SP's Aviation 8/2023

MCS

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PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jayant Baranwal

DEPUTY MANAGING EDITOR

Neetu Dhulia

PRINCIPAL CORRESPONDENT

Ayushee Chaudhary

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Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd)

Group Captain Joseph Noronha (Retd)

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Commemorating India’s Independence Day, this special edition of SP’s Aviation highlights the contribution of India’s aerospace and defence sector in enhancing the Nation’s strategic global influence. COVER

BUSINESS AVIATION

As we mark 76 years of India’s independence, through this special issue, we at SP’s, have tried to infuse a sentiment of the Independence Day celebrations of our Motherland. The journey encompasses 76 years so far, and the achievements at various levels have been remarkably magnificent. Today any country/ any entity around the globe is not only looking at our country but is excitedly willing to work with us as much as possible. Of course, as we cannot be complacent in-spite of our past, which has indeed been glorious enough, we must continue working towards a far better and far stronger future of our Motherland.

We take a look at the Indian Air Force’s glorious past and also analyse its challenging future in an article by Air Marshal Anil Chopra (Retd). The IAF has come a long way, and today is the fourth-largest air force with global reach, long-range precision strike capability, and the ability to exercise dominance over the region. Underlining IAF’s role in protecting, peacekeeping & collaboration, we look back at IAF’s early years, some major wars, its current position and the people who led it.

Over the past 76 years, India’s aviation sector has played a pivotal role in nation building by facilitating economic growth through efficient air transportation and defence capabilities. Air Marshal Sukhchain Singh (Retd) takes a look at the role the aviation sector has played over the last 76 years. He talks about policy reforms, economic activity, and upskilling India within the aviation sector, a domain that is now accepted as a fundamental pillar of Indian society, essential for social progress & economic prosperity.

Colonel Sanjay Julka (Retd) also talks about the potential of Indian aviation while we witness the renaissance of India’s aviation industry as it takes flight towards a century of prosperity, unlocking extraordinary opportunities on the way, in India’s aviation sector. As detailed in the article, global players are making a beeline to partner with domestic companies in India’s aviation sector to seize unprecedented opportunities.

India is emerging emerge as the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2030 or earlier and Group Captain Joseph

and defence sector

in taking a strong global stand strategically. Our sincere thanks to Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari who, in his special message, underlines SP Guide Publications’ extraordinary service in the field of military journalism over the last six decades!

Noronha (Retd) highlights the role of private industry in taking the aviation sector by storm. He mentions how private airlines has changed the face of flying in the country and if the private sector is given enough impetus to participate, even defence and aerospace manufacturing could well replicate this feat within the next 20 years.

A key pillar of India’s self-reliance has been ISRO. The constant exploits of ISRO have ensured that India is always considered a serious global player in space programmes. A story by Ayushee Chaudhary highlights how ISRO’s achievements have consistently kept India amongst the elite group of space powers globally amidst doubts, questions, and concerns of a nation barely standing on its feet at the time post-independence.

In the Last Word, Rohit Goel importantly underlines the need to foster a robust domestic Aerospace and Defence manufacturing ecosystem through investment in Research & Development for India’s strategic independence. Although the Indian government has embarked on a series of strategic measures towards this objective, a lot more needs to be done post haste!

All this and more in this issue of SP’s Aviation Welcome aboard and we wish a very Happy Independence Day to all our readers as we now march towards 100 years of Independence of India!

This, India’s Independence Day special edition of SP’s Aviation, is dedicated to India’s strengthening aerospace

that has helped India

JAYANT BARANWAL PUBLISHER & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

KC-390 MILLENNIUM

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

AFTER AN EXTENSIVE TEST CAMPAIGN THE KC-390 MILLENNIUM IS CERTIFIED FOR FULL OPERATIONS.

From the outset, the KC-390 Millennium was designed to set a new benchmark in the medium-size military transporter segment. Developed with support from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) and Brazilian Government, the largest and most complex aircraft ever built in the southern hemisphere has gone through a rigorous and challenging testing program, including 3,500 prototype flight test hours and close to 85,000 hours of lab tests. In March 2023, it received the coveted Full Operational Capability certification from the Brazilian Military Certification Authority (IFI – Institute of Industrial Development and Coordination), with the platform meeting or exceeding all requirements. This seal of approval, which is extremely difficult to attain, confirms the KC-390 Millennium is ready for full operational duties in all missions and showcases to the world its class-leading reliability, flexibility and performance.

#C390UnbeatableCombination c390foc.com/en/

It is indeed noteworthy that the ‘SP Guide Publications’ is bringing out a special edition of SP’s Aviation to commemorate the Independence Day. Over the last six decades, SP Guide Publications has rendered extraordinary service in the field of military journalism.

On behalf of all personnel of the IAF, I extend my warmest Independence Day greetings to every citizen of our country. As we celebrate 76 years of Independence, we acknowledge with gratitude the immense contribution made by our great leaders and freedom fighters who made the dream of independent India a reality. This day is an occasion to renew our commitment towards nation building and pledge to work towards a strong and prosperous India.

Over the years, Indian Air Force has demonstrated unrivalled adaptability and resilience and has grown by leaps and bounds to become a potent and an effective fighting force. As Chief of the Air Staff, I assure the country that we are fully prepared and unwavering in our resolve to protect the Nation’s sovereignty and integrity at all costs.

I convey my compliments to all members of the ‘SP Guide Publications’ and wish them continued success in the years to come.

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL V.R. CHAUDHARI pvsm avsm vm adc

AIR CHIEF MARSHAL CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF INDIAN AIR FORCE

UNLOCKING THE FINAL FRONTIER

Collaboration, self-reliance, ambition, and successful strides have been constant pillars of India’s space programme

By AYUSHEE CHAUDHARY

Amid doubts, questions, and concerns of a nation barely standing on its feet at the time post-independence but aiming for the sky, India’s space programme started to take its first steps over five decades ago. However, with the clear vision of its founding fathers toward national development and making the country capable as well as dependent, India’s space programme took off. Collaboration, self-reliance, ambition, and successful strides have been constant pillars of India’s space programme. Through the achievements of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), the country’s space programme has consistently kept India among the elite group of space powers globally. What started as INCOSPAR culminated into ISRO in 1969 aptly on independence day and has managed to stand tall in making India self-reliant and independent through scientific advancements, international collaborations, strategic actions, socio-economic benefits, and global recognition, all the while defying limits and propelling India to the forefront of the global space community. Over the years, ISRO’s unwavering pursuit of scientific advancements and technological innovations has not only elevated India’s standing in the world but also transformed it into a beacon of self-dependence in space technology.

In its nascent stages, ISRO was reliant on foreign aid for satellite development and launch capabilities. However, the visionaries at ISRO knew that to truly soar into the depths of space, they needed to achieve indigenous capabilities and they began the arduous but transformative process of research, innovation, and skill development. The turning point came in 1975 when ISRO successfully launched its first satellite, Aryabhata, into space using a Russian Kosmos-3M launch vehicle. This significant achievement marked India’s entry into the exclusive club of space-faring nations. Riding high on this success, ISRO went on to launch the Indian National Satellite System (INSAT) in 1983, a series of multipurpose geostationary satellites that revolutionised telecommunications, broadcasting, meteorology, and disaster management in India. The success of INSAT demonstrated India’s ability to leverage space technology for the nation’s socio-economic development.

As of April 2023, ISRO has added 124 spacecraft missions including 3 nanosatellites and 1 microsatellite; 92 launch missions including Scramjet-TD, RLV-TD, and crew escape system; 15 student satellites; 2 re-entry missions and 424 foreign satellites of 34 countries. ISRO maintains one of the largest fleets of communication satellites (INSAT) and remote sensing (IRS) satellites.

