in Trollhättan, Sweden said: ”We are excited by this project and with the support from Swedish Energy Agency which makes it possible. We will be able to build on our long experience of hydrogen technology from Europe’s Ariane rocket launcher, as well as our unique capabilities in light-weight design and advanced manufacturing technology to help shape a sustainable future for aviation.”

Aequs Expands Board with Two Industry Veterans Inducts former CPO of Airbus & BMW, Klaus Richter, and QuantEco Founder and Former YES Bank Sr. Group President & Chief Economist, Shubhada M Rao

equs, a diversified contract manufacturing company, has inducted two industry veterans and thought leaders into its Board of Directors. Aequs established India’s first Aerospace focused SEZ and recently it expanded its manufacturing ecosystems into the Toys and Consumer Durable Goods sectors. Dr. Klaus Richter, former Airbus and BMW procurement head, and currently President designate of the Executive Board at German technology conglomerate, Diehl Stiftung GmbH & Co., brings to the Aequs Board a deep understanding and experience in global supply chains. His area of expertise is critical given emerging industry priorities in the wake of the Pandemic where supply chain players must rapidly adjust to a new normal with evolving customer expectations and the geopolitical situation. Credited with introducing car making

strategies at Airbus, Aequs will leverage his expertise to do the same in other industry sectors it is expanding into. Dr. Shubhada M Rao, founder of lead research house QuantEco, and former Senior Group President & Chief Economist at YES Bank. She complements the Board with her insights into the banking, financial markets, and risk management that will be invaluable for sound and informed decisions in relation to investment options and resource management. Her domain expertise and knowledge of the Indian economy will be critical as Aequs forays into consumer durable goods sector. “We are pleased to welcome Klaus and Shubhada as new independent directors to the Aequs board. Their presence will be a tremendous asset as we further our mission of expanding our manufacturing ecosystems to other sectors,” said Aravind Melligeri, Chairman & CEO. “We are confident along with existing board members Dr. Ajay Prabhu and Rajeev Kaul, they will provide valuable perspectives as we execute our strategy, enhance customer value, and drive profitability.”

CAE concludes acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business

AE announced that it has formally concluded the previously announced acquisition of L3Harris Technologies' Military Training business for US$1.05 billion subject to customary adjustments (the "Acquisition"). As announced earlier , all regulatory approvals were obtained and now all other closing conditions have been met. As previously announced, a portion of the purchase price of the Acquisition and other related transaction costs was financed using the net proceeds from the private placements of C$700 million (approximately US$550 million) aggregate amount of subscription receipts issued by CAE to Caisse de dépôt et placement

du Québec and GIC Private Limited. Upon closing of the Acquisition, the common shares of CAE issuable pursuant to the 22,400,000 subscription receipts were automatically issued through the facilities of CDS Clearing and Depository Services Inc. in accordance with the terms of the subscription receipts, on a one-for-one basis. The transfer register maintained by the subscription receipt agent for the subscription receipts will be closed as at the close of business today. The subscription receipts and the common shares of CAE have not been, and will not be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Securities Act"), or the securities laws of any state of the United States or province of Canada and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, within the United States or to U.S. persons or in Canada except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state or Canadian securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities in the United States, Canada or elsewhere.

Collins Aerospace deploys biometrics solution at Tokyo Haneda Airport · New system streamlines passenger processing · Facial recognition reduces physical interactions and enhances passenger convenience

Biometrics check in at HND

Biometrics self service check in kiosks

Facial Recognition to streamline pax processing

ollins Aerospace, a Raytheon Technologies group company has completed deployment of its ARINC SelfPassTM biometrics solution at Haneda Airport, one of the busiest airports in Asia, streamlining passenger processing through reduced physical interactions and bottlenecks at multiple passenger touchpoints. “Our ‘Face Express’ system will allow passengers to efficiently proceed through procedures at the airport (baggage drop, security checkpoint entrance, boarding gate) utilizing facial recognition, eliminating the hassle of showing their passport and boarding pass,” said Shoichi Ohashi, Tokyo International Air Terminal Corporation’s senior manager for the Facility Department. “We worked closely with Collins Aerospace to achieve this and enhance passenger convenience at Tokyo Haneda airport.” Rakan Khaled, vice president, Airport Systems for Collins said, “Our ARINC SelfPass biometrics solution at Tokyo Haneda Airport streamlines passenger processing while improving airport efficiency and security. Despite the challenging pandemic environment, we were able to manage staffing and suppliers to ensure smooth delivery of the solution.”This project includes the installation of 98 Self-Service Check-In Kiosks, 30 biometric enrollment kiosks, 104 biometric devices for Self-Bag Drop, 17 biometric Automated Security Gates and 42 biometric Automated Self-Boarding Gates.

Face Express at HND

DRDO & AICTE launch regular M. Tech. Program in defence technology

regular M.Tech. Program in Defence Technology has been launched by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to impart necessary theoretical & experimental knowledge, skill and aptitude in various defence technology areas. Secretary Department of Defence R&D & Chairman DRDO Dr G Satheesh Reddy and Chairman AICTE Prof Anil D Sahasrabudhe launched the program during a virtual event organised by AICTE, New Delhi on July 08, 2021. The program will motivate the aspiring engineers to start their career in defence technology. This M.Tech. defence technology program can be conducted at any AICTE affiliated Institutes/Universities, IITs, NITs or private engineering institutes.Institute of Defence Scientists & Technologists (IDST) will provide support to the institutes for conducting this program, which can be conducted in online as well as offline formats. The program has six specialized streams - Combat Technology, Aero Technology, Naval Technology, Communication Systems & Sensors, Directed Energy Technology and High Energy Materials Technology. The students will also be provided opportunities to conduct their main thesis work in DRDO laboratories, Defence PSUs & Industries. The program will be helpful to students seeking opportunities in ever expanding defence research and manufacturing sector. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has congratulated DRDO, AICTE & Industries for starting a Post Graduate Program in Defence Technology. He said the program will help in achieving ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’envisioned by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Dr G Satheesh Reddy congratulated DRDO, AICTE and industries for evolving the PG program. He expressed hope that such a specialised program will enable the creation of a large pool of talented workforce for defence sector. He called upon the industry leaders to extend their support for this program and offer opportunities to the students. Prof Anil D Sahasrabudhe expressed happiness over the launch of the program and said it will not only generate skilled manpower pool in defence technology, but will also create spin-off benefits in terms of new defence startups and entrepreneurs. He emphasized that research should be connected with day-to-day life as it is fundamental for human psyche. Chairman & Managing Director, Bharat Forge Limited Shri Babasaheb Neelkanth Kalyani congratulated DRDO and AICTE for initiating this program and highlighted its importance for creation of talent pool for defence technology with know-how and know-why capability to fulfil the vision of ‘AatmaNirbhar Bharat’.

Rosoboronexport signs contracts worth over €1 billion at MAKS Rosoboronexport JSC (part of the Rostec State Corporation) has leveraged the full marketing potential of the MAKS-2021 International Air Show.

"Rosoboronexport has leveraged the full potential of MAKS-2021 by signing 13 export contracts worth over €1 billion for the supply of Russian military products on the sidelines of the air show,” said Alexander Mikheev, Director General of Rosoboronexport. “Following the results of MAKS-2021, the Su-30SME fighters, Mi-35M and Mi-17V-5 helicopters, the Protivnik-GE radar, Verba MANPADS, as well as advanced air weapons, a number of armored and automotive vehicles have been added to the company's order book and Russian defense manufacturers’ production plans.”

In Zhukovsky, Rosoboronexport held presentations of the major promoted aircraft, helicopters, air defense and electronic warfare systems for more than 30 delegations from 20 countries. During the negotiations at MAKS2021, the company's foreign partners expressed interest in acquiring MiG-35D and Su-30SME fighters, IL-76MD-90A(E) military transport

aircraft, IL-78MK-90A tanker aircraft, Mi28NE and Ka-52 attack helicopters, Mi-171Sh military transport and Ka-226T multi-purpose helicopters, as well as air defense systems, including the Pantsir-S1 SPAAGM system. In the course of talks on the sidelines of the air show, Rosoboronexport discussed industrial partnership in the field of joint and licensed production of Russian combat aircraft and helicopters, as well as modernization of previously delivered aircraft equipment with customers from the Asia-Pacific region, the Middle East, Latin America, Africa and the CIS. "Needless to say, Rosoboronexport's partners became interested in the newest Checkmate light tactical aircraft unveiled by Rostec at MAKS-2021. A number of customers were shown its prototype and even given the opportunity to sit in its cockpit. They praised its characteristics," Alexander Mikheev added. In addition, Rosoboronexport and Technodinamika signed joint programs to promote parachute equipment and research and development services in the external market. The signing ceremony was attended by Russia’s Deputy Prime Minister Yuri Borisov, Minister of Industry and Trade Denis Manturov and Rostec CEO Sergey Chemezov.

Tata Boeing Aerospace Delivers 100th Fuselage for the AH-64 Apache Helicopter • Delivery demonstrates Boeing’s continued commitment to Aatmanirbhar Bharat • Production line manufactures fuselages for Apache customers around the world and for the recently contracted six Apaches for the Indian Army

Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited (TBAL) announced the delivery of the 100th fuselage for the AH-64 Apache combat helicopter to Boeing from its state-ofthe-art manufacturing facility in Hyderabad. The fuselage will be transported to Boeing’s AH-64 Apache manufacturing facility in Mesa, AZ, for integration into the final assembly line. KT Rama Rao, Minister for Municipal Administration & Urban Development, Industries & Commerce, and Information Technology of Telangana; and senior officials from Boeing and Tata Advanced Systems (TASL) were present to mark the delivery milestone. KT Rama Rao said, “This is a proud moment for Telangana, and a noteworthy step in the growth of India’s aerospace and defence manufacturing. Our government is committed to providing all support necessary to make the state a preferred destination for global aviation and defence manufacturers. I congratulate Boeing and Tata for this milestone.” Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India, said, “Tata Boeing Aerospace Limited is an example of Boeing’s commitment towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat and the codevelopment of integrated systems in aerospace and defence not just for India, but for the world. We have quadrupled our sourcing from India in the past two years to more than $1 billion. Skilled talent, robust infrastructure, ease of doing

business, and a highly responsive government administration –make Telangana an ideal destination for the high-end manufacturing work that the aerospace and defence industry demands.” Sukaran Singh, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL), said, “The achievement of 100th fuselage delivery for AH-64 within three years of the facility being operational reflects our strong ability to industrialize and ramp up complex aerospace programs and deliver with highest levels of quality. This accomplishment places the Telangana facility as part of the global supply chain for Apache helicopters. Further, it underlines our indigenous manufacturing capability to produce cutting-edge technology and quality defence equipment in the country, and promote the Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing ecosystem, globally.” Tata Boeing Aerospace, Boeing’s first equity joint venture in India, is the result of a 2015 partnership agreement with TASL. Spread over 14,000 square meters, the state-of-the-art facility has been producing aero-structures for Boeing’s AH-64 Apache helicopter, including fuselages, secondary structures and vertical spar boxes for customers worldwide. Recently, Boeing announced the addition of a new production line to manufacture complex vertical fin structures for the 737 family of airplanes. Customers globally operate more than 1,200 Boeing-made Apache helicopters. The helicopter has been fielded or selected for acquisition by the armed forces of 16 countries, including India.

Chief Hydrographer receives Alexander Dalrymple award

ice Admiral Vinay Badhwar, AVSM, NM, Chief Hydrographer to the Govt. of India received the Alexander Dalrymple award from the British High Commissioner, Alex Ellis at a ceremony held at New Delhi. Vice Admiral Vinay Badhwar was conferred with the prestigious award in 2019 but the award ceremony was delayed due to the ongoing pandemic. The Alexander Dalrymple award has been named after the first hydrographer of the Admiralty and was instituted in 2006. The Admiral has been awarded the Alexander Dalrymple award in recognition of his dedication, professionalism and leadership in the disciplines of hydrography and nautical cartography, not only as the Chief Hydrographer to the Government of India but throughout the Indian Ocean region. The Chief Hydrographer during the presentation ceremony stated that “Our Prime

Minister’s vision of SAGAR - Security And Growth for All in the Region along with the push from United Nations for sustainability of our oceans, has been the driving force for the Hydrographic Department in extending all possible assistance including capacity building to littorals in the Indian Ocean Region and I have been fortunate in leading this department towards these goals..”

“Gazprom’’ and ‘’Russian Helicopters’’ signed agreement for offshore helicopters "Gazprom'' and ''Russian Helicopters'' signed a cooperation agreement to supply the first Russian offshore helicopters. Vitaly Markelov, Deputy Chairman of the ''Gazprom'' Management Committee and Andrey Boginsky, Director General of ''Russian Helicopters'' (part of Rostec State Corporation) signed a Strategic Cooperation Agreement for the supply of certified domestic-made Mi-171A3 maritime helicopters. The Mi-171A3 is the first domestically produced helicopter intended primarily for offshore operations (transportation of passengers and cargo over the sea). This helicopter was designed according to the International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (IOGP) standards. Serial aircraft has a maximum take-off weight of 13 tons. Mi-171A3 helicopter meets the increased safety requirements for flights over the water surface. In particular, it will be equipped with an emergency-resistant fuel

system, an auto-activated emergency water landing system, and external life rafts. Mi-171A3 will have installed an integrated flight and navigation complex for the most difficult weather conditions - a "glass cockpit" with digital navigation equipment. The helicopter will be available in two configurations. The first is for transportation of up to 24 passengers and cargo up to 5 tons. The second is for search and rescue operations and will be additionally equipped with specialized equipment, including medical. If required, the operator will be able to convert the cargo and passenger helicopter to a search and rescue helicopter independently.

Verteil Technologies becomes global partner for Oryx Connect

atar Airways’ New Distribution Capability (NDC) program, Oryx Connect, is now activated on Verteil’s flagship NDC distribution platform Verteil Direct Connect (VDC) for a wide range of Offer & Order Management capabilities inclusive of NDC features such as branded fares, rich content, ancillary products & services. Verteil Technologies is one of five globally certified companies to be certified by Qatar Airways to enable the Oryx Connect program for Qatar Airways trade partners. Before the pandemic, Qatar Airways flew to more than 160 cities across the globe and launched new destinations at a high rate. Today Qatar Airways is offering more than 140 destinations worldwide and over 1000 weekly frequencies including over 100 weekly flights to the U.S. network. In 2017, the airline launched Qsuite, which quickly received the SKYTRAX World’s Best Business Class award after its launch. VDC facilitates direct, real-time connectivity with Qatar Airways using NDC APIs thus accelerating the adoption of airline retailing without being constrained by the limitations of current legacy distribution systems. Travel service providers can get access to NDC content from Qatar Airways and the rest of Verteil’s airline partners through Verteil’s distribution platform by either using Verteil’s comprehensive NDC front office tool or integration via Verteil’s Universal API. “We are pleased to welcome Qatar Airways into the growing list of leaderboard NDC airlines in the Verteil Direct Connect platform. Our mission is to enable direct connectivity between airlines and travel companies opening up unlimited retailing possibilities in the airline e-commerce sector, without being constrained by limitations of legacy technology and this marks an important milestone in our mission. Through our significant presence in leading travel markets including India, Asia Pacific, Middle East & Africa, UK, Europe, and North America, we expect travel companies to greatly benefit from QR’s NDC content”, said Jerrin Jos, Founder & CEO, Verteil Technologies.

NDC is the next technology wave that is modernizing the distribution landscape, with airlines not being constrained by the current legacy distribution systems in introducing innovative products and personalized services. Verteil has been actively working in this domain right from 2016 onwards with a growing customer base. Built by a core team having 100+ man-years of deep domain knowledge in the airline technology domain, VDC is designed to address all the necessary functional and technical scalability considerations required for an NDC distribution platform. Verteil Technologies Private Limited is a Level 4 NDC Aggregator, with headquarters in India and having a local presence in different regions including Japan, Hong Kong, China, South Korea, Middle East, Africa, UK, Europe, and Americas. Working in this domain from 2016 onwards, Verteil’s product offering Verteil Direct Connect enables travel service providers to establish direct connectivity with airlines bypassing legacy distribution channels. For more information, please visit https://www. verteil.com

AUSTRALIAN NAVY EXTENDS CONTRACT FOR SCHIEBEL’S CAMCOPTER® S-100

he Royal Australian Navy (RAN) awarded Schiebel with a 3-year extension contract for the sustainment of its CAMCOPTER® S-100. The extension allows the RAN to continue to experiment and develop knowledge using the S-100. After winning the RAN contract back in 2016, Schiebel has built on its initial acquisition contract resulting in this substantial extension. The contract includes field support services, engineering and logistics elements, as well as the creation

of a sovereign Australian CAMCOPTER® S-100 training capability delivered by Schiebel Pacific Pty Ltd. “For Schiebel Pacific the contract extension secures existing Australian jobs and will create further positions for Australian Unmanned Air System (UAS) experts. We are immensely proud that we were able to convince with our CAMCOPTER® S-100”, said Hans Georg Schiebel, Chairman of the Schiebel Group. The CAMCOPTER® S-100 holds an impressive track record of supporting naval customers, with missions successfully completed on over 40 different ships on all the world’s oceans, in every environment from the tropics to the arctic.