ISRO FOR THE NATION

ISRO’s space applications have revolutionised several domains in India, from communication and navigation to healthcare, education, and disaster management, fostering national development and progress in numerous sectors.

REUSABLE LAUNCH VEHICLE – TECHNOLOGY DEMONSTRATOR (RLV-TD) READY TO LAUNCH

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL ISRO

SATELLITE APPLICATIONS & SERVICES

It is because of ISRO that a fleet of commercial communication satellites operates over India, providing essential services like television, telecommunication, radio networking, strategic communication, and societal applications. These satellites, equipped with communication transponders in different bands, serve prominent users such as BSNL, Doordarshan, All India Radio, government agencies, private Very Small Aperture Terminals (VSAT) operators, and more. Apart from television coverage, Radio Networking (RN) through INSAT ensures reliable high-fidelity programme channels for national and regional networking. The Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) satellites, launched in 1988, paved the way for critical applications like agriculture monitoring, urban planning, environmental management, and disaster response.

The Telemedicine pilot project, initiated by ISRO in 2001, changed the trajectory of healthcare accessibility, connecting remote areas with medical experts through ICT-based systems, customised medical software, and VSAT technology. Tele-education, facilitated by India’s first thematic satellite, EDUSAT, has significantly contributed to educational outreach, offering interactive educational delivery modes and expanding access to quality resources.

Satellite Meteorology has improved weather forecasting services in India through the INSAT/GSAT satellites, and the Satel-

lite Aided Search and ISRO’s focus on research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in advancing India’s space industry.

To meet the navigation requirements of civil aviation, ISRO and Airports Authority of India (AAI) implemented the GPS Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) as a satellite-based augmentation system (SBAS) for the Indian airspace.

Disaster Management Support (DMS): ISRO’s DMS Programme monitors natural disasters like floods, cyclones, forest fires, earthquakes, and landslides. It has been instrumental in providing flood maps in real-time to relevant authorities and predicting cyclone tracks and landfalls. Forest fire observations are made using satellite data, and landslide information is furnished to the NDMA (National Disaster Management Authority). Earthquake impacts are assessed using high-resolution satellite images. The DMS also develops early warning systems for floods and rainfall-triggered landslides.

ISRO’s remote sensing applications cover agriculture, forestry, water resources, glaciology, climate change, and oceanography. They conduct crop production forecasting and horticultural assessments. They also study groundwater storage, atmospheric sciences, cryosphere, and hydrosphere.

ISRO provides satellite-based near real-time information support to Central Ministries/Departments and State Ministries/Departments, prior to and after major natural disasters. In addition, ISRO also provides capacity building in the use of Space technology inputs in DMS. ISRO’s earth observation satellites like Oceansat-2, Resourcesat-2, Cartosat-2 and 2A and INSAT 3DR send real-time images to the ground station which has proved helpful in monitoring flood situations and assists during disaster management work.

TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENTS

VIKAS Engine. The VIKAS engine has been one of the most important developments for India’s space programme. Serving as a versatile liquid propulsion system, it plays a critical role in rockets like PSLV and GSLV, enabling precise satellite deployment and complex maneuvers. By mastering this engine, India achieved self-reliance in propulsion technology, bolstering its position in the global space industry. The success of the VIKAS engine showcases ISRO’s efficiency and cost-effectiveness in space missions, establishing India as a reliable partner for international collaborations which has now enabled many countries to trust India’s PSLV, GSLV rockets for launching their satellites.

LAUNCHERS

PSLV. India’s versatile Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) has four variants, equipped with solid rocket strap-on motors and liquid stages. It has achieved a high success rate and is used for launching various types of payloads, including Earth Observation, Geo-stationary, and Navigation satellites. PSLV has launched both Indian and foreign satellites, including Chandrayaan-1 and Mars Orbiter Spacecraft. Its recent launch was PSLV-C56, carrying DS-SAR satellite, on July 30, 2023.

GSLV. India’s GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) with indigenous Cryogenic Upper Stage has successfully launched 2-tonne class communication satellites. GSLVF12/NVS-01 mission, launched on May 29, 2023, deployed the first of the second-generation satellites for the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) services.

LVM3. The next-generation LVM3 launch vehicle can carry 4-tonne class communication satellites and 10-tonne class payloads to Low Earth Orbits (LEOs). It was used for the Chandrayaan-3 mission to the moon.

SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF HUMAN RATED VIKAS ENGINE TEST CAMPAIGN FOR THE L110 STAGE OF GAGANYAAN PROGRAMME

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL ISRO INDIA’S

SSLV. The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) is a lowcost, flexible, and efficient launch vehicle capable of carrying up to 500 kg satellites to Low Earth Orbits. SSLV-D2 successfully launched on February 10, 2023, carrying EOS-07, Janus-1, and AzaadiSAT-2 satellites.

RLV-TD. The Reusable Launch Vehicle - Technology Demonstrator (RLV-TD) is a significant step towards developing essential technologies for a fully reusable launch vehicle, aiming to enable low-cost access to space. ISRO successfully conducted the RLV Autonomous Landing Mission (RLV LEX) on April 2, 2023. For the first time, a winged body was carried to an altitude of 4.5 km by helicopter and released to perform an autonomous landing on a runway. The RLV is a space plane with a low lift-todrag ratio, requiring a high glide angle approach and landing at velocities of 350 kmph.

The IRNSS (NavIC) Constellation. In 2016, India launched the Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System (IRNSS), popularly known as NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation). This indigenous navigation system bolstered India’s strategic autonomy, reducing its dependence on foreign systems like GPS. NavIC now provides accurate position information to users in India and the surrounding region. NavIC consists of 7 satellites and ground stations operating 24/7. NavIC covers India, extends 1500 km beyond its boundary, and is interoperable with other global navigation satellite systems like GPS, Glonass, Galileo, and BeiDou. NavIC has become a symbol of self-reliance for India, especially for defence services and government agencies.

Apart from these applications, the technology that ISRO develops has also been a significant value addition to the country in terms of its usage in fields like medicine as well. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, ISRO introduced three ventilator models: PRANA (“Programmable Respiratory Assistance for the Needy Aid”), VaU (Ventilation assist Unit), and SVASTA (“Space Ventilator Aided System for Trauma Assistance”). ISRO had come forward to transfer the technology to the industry for clinical usage of these.

OUT & BEYOND MISSIONS

Chandrayaan: India’s Chandrayaan moon programme has seen three missions so far. Chandrayaan-1, launched in 2008, successfully orbited the Moon, providing valuable data on water molecules on the lunar surface. This was a striking discovery that shifted lunar exploration’s trajectory. Chandrayaan-2, launched in 2019, encountered challenges with the lander but continued scientific observations with its orbiter. Chandrayaan-3 is the follow-on mission to demonstrate safe landing and roving capabilities on the lunar surface. It is currently on its way to the Moon after launching in July 2023, expected to land on moon August 23, 2023. The mission aims to conduct in-situ scientific experiments and holds immense significance for India’s space exploration efforts. Furthermore, the success of Chandrayaan-3 enhances India’s standing in the global space market and boosts its private space sector, making India only the fourth country to soft land on the moon and the first one on the lunar South Pole.

Mangalyaan. Mangalyaan, India’s Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM), was launched in 2013, onboard PSLV-C25, marking India as the fourth space agency to achieve a successful Mars orbit and the first country to do so on its maiden attempt in a modest budget. Initially designed for a 6-month mission, MOM surpassed expectations, completing 7 years in orbit. Notably, it captured the far side of Deimos, one of Mars’ moons, for the first time. The Mars Colour Camera onboard MOM has provided over 1100 images and published a Mars Atlas.