Collins Aerospace to install suite of ARINC at Philippines’ Clark International Airport

Clark International Airport (CRK) in Pampanga, Philippines, has selected a suite of Collins Aerospace ARINC airport solutions to help provide a seamless passenger experience for the increased number of travelers expected to pass through the airport following its 2021 expansion. Collins Aerospace is a Raytheon Technologies (NYSE: RTX) business. CRK selected a suite of ARINC passenger processing and airport operation solutions to move passenger flow through its new Terminal Two while helping to keep airport data optimized and secure. The suite includes: • ARINC cMUSETM: Cloud-based passenger check-in platform designed to keep passengers moving and ease airport congestion • ARINC SelfServTM CUSS Kiosk: Enables passenger to bypass long lines and supports both social distancing and contactless initiatives • ARINC AirVueTM: Digital signage solution to provide passengers with up-to-date information • ARINC AirPlanTM: A sophisticated solution integrating airport operational databases

• •

Solutions will help streamline passenger processing Suite includes solutions to support social distancing and contactless initiatives

with internal and external systems, as well as a resource management system for managing airport operational resources. • ARINC Managed Services: Provides 24/7 expert assistance, tools and technology to keep systems online and productive “Clark International Airport was looking for a vendor to support the airport’s expansion plans with three key areas of consideration — timeline for delivery, technical capabilities, and a dedicated and experienced local support team,” said Kit Su Lee, Asia-Pacific Regional Head of Operations for Collins Aerospace’s Information Management Services business. “We were able to build a custom package for the airport that not only meets that criteria but will also create a more enjoyable travel experience for customers and improve CRK’s capacity and efficiency.” "Ms. Bi Yong Chungunco, chief executive officer of Luzon International Premiere Airport Development Corp, the operator for Clark International Airport said, "We are excited to be partnering Collins Aerospace to provide the suite of passenger service solutions to Clark International Airport in its journey to be a world class airport in the Philippines and beyond. With these solutions, passengers will have a smooth, seamless, and stress-free passenger journey with new 24/7 self-service check-in facilities and digital wayfinding screens." All solutions are expected to be installed and operational by the third quarter of 2021.

Rafael fires SPIKE NLOS missile from Oshkosh JLTV in Estonia

afael Advanced Defense Systems Ltd. and Oshkosh Defense have completed a successful demonstration and live firing of Rafael's SPIKE NLOS (Non-Line-Of-Sight) missile from an Oshkosh JLTV (Joint Light Tactical Vehicle). SPIKE NLOS is a fifth generation, 32 km-range missile, with high effectiveness achieved by a navigation system and lethal warheads capable of destroying a wide range of targets. It is part of the SPIKE family of multi-mission, precise, electrooptical missiles with legacy of 37 customers worldwide. The demonstration, hosted by Estonian Navy, took place in Saaremaa Island, Estonia, in front of representatives from 14 countries, including Spike-user NATO countries, and senior members of Estonia's defense ministry and members of the Estonian Armed Forces. The demo included a live firing of two SPIKE NLOS missiles from a launcher mounted on the Oshkosh JLTV. The missiles was fired towards a beyond-line-ofsight two different naval targets with different size and characteristics located at sea, both targets were destroyed. The demo displayed the SPIKE NLOS missile's unique capabilities, addressing modern coastal protection challenges and a large variety of targets, either at sea or on land and dense marine traffic. The SPIKE NLOS enables positive visual target identification and precision strike at extended ranges and beyond-line-of-sight against marine targets (landing craft, corvettes, commando RIBs etc.), and on land - tanks and armored vehicles either at amphibious state or on shore, infantry, forward command posts and more. It has a bi-directional datalink, enabling full control of the missile from launch up to target hit with pinpoint precision that is not affected by range. Unlike laser-guided or active radar munitions, the SPIKE NLOS electro-optical guidance is completely passive and is capable of operation in a GPS-denied environments. As a multi-platform solution with cross-force commonality, SPIKE allows missile

stocks to managed jointly by users, create joint procurement and facilitate mutual support and maintenance. Roman Palaria, director of marketing and business development at Rafael's Precision Tactical Weapon Systems directorate: "Rafael is privileged to have Estonian Armed forces as Spike user and we sincerely thank the Estonian Navy, for their assistance in demonstrating SPIKE NLOS unique capabilities, especially in these challenging times. We also thank our partner Oshkosh for the opportunity to demonstrate our joint solution onboard the JLTV, with ease of integration through excellent cooperation between the companies." John Lazar, Vice President and General Manager of International Programs: “Oshkosh Defense is proud to participate with partner Rafael Advanced Defense Systems in the successful integration, demonstration and live firing of Rafael’s SPIKE NLOS missile. The JLTV is more than a light tactical vehicle; it offers the ability to integrate a full spectrum of mission packages, including sensing, communications, fires, passive and active protection and more. This live fire demonstration further proves the modularity and multi-mission capability of the JLTV platform.”

Saab Delivers T-7A Aft for the Flight Test Program

aab has shipped its second aft airframe section, which is for use in the T-7A Red Hawk flight test program.The production and shipment of this aft airframe section is the latest milestone in Saab’s contribution to the design and development of the T-7A Red Hawk trainer for the United States Air Force. The shipment on 24 July 2021 was from Saab’s Linköping site in Sweden to Boeing in St. Louis, Missouri, USA. On completion of the Engineering and Manufacturing Development (EMD) production phase, Saab’s brand new facility in West Lafayette, Indiana, USA will undertake Saab’s production of the aft airframe sections for the T-7A program. “T-7A demonstrates Saab’s approach to international growth and underpins our position as a world-class aircraft company and unique business partner. Together with Boeing, we are achieving our ambitious vision: to redefine what a trainer jet is, and to do so through digital engineering. This represents yet another milestone in delivering on our commitments,” said Jonas Hjelm, Senior Vice President and head of Saab business area Aeronautics. Boeing will splice together Saab’s aft section with the front section, wings, fins and tail assembly to become a complete test aircraft for use in the EMD’s flight test program. The aft section with installed subsystems - hydraulics, fuel and secondary power system - forms the center structure of the aircraft from behind the cockpit to the end of the aircraft.

In April 2021, Saab delivered its first T-7A Red Hawk aft airframe section for assembly as a ground-based structural testing aircraft. Upon arrival at Boeing in St. Louis, Saab’s aft section was joined perfectly with the front fuselage in less than 30 minutes. That achievement is a testament to the use of digital design and engineering, which delivers accuracy, efficiency and improved quality throughout the design and delivery of T-7A Red Hawk. T-7A Red Hawk is an all-new, advanced pilot training system designed for the U.S. Air Force to train the next generation of combat pilots for decades to come. The aircraft has benefited from Saab and Boeing’s “breaking the norm” approach to military aircraft design, engineering and production, which saw the preceding T-X aircraft go from concept to first flight in just 36 months.

HMA Offers a Unique PGDM Programme for 2021-22

AL Management Academy (HMA), Bengaluru, is offering a unique and most featured two-year residential Post Graduate Diploma in Management (PGDM) programme for engineering, science graduates. This programme is the perfect

launch pad for a top quality management education from an institute which is more than 50 years in the field of management. The programme features immersive learning experience, well-crafted case studies, provides learners with an in-depth understanding of the processes, learning from industry visits and experts. Applications are invited for this PGDM programme in Aviation Management and Production Management for the Academic year 2021-22 and the last date for submission of application is August 20, 2021. More details from HAL Management Academy (Mob./WhatsApp: +91 99866 41481) or by visiting the website www. hal-india.co.in

Mumbai Airport Reintroduces 5 Domestic Routes Starting August

ith the upsurge in passenger traffic and states easing travel restrictions, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) has reintroduced five domestic routes to Tier II markets. These five destinations include Bareilly, Vishakhapatnam, Tirupati, Ajmer and Porbandar, adding a major boost in connecting Mumbaikars to the smart cities of the country during these uncertain times. Airline IndiGo (6E) Air India (AI) SpiceJet (SG)

SpiceJet (SG)

Weekly Flights

Bareilly (BEK)

Tirupati (TIR)

Vishakhapatnam (VTZ)

Ajmer (KQH)

Porbandar (PBD)

With the Government extending flying capacity to 65 per cent, CSMIA has witnessed a surge in travel to the Tier II markets. With states relaxing travel guidelines and offices opening; the migratory travellers are travelling back to their work destination. The initiative undertaken by the Government is in light of the upward passenger trend as flying emerges as a preferred, safe and time-saving mode of transport. Besides, CSMIA witnessed a surge in passenger travel to the Tier II market in the month of July, with sectors such as Hyderabad, Goa and Ahmedabad (Top 3 Tier-II sectors that performed) saw 7%, 5% and 5% passenger traffic respectively to these markets. Furthermore, during this period, the airport

observed domestic carriers such as Indigo, Air India and GoAir (name of the Top 3 airlines) catering to over 3,50,000, 80,000 and 46,000 (total number of pax by each airline) passengers through approximately 2,700, 850 and 400 flights respectively to the Tier II markets. With an aim to maximise passenger delight, CSMIA continues to create distinctiveness through its experiential offering while withstanding the challenges due to the pandemic. The airport has undertaken various safety measures and has implemented numerous SOPs, including the preventive measures laid down by the Government to safeguard the passengers' wellbeing and curb the spread of the virus. Acting as a key driver in promoting domestic tourism and continuing to work in conjunction with airline operators, CSMIA offers world-class services and facilities to its passengers and leaves them with a memorable experience of their journey through the airport.

NAVANTIA shortlisted for Poland ToT frigate program

The offer submitted by Navantia to the Polish Ministry of Defence to build three frigates in a Technology Transfer (ToT) program has been selected in a ‘short list’ along with two other finalists. Now, Navantia will participate in the Viability Phase in order to propose a design that further adjusts to the requirements of the Armaments Inspectorate of the Polish Ministry of Defence. The final decision on the contractor is expected in 2022. The offer presented by Navantia is based on the design of the F-100, in service for the Spanish Navy, which has been the starting point for successful export contracts to Norway and Australia. The Miecznik program launched by the Polish Government envisages the construction of three multi-mission frigates at the local PGZ shipyard in Gdynia through a Technology Transfer (ToT) contract with an international company, a business model in which Navantia has a robust experience. Navantia has long track in the design and construction of a wide range of frigates,

with proven flexibility, therefore, to suit the needs of the Polish Navy. The company has also proved its ability to efficiently execute different models of ToT programs that have helped develop local capabilities in shipbuilding and life cycle support. It is a business model of high added value in which Navantia has success stories through its contracts in Turkey, Saudi Arabia or Australia. “Navantia is ready to have a local presence in Poland in order to support the construction and sustainment of the ships. We are proud to offer the Polish Navy a collaboration model that has proven to be of mutual benefit and that will allow Poland, a friend and ally, to have a highly technological naval defense capability, proven both by the Spanish Navy and by other internacional clients”, has declared the Commercial and Business Development Director of Navantia, Javier Herrador. The Miecznik program for the construction of frigates is part of an ambitious plan launched by the Polish Government to modernize its Armed Forces with an investment of 115 billion euros until 2035.

SAMAD Aerospace Completes Hover Tests for eStarling SAMAD Aerospace has announced that it has completed hover tests for its second prototype eVTOL eStarling aircraft. Designed for intercity transport, the eStarling aircraft will combine a helicopter’s vertical ability to take off and land from almost anywhere, with the speed and range of a business jet. With a semi blended wing body (BWB) design and powered by sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), the eStarling will be the fastest hybrid electric eVTOL aircraft in the world with the longest range. With a cruising speed of 300 MPH and a range of 800 Miles, the eStarling will reach the highest speeds of any eVTOL aircraft. It will transport passengers ‘helipad-helipad’ avoiding the need to travel to and from airports. Previous testing has developed conventional take-off and landing of the prototype. Recent tethered hover tests followed by full hover tests demonstrated a very agile and stable prototype with hovering and helicopter moves. This month’s hover tests were performed over a crane system, and they focused on the validation of the flight control system in

hovering mode. The aircraft consumed 65% of the available power to take off and hover with a healthy power surplus for adverse weather conditions. Speaking from his UK Head Office at Cranfield Technology Park, Dr. Seyed Mohseni, CEO of SAMAD Aerospace, said: “The importance of these recent flight tests is the initial validation of autopilot that has been developed by the SAMAD Aerospace team.” Available to pre-order now for delivery in 2026, the eStarling will reduce total travel time by utilising locations much closer to the customer’s point of departure and destination, including remote locations.

VEM Technologies handed over Centre Fuselage for LCA – Tejas

EM Technologies Pvt. Ltd., a major Aerospace and Defence company based in Hyderabad has handed over the first Centre Fuselage for Light Combat Aircraft – Tejas to R. Madhavan, Chairman and Managing Director of HAL. VEM Technologies is the production partner for the Centre Fuselage of Tejas to be fabricated in VEM with the support from HAL – LCA Division. VEM got its technical team members trained by HAL and built the Hi-Precision Jig to carry out the assembly of Centre Fuselage with 1595 parts of Mechanical and Composite structures certified by HAL QC and DGAQA. R. Madhavan, CMD, HAL congratulates VEM Technologies for its dedication and

competencies demonstrated in building the CFL for Tejas and getting qualified by the DGAQA. Jayesh Ranjan, Principal Secretary, Industries & Commerce (I&C) an Information Technology (IT), Govt. of Telangana has congratulated VEM for the achievement. E P Jayadeva, GM, HAL-LCA Division, –General Manager, Arun J Sarkatehave, GM , Avionics Division, HAL also attended the event. V. Venkata Raju, CMD, VEM Technologies acknowledged the excellent support and guidance provided by HAL team and the DGAQA and appreciated the VEM team effort in making the CFL programme successful. VEM established the state-of-the-art infrastructure including the Hi-precision Machinery, Metallurgical Processes and Treatments and Pneumo-hydraulic systems, Fuel systems, Automated PCBAs, Composites, RF & MW, Electro-Optics and Electrical Integration facilities to build the integrated systems for Land, Air and Naval Systems. The dedicated line established to produce Centre Fuselage for LCA – Tejas is expected deliver good volumes to HAL to meet the present and the future orders from Indian Armed Forces.

Qatar Airways Cargo Becomes Member of Cool Chain Association • •

The airline along with Cool Chain Association members will deliver concrete solutions to improve the cool chain The membership aligns with the airline’s sustainability programme, WeQare as Cool Chain Association aims to reduce food wastage through cool chain integrity and stakeholder involvement

atar Airways Cargo has extended its cool chain industry partnerships by joining Cool Chain Association (CCA), a non-profit organisation, effective 28 July 2021. Founded in 2003, the association aims to reduce food wastage and improve the quality, efficiency, and value of the temperature sensitive supply chain by facilitating and enabling vertical and horizontal collaboration, education and innovation amongst its members and stakeholders. Guillaume Halleux, Chief Officer Cargo at Qatar Airways said, “Through our membership with Cool Chain Association, we look forward to collaborating with its members, and contributing to CCA’s vision of improving quality of temperature-sensitive products, increasing sustainability and reducing waste, thereby also contributing to the health of the planet, which aligns with our sustainability programme WeQare.” “CCA members are focused on developing tangible programmes and backing projects which help reduce food waste and ensure that lifesaving pharma consignments safely reach their destination and this has never been more relevant than now,” said Stavros Engelakakis, Chairman, CCA. “We are pleased that the cargo carrier’s Senior Manager of Climate Control Products, Miguel Rodriguez Moreno is joining the board, Qatar Airways Cargo’s shared commitment to our goals and its vision for WeQare combined with Miguel’s wealth of experience in the cool chain supply chain makes him the perfect addition to our association.” Qatar Airways Cargo will join CCA and its members to deliver contributions

in improving the cool chain and sustainable transport of temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical and perishable cargo. Such concrete contributions like the CCA Technical Committee, that oversees and assists in projects addressing critical points affecting product quality along the cool chain, as well as developing standards and initiating projects will indirectly reduce global hunger and contribute to overall health of people and the planet. Through the membership, the airline will also participate in Cool Chain Association’s board meetings and focus groups to contribute its expertise. The carrier has established innovative solutions for the air freight of pharmaceuticals and perishables. It has also invested considerably in quality handling, infrastructure, digitalization, facilities, people and procedures at each of its destinations, including the Doha hub, adhering to high operating standards for transporting all temperature-controlled products.

Finland upgrades CV90 fleet, extending capabilities into the 2030s

AE Systems has signed a contract with Finland to upgrade the Finnish Army’s fleet of CV90s. The agreement, worth up to $32 million USD with options, includes a mid-life extension program to increase the vehicles’ combat efficiency for the future battlefield. The CV9030FIN prototype and test series vehicles will be upgraded first, with the remaining lifecycle upgrades carried out between 2022-2026. As part of the contract, BAE Systems Hägglunds, the original manufacturer of the CV90, will work closely with Finnish industry to upgrade the general availability and maintainability of the vehicle, further develop in-service safety, and enhance the system’s technology and software. “The upgrade program will secure the capability of the vehicles into the 2030s. At the same time, it will make it possible to eventually

have a more extensive mid-life upgrade performed on the vehicles during the latter part of their lifecycle,” said Colonel Rainer Peltoniemi, Inspector of the Infantry for the Finnish Army. Finland is the latest in a series of CV90 customers to significantly re-invest in the combat[1]proven Infantry Fighting Vehicle platform. Four of seven nations in the CV90 User Club have recently signed contracts to extend the lifecycle of their fleets and enhance their vehicles’ capabilities. Sweden, Switzerland and, the Netherlands signed mid-life upgrade agreements, while the Norwegian Army recently completed a fleet upgrade and ordered 20 additional CV90s to increase the combat power of its existing fleet. “We are looking forward to further supporting Finland with its latest program and deepening our relationships with local industry,” said Tommy GustafssonRask, managing director of BAE Systems Hägglunds. “Our customers’ continued commitment to the platform benefits all current and future CV90 users, as each nation shares their experiences and innovations which help keep the vehicle modern, advanced, and affordable for years to come.” Finland is one of seven users operating the CV90. The other six are: Denmark, Estonia, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the Netherlands. With close to 1,300 CV90s of numerous variants in service, the vehicle has a combat-proven track record and is designed to accommodate future growth to meet evolving mission.