AstroSat. AstroSat, India’s first dedicated Space Astronomy Observatory, was launched on September 28, 2015, carrying five scientific payloads for imaging and studying cosmic sources in various wavelengths from far ultraviolet to gamma rays. AstroSat’s groundbreaking results have led to numerous theoretical investigations worldwide and planning for space missions dedicated to the polarimetry of gamma-ray bursts.

India’s future missions, such as Aditya-L1 and Gaganyaan, are highly anticipated in the space community. As India prepares for the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to demonstrate human spaceflight capability, entails launching three astronauts into a 400 km orbit for a three-day mission, followed by a safe return to Earth with a landing in the Indian seas.

Continued on page 10...

CHANDRAYAAN-3 ENHANCES INDIA’S STANDING IN THE GLOBAL SPACE MARKET

ISRO’s space applications have revolutionised several domains in India, from communication and navigation to healthcare, education, and disaster management, fostering national development and progress in numerous sectors

IAI’S GAME-CHANGING COMMUNICATION SATELLITES: REVOLUTIONISING GLOBAL CONNECTIVITY

Unmatched Performance and Security: How IAI’s Compact Communication Satellites are Reshaping Global Connectivity

In our ever-connected world, communication satellites play a vital role in bridging distances, empowering global communication, and enabling a plethora of services that fuel our modern lifestyles. Among the leading innovators in this field, the Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) has emerged as a trailblazer, pushing the boundaries of satellite technology and transforming the way we communicate. Over the past decades, IAI had developed, built, launched and operated dozens of spacecrafts, including GEO communication satellites, offering impressive performance and high-quality technology.

IAI’S COMMITMENT TO ADVANCEMENT

As a one-stop-shop aerospace and defence company, IAI has consistently demonstrated its commitment to technological advancement and innovation. Along its 40 years heritage in the field of space exploration, IAI has leveraged its expertise to develop a range of innovative space vehicles, including Optical and SAR observation satellites, lunar lander, space telescope and communication satellites.

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES

Besides multi-ton big legacy satellites, IAI is offering a unique compact size (less than a ton) communication satellite. Developed in-house using stateof-the-art technologies IAI’s MCS offers a host of cutting-edge capabilities that ensure seamless and reliable communication services just like its big brothers. Mini Communication Satellites (MCS) have an impressive mission life time of 15 years and host fully digital programable payload that provides high-rate wide bandwidth communication services in various configurations.

UNPRECEDENTED COVERAGE AND BANDWIDTH

IAI’s compact communication satellites provide unprecedented coverage, ensuring connectivity even in the most remote and underserved areas. By leveraging advanced beamforming and frequency reuse techniques, these satellites maximise bandwidth efficiency, enabling faster and more reliable data transmission. This increased bandwidth not only benefits individuals

and businesses but also opens up new opportunities for telecommunication companies to expand their reach.

HIGH QUALITY

All of IAI’s satellites are designed and built under strict quality assurance standards, thus allowing flawless ongoing operation for the entire satellite life in space. Moreover, IAI’s satellites are designed to be resilient against space debris and solar radiation, ensuring uninterrupted operations and longevity.

ENABLING INTERNET OF THINGS (IOT) CONNECTIVITY

The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT) has brought forth a multitude of connected devices that rely on robust and reliable communication networks. IAI’s communication satellites are designed to support the evolving scale of IoT deployments, providing high end connectivity for smart cities, industrial automation, agriculture, and more. This capability opens up new possibilities for innovation and drives the growth of emerging technologies.

COLLABORATION AND PARTNERSHIPS

IAI’s success in the communication satellite industry is further amplified by its collaborations and partnerships with other industry leaders. By fostering relationships with satellite operators, telecommunication companies, and space agencies, IAI continues to push the boundaries of what is possible. These collaborations not only enhance the development of cutting-edge technologies but also foster knowledge sharing and drive industry growth as a whole.

IAI’s communication satellites offer remarkable possibilities in the ever-going quest for global connectivity. With their cutting-edge capabilities, wide coverage, and emphasis on security and resilience, these satellites offer cost effective way to communicate, connect, and collaborate. As IAI continues to innovate and push the boundaries of satellite technology, we can expect even more groundbreaking advancements that will shape the future of space-based communication and further spread the benefits of connectivity to every corner of the globe. SP

(TOP) MINI COMMUNICATION SATELLITE (MCS); (ABOVE) OPTSAT 3000.

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL ISRO

UNLOCKING THE FINAL FRONTIER...

INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

ISRO has actively engaged in international collaborations through the years, sharing expertise and technology. Through its missions, ISRO has also garnered praise and recognition from around the world. International cooperation has been part of the Indian space programme since its inception. Establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS), the conduct of Satellite Instructional Television Experiment (SITE) and Satellite Telecommunication Experiment Project (STEP), launches of Aryabhata, Bhaskara, Ariane Passenger Payload Experiment (APPLE), IRS-IA, IRS-IB satellites, INSAT series of satellites, Mission to Moon, etc, have the components of international cooperation.

India’s successful launch of the first-ever South Asia Satellite (SAS) to boost communication and improve disaster links among its six neighbours “opened up new horizons of engagement” in the region and helped it carve a unique place for itself in space diplomacy. Built by ISRO and funded entirely by India, the Geostationary Communication Satellite-9 (GSAT-9) was launched on board GSLV-F09 rocket. The six countries included Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka. ISRO also collaborates internationally in disaster management and provides satellite data support to neighbouring countries.

Recent international visits of India’s Prime Minister and the collaborations that have come out of those visits have highlighted the strong base that ISRO’s past accomplishments have built for the nation globally. During the US visit, India signed the Artemis Accords. NASA and ISRO are also working on advanced training for Indian astronauts and a strategic framework for human spaceflight cooperation. Set to launch in early 2024, NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) project is being jointly developed by NASA and ISRO to track movements of Earth’s land and ice surfaces in extremely fine detail. Two major components of the NISAR satellite have been combined to create a single spacecraft in Bengaluru, India. During PM’s France visit led to joint declarations and agreements on several space-related projects between ISRO and CNES.

DEFENCE

Space has been a dual-use domain and space technologies especially in terms of communication satellites as well as Positioning, Navigation, and Timing (PNT) services along with other technologies have always found usage in defence services. NavIC was developed partly because access to foreign government-controlled global navigation satellite systems is not guaranteed in hostile situations, as happened to the Indian military in 1999 when the United States denied the Indian request for Global Positioning System (GPS) data Kargil region.

ISRO’s Mission Shakti, a collaboration with DRDO, placed India in an exclusive league of countries with anti-satellite (A-SAT) capabilities. In a groundbreaking achievement, India successfully shot down a low-orbit earth satellite at 300 km altitude from the earth’s surface. The entire operation

continued from page 8

took merely three minutes, showcasing India’s indigenous space defence prowess.

ISRO also initiated Project NETRA, the Network for space object Tracking and Analysis, serves as an early warning system in space, detecting debris and potential hazards to Indian satellites. Its ultimate goal is to monitor the geostationary orbit at 36,000 km, where communication satellites are positioned.

ISRO’s focus on research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in developing new space technologies and applications, expanding human understanding of outer space, demonstrating human spaceflight capability, as well as aiding India’s socioeconomic development. As indicated in India’s new Space policy, ISRO will concentrate on R&D and creating innovative platforms, approaches, and improvements for launch vehicles and satellites.

Over the decades, ISRO’s research and development efforts have been instrumental in achieving national development goals. It has been instrumental in furthering the country’s economy through collaborations, self dependency in many technological advances, and diplomacy that strengthens the country’s global position collaboration. Thus through various ways ISRO has been key in making India self reliant on earth and beyond. SP

MARS ORBITER MISSION SPACECRAFT ATTACHED TO THE 4TH STAGE OF PSLV-C25

Recent international visits of India’s Prime Minister and the collaborations that have come out of those visits have highlighted the strong base that ISRO’s past accomplishments have built for the nation globally

76 YEARS OF INDEPENDENCE –IAF’S GREAT PAST BUT CHALLENGING FUTURE

Charged with the significant task of safeguarding India’s airspace, IAF has consistently served the nation with distinction since its inception. As the threat landscape and modern technologies continue to advance, the force remains committed to evolve and modernise itself

By AIR MARSHAL ANIL CHOPRA (RETD)

The Indian Air Force (IAF) was established on October 8, 1932. It got its first four Westland Wapiti IIA biplane aircraft on April 1, 1933 when No.1 Squadron was formed with six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (air soldiers) at Drigh Road, Karachi. As India celebrates 76 years of independence,

the IAF has come a long way, and today is the fourth largest air force with global reach, long-range precision strike capability, and ability to exercise dominance over the region between the West Asia and ASEAN countries. It has built major capabilities and experience in handling humanitarian aid and disaster relief

AIRCRAFT FROM IAF’S GLORIOUS PAST - (TOP ROW) DAKOTA OF NO. 12 SQUADRON; (BOTTOM ROW) GNATS AND CANBERRAS.

(HADR) operations at global scale and is a first responder in the region. IAF is, what it is today, due grit and determination of its air warriors, and years of wartime exposure, and training, including with most of the major air forces of the world.

EARLY AIR EXPOSURE

IAF saw early army-support action in North West Frontier Province in mid 1930s. As the World War II expanded to southeast Asia, additional squadrons were formed, starting 1941. IAF saw operational action in the “Burma Champaign” from 1942 onwards. IAF pilots also took part in the air campaign in Europe, having being attached to the Royal Air Force (RAF) squadrons. The Americans built a large number of airfields in the India’s east to fly logistic support missions to China against the Japanese. The operation called “The Hump” involved flying dangerous missions across the Himalayan Jungles. Many of these airfields were later inherited and upgraded by the IAF.

1947-48 AIR OPERATIONS IN JAMMU AND KASHMIR

Immediately after independence, when Pakistani intruders began moving into Jammu and Kashmir, and were about to reach Srinagar, the Maharaja signed the instrument of Accession to Indian on October 26, 1947. IAF which had just seven Dakota light transport aircraft began moving Indian Army troops to Srinagar the very next morning. Srinagar and Jammu had mud airstrips, and Punch and Leh had none. Quick move of the Indian Army allowed intruders to be pushed back. Later, the Punch runway was made operational in December 1947 and Leh in May 1948, supporting the defence of Ladakh. IAF Tempest, Spitfire and Harvard aircraft flew significant recce and attack missions against the intruders. Clearly IAF played

a very significant role in retrieving J&K and Ladakh. If political executive had allowed continuation, the entire Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) could have been reclaimed.

IAF UNDERUTILISED IN 1962 WAR

The 1950s saw major transformation of IAF and it became the first to get jet fighters in Asia. IAF also got its first Indian Air Chief in Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee in 1954, and also the Air Force Colours. The period saw significant inductions of fighter/ bombers, transport aircraft and helicopters. When the IndiaChina war began in October 1962, IAF had Mystere, Ouragan (Toofani), Gnat, Vampire, Canberra, An-12s, Packets, Caribou, Otters, and Mi-4 aircraft, among some others. The PLA Air Force (PLAAF) had IL-28 Bombers, MiG-15,17, and a few MiG-19 (AD variants). Clearly the IAF was more modern than PLAAF. The USA was going through the Cuba crisis with Soviet Union, and did not want the India-China war to escalate. They reportedly dissuaded India against use of air power. Indian political leadership also over estimated Chinese ability and reaction. IAF fighter operations were severely restricted. Canberra and some fighter aircraft recce sorties were flown in Tibet. Transport aircraft and Helicopters were used to air maintain the Indian Army. IAF An-12Bs airlifted two troops of AMX-13 tanks to Ladakh. Most analysts believe that audacious use of air power would have reduced Indian casualties and territorial loss.

1965 AND 1971 INDO-PAK WARS

Practically all wars between India and Pakistan were initiated by Pakistan. 1965 was the first full front war. Pakistan Air Force’s (PAF) surprise initial attack did result in IAF losing aircraft in the open on the ground, and learnt the hard way. IAF was

FORMING THE BACKBONE OF IAF’S FIGHTER FLEET, PRESENT AND FUTURE (TOP ROW, L-R) RAFALE, SUKHOI SU-30 MKI; (BOTTOM ROW, L-R) AMCA, LCA MK2

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL INDIAN AIR FORCE

qualitatively inferior, yet achieved air superiority in three days. IAF flew air strikes against all types of strategic and tactical targets, including very deep, in Pakistan. IAF gave massive air support to Indian Army across all fronts, especially the Chammb sector where India was under attack. Indian Army could reach Lahore. IAF flew 3,937 sorties against PAF’s 2,364. Both sides lost similar numbers of aircraft. IAF being larger, effectively lost 12 per cent of its aircraft (many on the ground). PAF lost 23 per cent. War also saw significant air combat especially between the IAF Folland Gnats and PAF F-86 Sabres, where the Gnat came out a clear victor and was christened “Sabre Slayer”.

The 1971 India-Pakistan war ended with liberation of Bangladesh. IAF achieved complete air superiority, the then, East Pakistan in first three days by neutralising both the airfields near Dacca that housed all the fighter aircraft. This allowed Indian Army to blitzkrieg to the Capital city. The massive Tangail airdrop involved nearly 50 IAF transport aircraft. Similarly IAF pressed in a large number of helicopter assets for India Army’s Megnaheli-crossing. Both these were great examples of jointmanship, and directly contributed to the ground offensive and swift victory. Finally the air strikes on the Governor’s House in Dacca forced immediate surrender. In the West, IAF carried out massive airfield strikes, attack on Karachi harbour and Sui gas plant, interdiction of trains, destruction of ammo dumps, and close air support to Indian Army. IAF neutralised the Pakistan Army armour thrust in Longewala. In the air battles between Indian MiG-21 and Pakistani F-104 starfighter, IAF pilots came out clear winners. IAF’s first and only Param Vir Chakra was awarded to Flying Officer Nirmal Jit Singh Sekhon.

1999 KARGIL WAR – OPERATION “SAFED SAGAR”

Kargil war of 1999 was the first major all high altitude air war with targets at around 5,000 m altitude. Pakistani intruders had occupied many Indian high altitude posts across a large sector. The war remained a localised action. The Indian government decided that IAF will not cross the Line of Control (LoC). This put restrictions of attack directions. IAF flew all types of aerial missions including air recce, interdiction strikes, air defence combat air patrol, and logistic support missions. The series of attacks against Pt 4388 in the Dras sector was an excellent example of how lethal airstrikes can be. Large targets of consequence such as supply camp at Muntho Dhalo, enemy Battalion HQ on top of Tiger Hill were neutralised. IAF’s night strike operations were carried out using ingenuity and imagination and had a significant effect on the enemy’s resilience, stamina and the very will to fight. IAF also learnt lessons on high altitude warfare. Effectiveness of Man-portable AD systems on mountain tops, importance of IR flares and chaffs, engine related limitations on very high-altitude rocket firing, among others. Laser bombs were very effective in taking out individual bunkers on hill tops. Free-fall bombs were very good for supply camps, and assembly areas in the valleys. Clearly, the use of air power considerably hastened expelling the intruders and also greatly reduced own casualties.