GRSE achieves twin milestones, Keel laying for 3rd SVL & first ASWSWC

ontinuing with the stellar efforts in indigenous design & production of warships, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), a leading warship building Mini Ratna Category 1 Defence PSU of India, laid the Keel of 3rd Survey Vessel Large (SVL) and 1st Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Craft (ASWSWC). The Keel of both ships were laid in the august presence of Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff through an e-ceremony. Vice Admiral Kiran Deshmukh, CWP&A, Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd.), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Rear Admiral GK Harish, DGND, Cmde Khetan, IN (Retd.) Head, Shipbuilding Business, L&T, Cmde Sanjeev Nayyar, IN (Retd), Director (Shipbuilding), GRSE, Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd), Director (Personnel), GRSE, and RK Dash, Director (Finance), GRSE and Senior Officials of Indian Navy & GRSE graced the occasion. GRSE bagged both the contracts for construction of SVLs & ASWSWCs on competitive bidding and design for both has been accomplished by the in-house Design Team of GRSE. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, Vice Chief of Naval Staff, in his address said, “I am glad to know that despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, both the projects are progressing very well and I am confident that GRSE having expertise in design and construction of various types of ships for the Indian Navy, will ensure the timely delivery to maritime forces. Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), CMD, GRSE stated that GRSE’s achievement of these major milestones has been made possible due to dedicated and untiring efforts of Team GRSE and synergy among all stakeholders. The Survey Vessel is the 3rd of the four ships being built by GRSE under the SVL project. The vessels are capable of full scale coastal & deep water hydrographic survey with their advanced survey equipment. The Vessels are 110m Long with a Deep Displacement of 3300 Tons and accommodation of 231 Personnel. They

are designed for a cruising speed of 16 knots with an in-house Hull Form Design of GRSE that imparts a superior level of operational efficiency. The Hull form of these new generations Survey Vessel meets the stringent sea keeping and maneuvering requirements including Helicopter Operations at high sea states. The vessels are propelled by two marine diesel engines and also have bow & stern thrusters for maneuvering at low speeds during surveys. The ships are being built & outfitted as per the applicable provisions & regulations of the classification society. This ASWSWC is the 1st of the eight vessels being built by GRSE. The Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Water Crafts are designed for a Deep Displacement of 750 Tons, Speed of 25 Knots and Complement of 57 and capable of full scale Sub Surface Surveillance of Coastal Waters, SAU and Coordinated ASW operations with Aircraft. These Vessels are propelled by Water Jets capable of reaching maximum speed of 25 Knots and are compact and loaded with anti-submarine weapons (light weight torpedoes, ASW rockets and mines).The inhouse design team overcame the challenges posed due to the stringent radiated noise & magnetic signature limits for these vessels.

India issues RFP for six P-75(I) submarines for Indian Navy

s a major initiative towards ‘Make in India’, Ministry of Defence (MoD) has issued Request of Proposal (RFP) for the first acquisition programme under the Strategic Partnership Model for construction of six AIP fitted Conventional Submarines named Project 75(India) [P-75(I)] for the Indian Navy. on July 20, 2021. The RFP was issued to shortlisted Strategic Partners (SPs) or Indian Applicant Companies for the project viz, M/s Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) and M/s Larsen & Tubro (L&T). The project cost is over Rs 40,000 crore. Project-75(I) envisages indigenous construction of six modern conventional submarines (including associated shore support, Engineering Support Package, training, and spares package) with contemporary equipment, weapons & sensors including Fuel-Cell based AIP (Air Independent Propulsion Plant), advanced torpedoes, modern missiles and state of the art countermeasure systems. This would provide a major boost to the indigenous design and construction capability of submarines in India, in addition to bringing in the latest submarine design and technologies as part of the project. Post receipt of responses to the Expression of

Interest (EoI), shortlisting of potential Strategic Partners (SPs) and Foreign OEMs was undertaken. The shortlisted SPs to whom the RFP has been issued would be collaborating with any of the shortlisted Foreign OEMs viz, M/s Naval GroupFrance, M/s TKMS-Germany, M/s JSC ROE-Russia, M/s Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering Co Ltd-South Korea and M/s Navantia-Spain. These five foreign firms are the world leaders in the field of conventional submarine design, construction, and all other related technologies. The foreign OEMs will be the technology partner in the SP Model. Foreign OEMs will enable SP for construction of submarines, achieving high levels of indigenization, and ToT for various technologies. These OEMs would enable setting up of dedicated manufacturing lines for these submarines in India by providing ToT for submarine design and other technologies and make India the global hub for submarine design and production. The project would not only aid in boosting the core submarine/ship building industry but would also greatly enhance manufacturing/industrial sector, especially the MSME by development of an industrial eco-system for manufacture of associated spares/systems/equipment related to submarines. In order to achieve these objectives, the RFP has key features like mandatory level of indigenous manufacture of platforms, ToT for design/ manufacture/ maintenance of submarines and a few critical equipment and systems, setting up of an eco-system in India for such indigenization and incentivization for other key technologies, etc. The overall aim would be to progressively build indigenous capabilities in the public/private sector to design, develop and manufacture complex weapon systems for the future needs of the Armed Forces. This will be an important step towards meeting broader national objectives, encouraging self reliance and aligning the defence sector with the ‘Make in India’ initiative of the Government.

Gulfstream Appoints Christian Flathman Director of Public & Media Relations

Gulfstream Aerospace Corp. announced the appointment of Christian Flathman as director of public and media relations. Flathman reports

to Jeannine Haas, Gulfstream’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer, and manages Gulfstream’s media relations, social media and marketing quality assurance teams. “Christian brings a great breadth of strategic communications knowledge and experience to Gulfstream,” said Haas. “With his expertise, we look forward to enhancing our domestic and international communications efforts and continuing to cultivate a best-in-class Gulfstream experience for our media partners around the world.” Flathman joins Gulfstream from Exxon Mobil Corporation where he most recently led communications and influencer marketing. At ExxonMobil, he also held positions in automotive marketing; global motorsports and sponsorships; and was global spokesperson for public and government affairs. Flathman began his aerospace career with Gulfstream in 1997 and worked in General Electric’s corporate and aviation divisions. He has also held communications leadership roles with Michelin and in higher education. Flathman earned a bachelor’s degree in public relations from Auburn University in Auburn, Ala., and a master’s degree in integrated marketing communications from Northwestern University in Evanston, lll.

Eastern Fleet Ships on Overseas Operational Deployment

n pursuit of India’s ‘Act East’ policy and to enhance military cooperation with friendly countries, a Task Force of Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet is scheduled to proceed on an Overseas Deployment to South East Asia, the South China Sea and Western Pacific from early Aug 2021 for over two months. The deployment of the Indian Navy ships seeks to underscore the operational reach, peaceful presence and solidarity with friendly countries towards ensuring good order in the maritime domain and to strengthen existing bonds between India and countries of the Indo Pacific. The Indian Naval task group comprises Guided Missile Destroyer Ranvijay, Guided Missile Frigate Shivalik, Anti-Submarine Corvette Kadmatt and Guided Missile Corvette Kora. The latter three ships are indigenously designed and are equipped with a versatile array of weapons and sensors, and are Made in India by Defence Shipyards. During the deployment in the Indo Pacific, the ships are scheduled to participate in bilateral exercises with Vietnamese Peoples’ Navy, Republic of Philippines Navy, Republic of Singapore Navy (SIMBEX), Indonesian Navy (Samudra Shakti) and Royal Australian

Collins Aerospace Selects AdaCore’s QGen Code Generator to Streamline Model-Based Development AdaCore’s QGen code generator for Simulink®/ Stateflow® models and new TQL-1 Enterprise Qualification Package can significantly reduce verification costs

AdaCore a trusted provider of software development and verification tools, announces that Collins Aerospace has selected its QGen code generator for Simulink®/Stateflow® models, and the new TQL-Enterprise Qualification Package, to advance the development of their FAA-certifiable PerigonTM computer, which is designed to support the future flight control and vehicle management needs of commercial and military rotary/fixed wing platforms. By using the TQL-1 release of QGen, PerigonTM software developers are able to save thousands of hours of testing, verification, and certification efforts, while providing additional safety guarantees to their customers. With the adoption of the QGen Enterprise Qualification Package, Collins is now able to streamline its model-based engineering practices. QGen is the first qualifiable code generator for a safe subset of the Simulink®/Stateflow®