OTHER MAJOR OPERATIONS

The other major operations undertaken by the IAF included ‘Operation Vijay’ (December 1961) for liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu. The 36 hour operation involved airstrikes that supported a quick decisive victory for India, ending 451 years of rule by Portugal. ‘Operation Meghdoot’ was launched in April 1984 to seize and retain full control of the Siachen Glacier, now the highest battlefield in the world. For the IAF it involved round the year transport and helicopter air support to maintain the Indian Army. IAF fighters began flying more regularly at Ladakh airbases. Also the advanced landing grounds such as DBO were also activated.

Indian armed forces were moved in support of the elected government in the 1988 Maldives coup d’état attempt. India began ‘Operation Cactus’ on the night of November 3,1988. IAF Ilyushin Il-76 aircraft airlifted the elements of the 50th Independent Parachute Brigade, from Agra and flew them non-stop over 2,000 kilometres to land them at the Malé International Airport, effectively arriving in nine hours after the appeal from President Gayoom, and quelled the coup.

Operation Poomalai was a mission undertaken by the IAF for airdropping supplies over the besieged town of Jaffna in Sri Lanka on June 4, 1987 to support the Tamil Tigers during the Sri Lankan Civil War. Five An-32s escorted by five Mirage 2000s were used to drop relief supplies.

AIR MAINTENANCE IN THE MOUNTAINS

The IAF carries out round the year air maintenance missions to help sustain the Indian Army, Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), BSF and other paramilitary forces deployed in the entire northern region, Siachen and Sub-Sector North (SSN) where Daulat Beg Oldi (DBO) is located. Similar exercise is done in other sectors in the Himalayas, including North East. IAF transport and helicopter fleets carry over 30,000 tonnes of load from plains to the high altitude posts. IAF plays a major role in intra-theatre and inter-valley transfers of ground forces. IAF supports the Border Roads Organisation to carry their aggregates. Similarly, supports Indian Railways to build bridges, and Power Grid for HT tower maintenance. IAF often sets up Air Bridge in support of civil administration when roads are blocked due to heavy snow.

UN PEACE KEEPING

India has contributed nearly 2,75,000 troops, the largest number from any country, participated in more than 49 missions and 168 Indian peacekeepers have made the supreme sacrifice while serving in UN missions. IAF had deployed six Canberra B (I) MK-58 bombers in Congo (1960-64). The IAF took part in peacekeeping duties in Somalia from October 1, 1993 to December 21,1994. The two Chetak helicopters modified with anti-tank guided missiles were sent. IAF operations in Sierra Leone (19992001) included casualty evacuation, medical aid, armed rescue, communication and logistic support. Mi-8 and Chetak were modified for armament role. IAF had also deployed Mi-25 Gun Ships. IAF also deployed in Congo in 2003 with four night upgraded Mi-35 attack helicopters and six night-capable Mi-17 utility helicopters. IAF helicopters were used in Sudan in 2008-09.

Immediately after independence, when Pakistani intruders began moving into Jammu and Kashmir, and were about to reach Srinagar, IAF played a very significant role in retrieving J&K and Ladakh

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL INDIAN AIR FORCE

HADR – IAF THE FIRST RESPONDER

The IAF has invariably been the first responder in most HADR operations in aid to civil power. IAF today has very significant transport aircraft (C-17, C-130, IL-76, An-32) and helicopter (Mi-17, Chinook, ALH, Chetak) assets with heavy lift capability and global reach. Most recently IAF aircraft were used for evacuating Indians from Sudan, including night missions from semi-prepared surfaces. Earlier similar missions were flown from Iraq, Kuwait and Jordan (1990); Lebanon (2006); Libya (2011); Yemen (2015); and Wuhan and Iran (2000). IAF led the drinking water supply ‘Operation Neer’ to Maldives (2014). During the 2015 Nepal earthquake, IAF and Indian Army made 2,223 sorties and rescued 11,200 people. IAF was in action in Odisha Cyclone (1999); Bhuj Earthquake (2001); Tsunami (2004); Sikkim earthquake (2011); Uttarakhand floods and Category 5 super cyclone Phailin in Odisha (2013); and Kerala floods (2018). IAF had deployed 42 transport aircraft for COVID relief. IAF helicopters with bambi-bucket routinely extinguish fires. In 2022, IAF flew 220 sorties to meet casualty evacuation demands of various State authorities.

IAF’s emergency response teams are located at all major transport airbases. IAF Rapid Aero Medical Teams (RAMT) are positioned at vantage locations. All IAF bases have coordination with local Indian Army units and the National Disaster Relief Force (NDRF) battalions. IAF aircraft, including UAVs, are used for aerial assessment of disasters.

INTERNATIONAL AIR EXERCISES AND INTEROPERABILITY

As IAF begins to plan a multi-nation large force exercise “Tarang Shakti”, it has come a long way in carrying out international exercises with all major air forces of the world. Three Rafale just took part in the Bastille Day flypast over the Champs Elysees in Paris. IAF and USAF participate in bilateral US Pacific Air Forces (PACAF) sponsored Field Training Exercise (FTX) Cope India series, conducted in India. Exercise ‘Garuda’ series is with the French Air and Space Force (FASF) held alternatively in India and France. The 17-nation Multilateral Exercise ‘Pitch Black’ was held at Darwin, Australia in September 2022. IAF has been participating since 2018. The Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF) and the IAF have been carrying out bilateral exercise SINDEX since 2004. IAF and Royal Air Force (RAF), conduct Exercise “Indradhanush” since 2006, held in both India and the UK. IAF has also been participating in the US Air Force (USAF) ‘Red Flag’ exercise in Nellis Air Force Base, and at Eielson AFB in Alaska in the United States. Desert Eagle is multi-lateral exercise organised by United Arab Emirates Air Force. IAF has also been participating in exercise Eastern Bridge with Oman. Blue Flag is a military aviation exercise held by the Israeli Air Force. In July 2022, the IAF carried out a onemonth long engagement with the Egyptian Air Force (EAF) at the Egyptian Fighter Weapon School, in Cairo. The Japanese Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) and IAF participated in bilateral air exercise SHINYUU Maitri-18 in 2018 at IAF airbase in Agra. In January 2023, the bilateral air exercise ‘Veer Guardian 2023’ was held between the IAF and Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) in Japan. IAF participate in Exercise Orion at the Mont-de-Mar-

san airbase in France, and exercise INIOCHOS at Andravida base in Greece in April-May 2023. These exercises improve tactics and interoperability and expose crew to newer ideas and concepts.

IAF’S GLOBAL REACH

IAF recently carried out three long-range missions to train for and showcase its long-range strike and air patrol capability. These were flown by the Su-30 MKI, and Rafale fighters. They were supported by the IAF’s IL-78 Flight Refueller Aircraft (FRA) for inflight refuelling, and the IL-76 based Phalcon Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) aircraft for aerial radar cover, and command and control. Any significant global power must have the capability for “global vigilance and global reach”. These 7-10 hour long missions were a step in that direction. IAF must ensure the country has “freedom from attack and the freedom to attack”. India’s immediate area of regional influence demands ability to cover and dominate the entire Bay of Bengal up to and beyond the Malacca Strait. Have an operational reach till British Indian Ocean territories (Diego Garcia) in northern Indian Ocean. Similarly cover the entire Arabian Sea up to Gulf of Aden and Gulf of Oman. The strategic long-range missions demonstrate area domination and area denial capability. One can recall how all the Rafale aircraft were ferried nonstop from France to India by undertaking mid-air refuelling enroute. The above mentioned international evacuation and disaster relief missions have showcased India’s rapid mobility capabilities. From Andaman and Nicobar Islands, IAF can launch missions till South China Sea with a single aerial refuelling. With Operational logistics agreement with all QUAD members and other friendly neighbours, IAF will be able to use their airfields.