Navy (AUS-INDEX). Further, they would also participate in multilateral exercise MALABAR-21 alongside the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force, Royal Australian Navy and the United States Navy in Western Pacific. The Indian Navy undertakes regular deployments to friendly foreign countries and Indian and the Pacific Ocean regions in furtherance of the Prime Minister’s initiative of ‘Security and Growth for All in the Region – SAGAR’. Further, such engagements build ‘Bridges of Friendship’ and strengthen international cooperation. These maritime initiatives enhance synergy and coordination between the Indian Navy and friendly countries, based on common maritime interests and commitment towards Freedom of Navigation at sea. Besides regular port calls, the task group

modeling languages. QGen automatically generates C or Ada source code directly from the model while precisely preserving its functionality, eliminating the need for manual verification of the resulting source code. For systems requiring the highest assurance, such as commercial aerospace, medical device, and autonomous driving applications, the QGen code generator is being qualified by AdaCore and its partner Verocel at DO-178C Tool Qualification Level 1 (TQL-1), which is the highest level of qualification recognized by the FAA. QGen with TQL-1 allows developers to use the generated code without any manual review, streamlining the critical-system development and verification process. In addition, QGen includes an interactive model-level debugger, displaying the model together with the generated source code to provide a uniquely productive bridge between control engineering and software engineering. QGen is now available with an Enterprise Qualification Package. This package comes with flexible licensing so that projects of any size, company-wide, can take advantage of the use of a TQL-1 qualified autocode generator. The package is based on a unique subscription approach, which provides an enhanced qualification kit every year. The same warranties are provided to all projects, including expert support for certification audits. Large organisations that perform many of their development and verification activities through model simulation can now dramatically reduce verification activities on the generated code, reducing costs while streamlining the overall certification process. “AdaCore is excited to partner with Collins Aerospace to bring to market the first TQL-1 code generator for Simulink,” said JC Bernedo, AdaCore QGen team lead. “AdaCore has worked closely with Collins throughout the development of QGen to ensure it meets the development needs of their most critical aerospace software.” For more details - sales@adacore.com.

will operate in conjunction with friendly navies, to build military relations and develop interoperability in the conduct of maritime operations.

New hydrogen tank for aeronautical research

The vision of emission-free flying is becoming a bit more of a reality in Hamburg. The ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research has expanded its hydrogen infrastructure with a 20-metre-high, 100 m³ tank. The tank, provided by the company Air Products who will also supply the needed gaseous hydrogen, suddenly increases the capacities available at the research center twenty-fold. Together with Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg's Senator for Economics and Innovation, the new infrastructure was officially inaugurated today, Wednesday. The ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research offers more than 30 partners, including Airbus, DLR, Lufthansa Technik, and ZAL GmbH, extensive facilities for their research into the air transport industry of the future. One thing they all agree on is that hydrogen plays a key role in terms of climate neutrality. The background of the event could not be more topical. The aviation industry currently faces major challenges: On the one hand, it needs to survive the crisis brought about by the pandemic, while on the other hand – and at the same time – it must strive to make the future of flying emission free in order to save the planet. The scientific and technical steps needed for this are being developed at the ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research. Fuel Cell Lab at ZAL: 3.7 million euros invested since 2015 ZAL is a member of the Hamburg Aviation cluster and has been active in the field of hydrogen since 2009. ZAL GmbH operates the Fuel Cell Lab, rents out fuel cell laboratories, and offers consulting, development, and testing services in the field of fuel cell technology. The Fuel Cell Lab is a cross-sector research laboratory, both for aviation and other mobility applications. A total of approx. 3.7 million euros has been invested in the lab infrastructure since 2015. The 20-metre-high hydrogen tank from the company Air Products, which has now been put into operation,

expands the possible test capacities on site by a factor of twenty. The 100 cubic meter storage tank keeps around 400 kilograms of hydrogen on site. The hydrogen is delivered from the Air Products plant in Stade, 30 km away. ZAL’s focus is on the integration of fuel cell technologies. To achieve this, a total of 11 laboratories for fuel cell technology research are available • Development of fuel cell technologies • Design of hydrogen infrastructures • Secure supply of hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen from pressure vessels • Provision of compressed air; air extraction system for up to 1,800 m³/h per test stand as well as cooling water supply up to 540 kWtherm • Environmentally friendly energy recovery into the Hamburg grid up to 200 kWel • Hangars for test stands capable of accommodating complete aircraft segments Quotes Michael Westhagemann, Hamburg’s Senator for Economics and Innovation: “Hydrogen is the future. And the inauguration of the new tank architecture at ZAL is one of the pillars we need in the transformation towards green flying. The new hydrogen storage tank shows that Hamburg as an aviation center is moving towards sustainability and zero emissions by investing in concrete projects and measures.” Roland Gerhards, CEO ZAL GmbH: “Hydrogen as an energy carrier is the central key technology when it comes to making aviation more sustainable. The idea of utilizing regenerative hydrogen has been around for decades, but it is only the combination of today’s technologies and the public demand for greater sustainability that is enabling the transformation of air transport. I am proud that as a research topic hydrogen already has a long history at ZAL, and that we are driving the development of this important technology with our facilities and the new H2 tank at the ZAL TechCenter.” Dr. André Walter, Chairman of the Board of Management of Airbus Commercial in Germany and head of the Hamburg site:

“Hydrogen technology plays a key role for Airbus as is illustrated by our ZEROe concept aircraft, for example. However, the future utilization of this forward-looking energy source in commercial aviation is a team effort and can only succeed if we work together. We are therefore very pleased that the Hamburg region is taking the lead here in close cooperation between the political, scientific, and economic spheres. ZAL and its research infrastructure are an indispensable platform for developing the necessary technologies. We look forward to expanding this cooperation.” Dr. Björn Nagel, Founding Director DLR Institute of System Architectures in Aeronautics: “The ZAL partnership network and the infrastructures provided offer an ideal environment for researching revolutionary technologies such as hydrogen-powered engines for climate-neutral flying. Experiments on real aircraft components and digital mapping methods go hand in hand. This will jointly optimize the design and manufacture of future aircraft. In a next step, we are looking forward to also designing and testing the ground and maintenance processes for hydrogen aircraft not only digitally but, in collaboration with Lufthansa Technik and ZAL GmbH, also on a converted A320 stationary demonstrator at Hamburg Airport.” David Doyle, Vice President Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Innovation Management at Lufthansa Technik: “Lufthansa Technik is a founding member, shareholder and therefore a part of ZAL. We are excited about the expansion of the hydrogen infrastructure, which will enable the development of precompetitive technology expertise,” explains David Doyle, Vice President Corporate Strategy, Business Development and Innovation Management at Lufthansa Technik. “Together with our new field laboratory for ground and maintenance processes in aviation, we will then have outstanding opportunities to take research into hydrogen as a future source of energy for aviation to a new level.” ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research The ZAL Center of Applied Aeronautical Research in Hamburg is one of the most modern research facilities for civil aviation worldwide. Over an area of 26,000 square meters, the research center offers 600 personnel stateof-the-art facilities for joint research and development activities. Following the concept of ‘Open Innovation’, about 30 partner institutions from industry and science collaborate here on

the innovations of tomorrow. ZAL GmbH works in this unique environment with around 30 scientists and engineers. Both in partnership and on their own research projects, these aeronautics experts drive technological trends such as robotics, 3D printing, cabin networks, and fuel cells. AIRBUS Airbus pioneers sustainable aerospace for a safe and united world. The Company constantly innovates to provide efficient and technologically advanced solutions in aerospace, defence, and connected services. In commercial aircraft, Airbus offers modern and fuel-efficient airliners and associated services. Airbus is also a European leader in defence and security and one of the world's leading space businesses. In helicopters, Airbus provides the most efficient civil and military rotorcraft solutions and services worldwide. German Aerospace Center (Deutsches Zentrum für Luft- und Raumfahrt – DLR) DLR is the Federal Republic of Germany’s research center for aeronautics and space. We conduct research and development activities in the fields of aeronautics, space, energy, transport, security, and digitalization. The DLR Space Administration plans and implements the national space program on behalf of the federal government. Two DLR project management agencies oversee funding programs and support knowledge transfer. Climate, mobility, and technology are changing globally. DLR uses the expertise of its 55 research institutes and facilities to develop solutions to these challenges. Our 10,000 employees share a mission – to explore Earth and space and develop technologies for a sustainable future. In doing so, DLR contributes to strengthening Germany’s position as a prime location for research and industry. Lufthansa Technik With some 35 subsidiaries and affiliates, the Lufthansa Technik Group is one of the leading providers of aircraft technical services in the world. Certified internationally as a maintenance, manufacturing, and design organization, the company has a workforce of more than 22,000 employees. Lufthansa Technik’s portfolio covers the entire range of services for commercial, VIP, and special mission aircraft. This includes maintenance, repair, overhaul, and modification of engines, components, and landing gear, as well as the manufacture of innovative cabin products and digital fleet support.