Faced with the possibility of a twofront war, IAF is down to 31 fighter squadrons, vis-à-vis the authorised 42. IAF’s combat fleet and force multipliers, AEW&C aircraft and FRA, numbers have to go up significantly.

GLORIOUS PAST BUT CHALLENGES AHEAD

IAF has had a glorious past, but there are challenges ahead. China’s PLAAF is pushing ahead in both technology and numbers of air assets. Pakistan with the help of China is catching up. There is a spectre of twofront war. IAF is down to 31 fighter squadrons, vis-à-vis authorised 42. IAF’s force multipliers, AEW&C aircraft and FRA, numbers have to go up for the continental sized country. The Indian armed forces mostly have imported Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV). India’s ‘Tapas’ UAV and ‘Ghatak’ UCAV need to be accelerated. India needs to induct more combat UAVs in the meantime. Drones, drone swarms, manned-unmanned teaming are all work still in slow progressed. IAF is now a fully networked force. Cyber and electronic warfare capability will have to cater for very active highly contested environment. Spacebased surveillance assets have to go up. India has a successful missile programme. Ukraine war has indicated need for larger weapon stocking and securing supply chains. Developing and imbibing newer technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), robotics, quantum computing, hypersonic and directed energy systems would be important. Indigenisation ‘Atmanirbharta’ is getting the needed push at highest levels, but much more has still to be achieved. For India to become a significant power, the LCA and AMCA programmes must not only succeed but need hastening. Time to act is now, lest we get left far behind. SP

CHIEFS OF THE AIR STAFF, INDIAN AIR FORCE — 1947 TILL DATE

1. Air Marshal Sir Thomas W. Elmhirst (August 15, 1947 – February 22, 1950)

2. Air Marshal R. Ivelaw –Chapman (February 22, 1950 – December 9, 1951)

3. Air Marshal Sir Gerald Ernest Gibbs (December 10, 1951 – March 31, 1954)

4. Air Marshal Subroto Mukerjee (April 1, 1954 – November 8, 1960)

5. Air Chief Marshal A.M. Engineer (December 1, 1960 – July 31, 1964)

6. Marshal of the Air Force Arjan Singh (August 1, 1964 – July 15, 1969)

7. Air Chief Marshal Pratap Chandra Lal (July 16, 1969 – January 15, 1973)

8. Air Chief Marshal Om Prakash Mehra (January 16, 1973 – January 31, 1976)

9. Air Chief Marshal H. Moolgavkar (February 1, 1976 – August 31, 1978)

10. Air Chief Marshal Idris Hassan Latif (September 1, 1978 – August 31, 1981)

11. Air Chief Marshal Dilbagh Singh (September 1, 1981 – September 3, 1984)

12. Air Chief Marshal L. M. Katre (September 4, 1984 – July 1, 1985)

13. Air Chief Marshal Denis Anthony La Fontaine (July 3, 1985 –July 31, 1988)

14. Air Chief Marshal Surinder Kumar Mehra (August 1, 1988 – July 31, 1991)

15. Air Chief Marshal Nirmal Chandra Suri (July 31, 1991 – July 31, 1993)

16. Air Chief Marshal S. K. Kaul (August 1, 1993 – December 31, 1995)

17. Air Chief Marshal S.K. Sareen (December 31, 1995 – December 31, 1998)

18. Air Chief Marshal Anil Y. Tipnis (December 31, 1998 – December 31, 2001)

19. Air Chief Marshal S. Krishnaswamy (December 31, 2001 – December 31, 2004)

20. Air Chief Marshal S.P. Tyagi (December 31, 2004 – March 31, 2007)

21. Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major (March 31, 2007 – May 31, 2009)

22. Air Chief Marshal Pradeep Vasant Naik (May 31, 2009 – July 31, 2011)

23. Air Chief Marshal N.A.K. Browne (August 2, 2011 – December 31, 2013)

24. Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha (January 1, 2014 – December 31, 2016)

25. Air Chief Marshal B.S. Dhanoa (January 1, 2017 – September 30, 2019)

26. Air Chief Marshal Rakesh Kumar Singh Bhadauria (September 30, 2019 –September 30, 2021)

27. Air Chief Marshal V.R. Chaudhari (September 30, 2021 – Present)

AVIATION SECTOR IN NATION BUILDING OVER THE LAST 76 YEARS

aviation sector has played a pivotal role in nation building by facilitating rapid connectivity across diverse regions, promoting economic growth through trade and tourism, and enhancing national security through efficient air transportation and defence capabilities

India’s

PEEK INTO HISTORY

By AIR MARSHAL SUKHCHAIN SINGH (RETD)

Jehangir Ratanji Dadabhoy, the ‘Father of Indian Aviation’, established India’s first licensed commercial carrier, Tata Airlines in 1932. It was based out of Mumbai and transported both mail and passengers across India. In 1946 it changed its name to Air India. Pursuant to the Air Corporations Act, 1953 the Indian Government acquired 49 per cent of the company, and fully nationalised the airline. This law not only allowed the Government to gain control over the erstwhile Tata Airlines, but also nationalised the entire sector. All existing airlines were merged into either Indian Airlines Corporation or Air India International. This monopoly continued for the next forty years till the Indian economic liberalisation of the 1990’s that the aviation sector was again opened to private participation. In a full circle of events Tata Group took

over the operations of Air India on January 27, 2022, marking the beginning of a new chapter for Air India.

The aviation sector developed sluggishly in India, mainly because air transportation had traditionally been for the elite and not the masses. However, in the last decade the sector has experienced exponential growth due to structural reforms, airport modernisation, entry of private airlines, adoption of the low-cost models and improvements in service standards. The government has also played a big role in supporting growth in aviation by encouraging the private sector to become more involved in the construction of airports through Public Private Partnership models and by providing state support in concessional land allotment, financing, tax holidays and other incentives.

AVIATION IN INDIA HAS ENABLED SWIFT AND EFFICIENT MOVEMENT OF PEOPLE, GOODS, AND RESOURCES ACROSS VAST DISTANCES, BRIDGING REMOTE REGIONS, BOOSTING TRADE, TOURISM, AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT IN THE COUNTRY

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL NATION BUILDING

The civil aviation sector consists of several segments; however, the sector’s health is primarily identified with the growth of scheduled airline and public airport activity. The civil aviation industry in India has emerged as one of the fastest growing industries in the country and is expected to continue well into the future. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has stated that the total annual passengers in India will increase to 367 million by 2034, this means not only a surge in aviation services but also an increase in demand for maintenance, repair, and overhaul (MRO) services, airport and customer support services, skilled manpower including pilots, cabin crew and maintenance engineers.

Indian combat aviation was born on October 8, 1932, when the Indian Air Force came into existence. Today with sustained efforts over the last 75 years the major components of military aviation are the IAF along with the aviation wings of the Army and the Navy, the Indian Aerospace Industry and the Research & Development establishments engaged in aerospace research, including the design and development of aviation related hardware and software.

Aviation Industry in India traces back to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) which was established as Hindustan Aircraft in Bangalore in 1940 by Seth Walchand Hirachand to produce military aircraft for the Royal Indian Air Force. In 1943 the Bangalore factory was handed over to the United States Army Air Forces and became the 84th Air Depot for major overhaul & repair of American aircraft. After India gained independence in 1947, the management of the company was passed over to the Government of India.

HAL was formed on October 1, 1964 when it joined the consortium formed by the IAF Aircraft Manufacturing Depot, Kanpur (at the time manufacturing HS748 under licence). HAL over the last six decades has established 11 dedicated Research and development (R&D) centres and 21 manufacturing divisions under 4 production units spread across India. It is now designing and manufacturing fighter jets, helicopters, jet engine & marine gas turbine engine, avionics, software development, spares supply, overhauling and upgrading of Indian military aircraft. It is one of the largest aerospace companies in Asia and has annual turnover of over `26,500 crore.

ECONOMIC ACTIVITY

Discussing the Indian Aviation Industry, it has become the essential link for national and International travel and trade, which was once the elitist activity. It is important for the economic development of the Nation because of the ability to augment business activity. Globalisation is the key in the development of tourism, which has permeated in all areas like promotion of products, job enhancement, health sector and tourism. Thanks to globalisation we are now witnessing a huge connectivity of India in the International markets.

The linkage between civil aviation sector and economic activity with its catalytic impact on general development is well recognised. The ICAO estimated that $100 spent on air transport produce benefits worth $325 for the economy and 100 additional jobs

in air transport result in 610 new economy wide jobs. The ICAO study attributes over 4.5 per cent of global GDP to the air transport component of civil aviation. An efficient aviation sector is therefore essential to support tourism, an industry with immense employment opportunity. With middle-class people taking to the skies against the backdrop of economical air fares, the Indian aviation market has grown at an average rate of 16 per cent over the last decade. India is expected to overtake China and the United States as the world’s third-largest air passenger market by 2030. Further, the rising demand in the sector has pushed the number of airplanes operating and are expected to reach 1,100 by 2027. There have been occasional dips due to economic recessions, epidemics, natural disasters and political upheavals which reflect the extreme sensitivity of the sector to external global factors.

The government has allowed 100 per cent FDI under the automatic route in scheduled air transport service, regional air transport service, and domestic scheduled passenger airlines. AAI and other airport developers have targeted a capital outlay of approximately `98,000 crores in the airport sector in the next five years. The number of PPP airports is likely to increase from five in 2014 to 24 in 2024. India aims to have 220 new airports by 2025. Cargo flights for perishable food items will also be increased to 30 per cent with 133 new flights in the coming years. The rising middle-income households, healthy competition amongst Low-Cost Carriers, infrastructure build-up at leading airports and supportive policy framework has given a positive push over the years to the aviation sector. The rise in demand for air travel in India has necessitated the development of a robust ecosystem and supportive government policies.

POLICY REFORMS

Through the National Civil Aviation Policy 2016 (NCAP) the government plans to take flying to the masses by enhancing affordability and connectivity. It promotes ease of doing business, deregulation, simplified procedures, and e-governance. The Regional Connectivity Scheme or UDAN (‘Ude Desh ka Aam Nagrik’) is a vital part of NCAP 2016. The scheme plans to enhance connectivity to India’s unserved and under-served airports and envisions to make air travel affordable and widespread. The Government has set a target to operationalise 1,000 UDAN routes and to revive/develop 100 unserved & underserved airports/heliports/water aerodromes, including 68 aerodromes by 2024.

MoCA has released Krishi UDAN 2.0 which lays out the vision of improving value realisation through better integration and optimisation of Agri-harvesting, air transportation, contributing to the value chain sustainability and resilience under diverse conditions. After a 6-month successful trial of Krishi Udan 2.0 five new airports namely Belagavi, Jharsuguda, Jabalpur, Darbhanga and Bhopal were added to the existing 53 airports.

The National Air Sport Policy was launched in June 2022. It lays out the vision of making India as one of the top sports nations by 2030, by providing a safe, affordable, accessible, enjoyable, and sustainable air sports ecosystem in India, that include air-racing, aerobatics, aero modelling, hang gliding, paragliding, para motoring and skydiving etc.

The rising middleincome households, healthy competition amongst Low-Cost Carriers, infrastructure build-up at leading airports and supportive policy framework has given a positive push to the aviation sector

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL NATION BUILDING INDIA’S

The Central Government has approved the PLI scheme as a follow-through of the liberalised Drone Rules, 2021 released on August 25, 2021. These initiatives will catalyse growth in the emerging drone sector. Drone market is projected to reach up to `2,95,000 crore by 2030. India is now a green zone where no permission is required to operate a drone.

JOB CREATION

There are two kinds of jobs that are created with the growth of aviation sector, direct and indirect employment. Direct Employment include those who are directly employed by the airline, for example, pilots, cabin crew, all technical and non-technical staff, this is around 175 for a narrow-body aircraft. And, adding indirect people i.e. external to the company, supporting the aircraft including airport staff, air traffic controllers, transport vendors, service providers, and others, this number comes up to 400 for a narrow body plane. Direct employment in case of widebody is around 250 to 300 and after including indirect employment, this number can go up to 600 to 700. That’s the magnitude of the creation of jobs in the Indian aviation sector which has around 700 commercial aircraft, a majority of them being narrow-body and poised for expansion to more than 1,100 planes comprising wide-body and narrow-body aircraft. In India, narrow-body aircraft currently account for 82.5 per cent of the current fleet of major commercial Indian airlines, whereas wide-body aircraft are at seven per cent.

India’s aviation regulator, the DGCA, also needs to increase its workforce to keep up with the gruelling demand of monitoring the country’s expanding fleet. It is believed that DGCA also plans to hire 1,000 employees by the end of this decade. Air traffic controllers are also in high demand, particularly as new airports are being built nationwide.

The airline industry also gives back to the community through its support to charitable organisations. Every major airline has contributed substantially to charities and philanthropic activities. Multi-skill Development Centre (MSDC) for Aviation Skilling has been set up at Chandigarh under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) scheme funded by Airports Authority of India (AAI). Aviation Skill Development Centre has been set up at Mumbai by LearnNet Skills as training implementation partner for CSR project of AAI.

SKILLING INDIA

In the hierarchy of skills relevant to Aviation, the demand for skilled cockpit crew is top priority. The DGCA has officially approved 31 flying training organisations in India of which, the Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Udaan Academy (IGRUA), is run by the Central Government and enjoys a very good professional reputation. The next skill-set is related to maintaining the aircraft. The list of DGCAapproved Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) Training Institutes is 51 but the general level of satisfaction is low and some of these lack access to an actual aircraft for proper training. While the airlines have larger aircraft with well-established training facilities set up by Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs), the same is not true for business aircraft which are small and held in small numbers by Indian entities. Cabin crew skills are also critical as they are not just for courtesies extended to passengers but also for cabin safety, especially under emergency conditions.

Under Skill India, the NSDC has set up an Aerospace and Aviation Sector Skill Council (AASSC) which is expected to work

as the apex body for skill development in the rapidly developing aviation sector. Its promoters are HAL, the Bangalore Chamber of Industries and Commerce (BCIC) and the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies & Industries (SIATI). These are the fruits of labour of the aviation industry stalwarts.

AVIATION INDUSTRY

The Indian MRO market is currently estimated to be around $800 million and is growing at about eight per cent annually against a four per cent world average. The Indian MRO Market has just begun to grow. Indian aerospace industry today is on the threshold of entering into a new era with self-reliance in defence production. The Indian manufacturing sector is internationally competitive with international quality standards, efficiency and manufacturing facilities. Indian government is promoting domestic manufacturing of aircraft and aircraft financing and leasing activities to make India’s aviation market self-reliant. The aircraft leasing and financing businesses are now operated from the International Financial Services Centre (IFSC) and Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) that provides the world-class financial centre in India.