IAI & GECAS Begin First Boeing 777-300ERSF Passenger to Freighter Conversion This project is part of an approximately $400 million USD agreement signed in 2019

srael Aerospace Industries (IAI) has begun the structural modification phase in the conversion of the first Boeing 777-300ERSF, in partnership with GE Capital Aviation Services (GECAS). The beginning of the conversion marks the end of the development process and the start of the structural and systems modification phase. The conversion process will take approximately 130 days, at the end of which the passenger aircraft will be turned into a freighter aircraft. The development process is complicated and highlights IAI engineers’ extensive experience in aviation, with their envisioned goal of creating a cargo conversion aircraft that will have the high quality and capabilities providing clients with the optimal solution. The passenger-to-freighter conversion includes changing the structure, which involves installing a new cargo door, replacing and strengthening the aircraft floor, installing reinforcements near the cargo opening, and modifying electrical systems to enable safe and convenient operation. In addition, the process will include receiving certification for the converted aircraft by the Civil Aviation Authority of Israel (CAAI), the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), among

others. Executive VP of the Aviation Group at IAI Yossi Melamed said: “Two years ago, we took our first steps on the courageous journey of the cooperation agreement to convert the B777300ERSF aircraft. Over the course of these past two years, we have invested thousands of hours coupled with engineering and logistical efforts, in order to reach this moment in accordance with the original schedule. Today, we are beginning the structural modification phase of the conversion. The demand for converting the B777 aircraft is high, and I expect that the open spots for conversions will be quickly filled. Since IAI does not have wide competition in the field of passenger to freight conversions, we expect to receive over 50 aircraft that will undergo conversion. I would like to thank GECAS for believing in IAI's abilities and vision, and to our suppliers for the support and assistance during this process." Over the past few years, there has been an increased demand for cargo jets due to a rise in e-commerce, which has peaked during the COVID-19 pandemic, specifically for the B767 model. As of today, all the slots for converting the B767 are filled until 2022. IAI is the leading conversion center for cargo jets, and among its customers are market leaders including as Amazon, DHL, UPS and others. SVP & Manager at GECAS Cargo Rich Greener said: "This milestone represents GECAS’s foresight and dedication to the air cargo market. This is a very well thought out and credible program combining GECAS’s and IAI’s experience in developing a very efficient freighter to meet the current and future air cargo requirements." IAI's Aviation Group, the home of aviation in Israel, unites all aircraft activity piloted by humans: maintenance (MRO), business jets, converting passenger jets to cargo configuration, hangars and aviation arrays, aircraft upgrading and more. With knowledge and accumulated experience in aviation spanning almost 70 years of the company’s existence, excellent human capital and groundbreaking technologies, the group is in line with the world’s leading aviation companies.

ESG and IAI to provide a joint all-domain operations real-time networking solution NEOS: Capable, resilient, secure and cross-domain network-centric warfare solution that meets the challenges of the future.

erman based company ESG Elektroniksystem- und Logistik-GmbH and Israel Aerospace Industry (IAI) have signed a cooperation agreement to provide the German Armed Forces a proven, agile and robust cross-platform Network Centric Warfare (NCW) solution to meet the challenges of the future. With “NEOS” – Network Enabled Operations Support – ESG and IAI enable joint all-domain operations including airborne, naval and ground platforms. NEOS is based on IAI´s combat proven OPAL solution that has a

long history of operational use in the Israel Defense Forces catering to real-time interoperability across a diverse range of combat platforms. Together, ESG and IAI will provide a developed cross-domain, cross-platform connectivity, combining the deep technological understanding and extensive experience of both companies. The NEOS solution will enable the German Armed Forces to achieve independence by integrating a variety of German systems and sensors, while introducing unique German-based operational capabilities. Christoph Otten, ESG´s CEO underlined the strategic significance of the cooperation on NEOS: “For us, as the national technology and innovation partner of the Bundeswehr, it is part of our philosophy to develop and to provide solutions and products that meet the needs and expectations of those who protect us every day in any domain. We must enable them to fulfil their challenging task with robust, reliable and high-performing technology. Thus, we are very happy to cooperate with IAI on NEOS, bringing in especially our proven capabilities in the field of systems integration, software development and in-service support.” Yosef (Yossi) Melamed, IAI´s Executive Vice President and General Manager of Aviation Group, added: “IAI’s OPAL system is an open architecture platform and a significant force multiplier for the challenges on the modern battlefield. OPAL has been in operation for many years, participating in every operational activity, and boasts a major contribution to success in that it enables completely adaptable communication and operational capabilities across aerial, naval and ground forces. The current cooperation with ESG will take this unique solution to a higher level of performance and flexibility that will benefit the customer and both companies.”

Vice Admiral SN Ghormade assumed charge as Vice Chief of Naval Staff

Vice Admiral SN Ghormade, AVSM, NM has assumed charge as the Vice Chief of Naval Staff from Vice Admiral G Ashok Kumar, PVSM, AVSM, VSM, ADC at South Block, New Delhi. Vice Admiral SN Ghormade is an alumnus

of the National Defence Academy (NDA), Khadakwasla, Naval Staff College at the United States Naval War College, Newport, Rhode Island, and the Naval War College, Mumbai. The Flag Officer was commissioned in the Indian Navy on 01 Jan 1984 and is a Navigation and Direction specialist. The Flag Officer has had extensive operational tenures onboard frontline warships of the Indian Navy. During his career spanning over 37 years, he has been through a myriad of operational and staff appointments. His important operational appointments include Commands of Guided Missile Frigate INS Brahmaputra, Submarine Rescue Vessel INS Nireekshak, and Minesweeper INS Alleppey, and Second-in-Command of Guided Missile Frigate INS Ganga. INS Nireekshak was awarded the Unit Citation for the first time during his command. His important staff appointments ashore include Assistant Chief of Personnel (Human Resources Development), Principal Director of Personnel, Director Naval Plans and Joint Director Naval Plans at Naval Headquarters as separate assignments, Director (Military Affairs) at the Ministry of External Affairs (Disarmament & International Security Affairs), Local Workup Team (West), and Instructor at the Navigation Direction School and the National Defence Academy. The officer also held the coveted appointments of Flag Officer Commanding Karnataka Naval Area and Flag Officer Commanding Maharashtra Naval Area. In the rank of Vice Admiral he has held the challenging and coveted appointments of Director General Naval Operations, Chief of Staff Eastern Naval Command and Controller Personnel Services.

Airborne Tacticians Join Naval Air Arm

16 officers of the Indian Navy and three officers of Coast Guard graduated as Observers and were awarded wings at a ceremony at INS Garuda, Kochi. Two officers graduated as Qualified Navigation Instructors (QNIs) and were awarded instructional torches. Rear Admiral AN Pramod, Deputy Commandant, Indian Naval Academy was the chief guest for the event and awarded the ‘Instructor Badge’ to QNIs and the coveted ‘Golden wings’ to the passing out officers. The officers of the 10th QNI course were trained at instructional techniques on ground and during flying, as well as were provided in –depth knowledge of

tactics and sensor exploitation. The officers of the 93rd regular course and 24th SSC observer course were trained in air navigation, flying procedures, tactics employed in air warfare, anti-submarine warfare and exploitation of airborne avionic systems. These officers would serve on-board maritime reconnaissance and anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the Indian Navy and Coast Guard. Assistant Commandant Gopi Krishnan from the 93rd regular Observer Course, was awarded the Uttar Pradesh trophy on being adjudged ‘First in the overall order of merit’ and the Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Eastern Naval Command trophy for being adjudged ‘Best in flying’. Lieutenant Deepanshu Tripathi was awarded Sub Lieutenant RV Kunte memorial book prize on being adjudged ‘Best in ground subjects’. Sub Lieutenant Shubham Singh from 24th SSC observer course was awarded the book prize for being adjudged ‘Best in Overall order of Merit.’

Russian Helicopters signed ontract for 9 Mi-38 PS Helicopters with Emergencies Ministry

“Russian Helicopters” Holding (a part of Rostec State Corporation) at the MAKS2021 International Aviation and Space Show has signed a contract with the Russian Emergencies Ministry to supply 9 Mi-38PS helicopters (in arctic version) until 2024. The search and rescue Mi-38PS can provide an unprecedented range of rescue missions, it has the capacity to fly with its crew and three rescuers to a distance of 750 kilometers to evacuate people in danger and return to base. The helicopter, for this purpose, will be equipped with additional fuel tanks, and the maximum aircraft take-off weight will be increased. “We have a long and successful history of cooperation with EMERCOM of Russia. Today Russian emergency services cannot be pictured without helicopter technology. It is regularly used to extinguish fires, search and rescue operations

and combat the consequences of natural and technological disasters. To perform tasks in the most difficult Arctic conditions, our colleagues have to use the most modern equipment and I am sure that because of the enhanced flight and technical characteristics the Mi-38 will become a reliable foundation for the expansion of EMERCOM activities in the Far North”, - said Andrey Boginsky, CEO of “Russian Helicopters Holding”. In the far north, Mi-38PS will be able to operate with autonomous deployment, use of night vision goggles, various rescue equipment and medical modules installation. The paratrooper rescuers will be able to land from the helicopter by parachute, landing and nonstop methods. Mi-38PS can use special devices, which will help to extinguish fires and deal with the consequences of emergency oil spills. Hard mooring nodes on the landing pad will allow helicopters to land on icebreaking ships, for example, Project 22220 (LC-60Y) of ‘’Arktika’’ type, which will expand Mi-38t work capabilities in the Arctic latitudes.

EirTrade leads the way as the first in Ireland to be awarded AFRA accreditation

EirTrade Aviation, the aviation technical asset services and trading company with a specialist aircraft disassembly facility at Knock, Ireland West Airport, has been awarded an AFRA (Aircraft Fleet Recycling Association) accreditation. The accreditation will see the Company taking on the disassembly market as the first, and only, AFRA accredited facility in Ireland and will serve to reassure its clients of the regular review and regulation of all processes. EirTrade provides disassembly services for all Airbus, Boeing, Embraer, Bombardier & ATR types. To date EirTrade has disassembled regional and commercial aircraft of all sizes from ATR72 to A380 aircraft. The AFRA Best Management Practices (BMP) Guide for Disassembly is the leading standard for dismantling aircraft in a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly manner. Established in 2006, AFRA is a membership-based global collaboration to elevate industry performance and increase commercial value for end-of-service aircraft. AFRA represents companies from across the globe and throughout the supply-chain – from manufacturers to material recyclers. Through the collective experience of its members, AFRA’s BMP Guide has significantly improved the management of end-of-life aircraft in terms of environmental and sustainable performance. “The AFRA accreditation contains a clear set of recommendations and best practices for aircraft recycling. EirTrade was already working to these standards however, the accreditation now reaffirms that to the market and provides an added level of comfort to our customers,” says Lee Carey, VP Asset Management at EirTrade Aviation. “EirTrade has always ensured that each aircraft disassembly at Knock delivers maximum efficiency and quality for our customers while taking the necessary precautions to ensure that the process is environmentally friendly and does not have any negative impact on the local eco-system. The discussions surrounding the environment and sustainability are very topical at present and this is very much a priority for EirTrade when disassembling aircraft.” EirTrade’s operations and expansion in the West of Ireland has created employment in the region and it expects its employee number to increase significantly soon as the organisation continues its rapid growth. The Company has recently secured planning permission for the construction of a huge hangar at the facility which will be large enough to facilitate A380 aircraft and has also made an application for 145 Approvals with the Irish Aviation Authority which will increase the scope of EirTrade’s service offering to its clients.

The disassembly of aircraft at Knock Airport ensures that over 95% of the material from each aircraft is either re-used or recycled with any other harmful materials disposed of appropriately. The material harvested from the aircraft is then used to support other operating aircraft. “It is important to remember that every part that is reused mitigates the need for a new unit to be manufactured, which prevents a significant amount of carbon output,” continues Carey. “Customers can contract EirTrade for the disassembly of aircraft knowing that the whole process is conducted in an environmentally friendly manner. Furthermore, as a member of AFRA, EirTrade will now participate in developing the future of aircraft end-of-life.” As a parts’ trading company, EirTrade understands the importance of quality when it comes to the crating of the material. Following removal, the team cleans the parts to remove any heavy dirt or fluids before packing and every component removed from the aircraft is crated in ISPM-15 standard crates for transport. Customers are also given access to a live report which gives them full transparency of the components removed from the aircraft at any point in time during the disassembly process. EirTrade will further expand its disassembly capability as it commences CFM56 series engine teardowns in its Dublin facility in Q3 2021.

GRSE Commences Production of Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry for Guyana

arden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd., (GRSE), Kolkata, achieved a major milestone, when it started production of the Ocean Going Passenger cum Cargo Ferry Vessel being constructed for the Republic of Guyana. The Plate Cutting e-ceremony was held in the presence of Charrandass Persaud, High Commissioner of Govt. of Co-Operative Republic of Guyana. Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), Chairman & Managing Director, GRSE, Cmde S Nayyar, IN (Retd.), Director (Shipbuilding), Cmde PR Hari, IN (Retd.), Director (Personnel), Shri R K Dash, Director (Finance) and senior officials of GRSE were present at the occasion. GRSE bagged the order for this vessel on competitive bidding, and the contract was signed with the Transport and Harbours Department of Govt. of Guyana, on 13 January 2021. Plate cutting signifies successful completion of pre-production activities and the same has been achieved amidst the Covid pandemic with its

share of lockdowns & restrictions. The 70 M long, 1700 Tonnes vessel will be propelled by 02 Caterpillar Engines and Twin Disc Gear Boxes to achieve a maximum speed of 15 Knots. This fuel-efficient vessel has been designed for carrying passengers & cargo in the coastal and riverine area of Northwest District of Guyana. The ship is designed to carry 276 passengers & 14 crew members along with 14 cars, 02 trucks, 10 containers and 04 refrigerated containers. The High Commissioner of Guyana, in his address said, “This project is a distinct initiative for Government of Guyana aimed at smart transportation of passengers and cargo. This vessel will create a new benchmark in the field of passenger and cargo movement for Northwest District of Guyana.” Rear Admiral VK Saxena, IN (Retd), CMD, GRSE stated that GRSE is proud to construct this vessel for the Guyana Government, thereby contributing towards friendly bilateral relations between the two nations. GRSE was the first Indian Shipyard to export a warship, an OPV to Government of Mauritius in 2015. The shipyard delivered a Fast Patrol Vessel to Government of Seychelles this year and bagged a contract from Bangladesh for six patrol boats, again on competitive bidding.

Honeywell and Lufthansa Technik sign MRO agreement for components in CFM’s LEAP series engines Honeywell and Lufthansa Technik have signed an extensive collaboration agreement for the maintenance of Honeywell components installed on CFM International’s LEAP series engines which are used in Airbus A320neo Family, Boeing 737 MAX and COMAC C919 aircraft. Under this agreement, Lufthansa Technik will develop Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) capabilities for the aforementioned Honeywell components. By this, the company will be able to offer improved and OEM-certified aftermarket services, with increased component reliability and reduced operator life-cycle costs. “We are excited to further extend our relationship with Honeywell,” said Dr. Georg Fanta, Vice President of Aircraft Component Services at Lufthansa Technik. “Our customers will benefit greatly from this new agreement as we combine Lufthansa Technik’s maintenance, repair, overhaul and engineering capabilities with the design knowledge of Honeywell. Just like with the CFM56 engines, Lufthansa Technik will be able to repair Honeywell LEAP line replaceable units in-house and offer world-class flight-hour based component support services, including tailored asset management solutions.” Lufthansa Technik and Honeywell have enjoyed a long standing, collaborative

relationship including Lufthansa Technik as the licensed component repair center and exclusive global asset provider for all Honeywell products on Airbus A350 aircraft. Moreover, Lufthansa Technik brings a new level of predictive health management expertise to airlines, with the inclusion of Honeywell Forge analytics on Lufthansa Technik’s AVIATAR platform.

BEL Transducer Production Facility & Oxygen Concentrator inaugurated

BEL Officiating CMD cutting ribbon during virtual inauguration of BEL Transducer Producer Facility by Raksha Mantri

efence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated (through Videoconference) the Transducer Production Facility established at Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronic Limited (BEL)’s Bangalore Complex, and Oxygen Concentrators manufactured by BEL under the PM Cares initiative, at a ceremony organised as part of the 75th Independence Day celebrations (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) of India. Anandi Ramalingam, officiating CMD, Directors and other senior officers of BEL and the Ministry of Defence were present. Transducer Production facility: Set up at a cost of Rs.30 Crores, this is a very large in-house facility catering to the production and testing of a wide range of Transducers and underwater equipment. The Transducer Test facilities include Pressure Test Facility, Acoustic Test Facility and Load Test Facility. It is well equipped with precision equipment to control quality and technical specifications at various stages, like precision jigs and fixtures for stacking of Piezo ceramics, measuring and tuning of the transducer element / hydrophones, Post Vulcanisation Bonding machines, etc. The facility is expected to generate an annual turnover of Rs.75-80 Crores in the initial years and up to the tune of Rs.200 Crores by 2026. The Transducer is a part of the Naval equipment, which BEL has been manufacturing and supplying since four decades. BEL Oxygen Concentrators: BEL is manufacturing 30,000 numbers of 5LPM and

10LPM Oxygen Concentrators for ONGC with indigenous technology from BPL Medical under the PM Cares initiative. An oxygen concentrator works by filtering and concentrating oxygen molecules from the ambient air to provide patients with 90% to 95% pure oxygen. The BEL-made Oxygen concentrator, with dual flow output, is used for therapeutic requirements of patients with heart problems, respiratory diseases, brain fatigue, athletics fatigue or plateau hypoxia. The Oxygen Concentrator is meant to combat the COVID-19 pandemic and to be used for Oxygen Scarcity Management and providing an industrial eco system for medical devices. The BEL Oxygen Concentrator, which will be delivered in 4-5 months’ time, is expected to generate a turnover of Rs. 184 Crores for BEL in 2021-22.

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