The IAF has fully supported indigenisation and setting up of MRO facilities over the last 75 years. The highest MRO revenue comes from defence aircraft and a close second from commercial aircraft MRO. The revenue generated from Engine Overhaul is the highest for civil sector. India GMR facility at Hyderabad will be Safrans a overhaul outside of France with a capacity to service 300 engine by 2035. Convergence between Civil MROs and the Defence sector should now create economies of scale and long-term benefits, which the government needs to always factor in its policy-making & reforms for the A&D Sector, including MRO/Manufacturing.

The military MRO is primarily based on Base Repair Depots (BRDs) and the associated eco system of local vendors. The closed-door policy adopted by HAL till now did not open the MRO possibilities with the civil sector and no third-party MRO for these aircraft have emerged. It is only recently that HAL has started outsourcing some airframe structures of the Su-30 and Tejas aircraft to Indian private entities. A beginning of collaboration which needs to find more avenues in the long run. With HAL now moving to become an integrator of outsourced manufacture it will be only

THE DEMAND FOR SKILLED COCKPIT CREW IS VERY HIGH AND DGCA HAS OFFICIALLY APPROVED 31 FLYING TRAINING ORGANISATIONS IN INDIA PHOTOGRAPH: FLYSPICEJET / TWITTER

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL NATION BUILDING

appropriate to undertake MRO of these platforms to a third-party Indian firm. What must be appreciated is that both the civil and military MRO is a National Air Power asset and needs to in sync to enhance the combat potential of air power. There is a necessity to co-operate and collaborate in this endeavour to exploit and take advantage of the combined skill sets, infrastructure for optimum and economic utilisation of infrastructure of the country.

A&D ATMANIRBHARTA

The Aerospace and Defence (A&D) sector in India is at an inflection point, given the modernisation and indigenisation programmes being undertaken by all the three services. India has also identified the A&D sector as a focus area for the Aatmanirbhar Bharat programme and has taken considerable steps to establish indigenous manufacturing infrastructure supported by requisite research and development ecosystem. The establishment of two defence corridors at Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu will focus on the development of indigenous manufacturing capabilities and in turn become the springboard for all development

to use space technology for national development with a primary objective to establish operational space services in a self-reliant manner. India is now globally recognised for building low-cost satellites and launch vehicles. In terms of technological capabilities India ranks among the top five space faring nations of the world.

An independent nodal agency under Department of Space, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Centre (IN-SPACe) has been created on June 24, 2020, to boost the dissemination of space technology for Space Economy for Aatmanirbhar Bharat. These give a major fillip to private sector space industry, including the start-ups and enable commercialisation of space technology, boost private investments, preparing the youth as space leaders, innovations in the sector for the progress of humanity. In March 2019, Cabinet approved creation of new company NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) to enhance ISRO-Industry interface & carry out commercialisation of ISRO’s space products & services.

Over the last five decades, ISRO has been successful in the development of indigenous end-to-end capability in space technology and space activities. This has also led to the growth in Indian industries, with more than 500 MSMEs, PSUs and large private industries contributing significantly to the Indian space programme. The involvement of industries in space activities has created jobs for around 45,000 people in the country. Many sectors like defence production, telecom, materials, chemicals and precision engineering have benefitted from this exercise.

Indian Remote Sensing satellite fleet, communication and high throughput satellites of GSAT series, NavIC (NAVigation with Indian Constellation), the operational launch vehicles PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and GSLV Mk-III provide assured access to space for launching satellites for earth observation, communication, navigation and space exploration. SSLV, a dedicated small launcher which will cater to the global shift towards small satellites is under development. ISRO’s two launchpads at the spaceport of Sriharikota near Chennai, provide space launch capability for the country.

activities undertaken by the government in the aviation sector. General Electric (GE) Aerospace has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with HAL to produce fighter jet engines for the Indian Air Force. The IAF will be the key beneficiary as it would have a family of indigenous state-of-the-art aero-engines and fighter jets which would not be dependent on foreign vendors. The IAF’s combat capability will be enhanced further as the same engines will be used for the twin-engine Advanced Multi-role Combat Aircraft (AMCA-I) and naval carrier-based jet. This would act as a catalyst for transforming the Indian aerospace manufacturing ecosystem into a vibrant Aatmanirbhar self-sustaining ecosystem.

INDIAN SPACE SECTOR

The space activities in India started with the setting up of Indian National Committee for Space Research (INCOSPAR) in 1962. Initial years saw the work on atmospheric studies with the establishment of Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (TERLS) near Thiruvananthapuram. The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) established in 1969, took the space programme to altogether new level with programmes aimed at exploiting the benefits of space technology for the national and societal development. The Indian Space programme is characterised by a vision

The Indian space science exploration programme is engaged in developments for its future space science mission like the next mission to Moon Chandrayaan-3, solar exploration mission Aditya-L1 and space observatory XpoSat. The Gaganyaan programme aims at realising human spaceflight capability by undertaking a mission to convey humans to Low Earth Orbit and return them safely back to earth, using an Indian Orbital Module and Indian human-rated launch vehicle. ISROs sustained efforts over the last six decades has ensured that sky is not the limit, it’s the world beyond, making India proud.

RESILIENT FUTURE OF AVIATION SECTOR

Aviation sector is now accepted as a fundamental pillar of our Indian society, as indispensable to our daily lives as medicine & telecommunications and essential for social progress & economic prosperity. The growing availability of affordable air travel has considerably widened aviation’s role in our sustainable society and is no longer a luxury. The air transport industry has not only reinforced wealth creation, but has also brought enormous benefits to Indian economy by unlocking their potential in various related sectors including trade and tourism. With a responsive government the A&D sector is bound to grow in Atmanirbhar Bharat. SP

INDIA HAS IDENTIFIED THE A&D SECTOR AS A FOCUS AREA AND HAS TAKEN CONSIDERABLE STEPS TO ESTABLISH INDIGENOUS MANUFACTURING INFRASTRUCTURE

INDIA’S CENTURY — UNLOCKING THE POTENTIAL OF INDIAN AVIATION

Witness the renaissance of India’s aviation industry as it takes flight towards a Century of Prosperity unlocking extraordinary opportunities in India’s aviation sector

By COLONEL SANJAY JULKA (RETD) CEO, CLUB ONE AIR

The Indian economy is experiencing a remarkable expansion, with a GDP growth rate of 8.7 per cent in FY 2022, placing it among the highest in the world. Bob Sternfels, Global Partner at McKinsey, boldly declared that it is not just India’s decade but India’s century. As the economy flourishes, the aviation industry closely follows suit. The growth prospects for Indian aviation are staggering, and international investors are taking notice. Despite lingering concerns, India has made

significant strides in addressing these issues, paving the way for a prosperous future in civil aviation.

INDIAN AVIATION GROWTH: A GLOBAL STANDOUT

The growth potential of Indian aviation is undeniable, and the numbers speak for themselves. Asian aviation is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1 per cent over the next 20 years, outpacing America’s 2.7 per cent and

ONGOING METAMORPHOSIS: AIR INDIA’S CURRENT EVOLUTION INTO A GLOBAL CARRIER WITH ITS MERGERS, NEW PLANES, FRESH BRANDING IS REPRESENTATIVE OF INDIA’S GROWING AVIATION SECTOR AND ITS IMPORTANCE FOR THE GLOBAL AVIATION INDUSTRY

Europe’s 2.3 per cent. Specifically, Indian aviation is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.3 per cent over the next two decades, surpassing the 4.9 per cent growth rate for the rest of Asia.

India’s geographical advantage further solidifies its potential as a major aviation hub. With 50 per cent of the world’s population residing within a 6-hour flight time and 65 per cent within a 10-hour flight time, India becomes an attractive destination for airlines. Additionally, the country boasts the world’s third-largest domestic civil aviation market, further enhancing its appeal.

There has also been an increase in the number of business aircraft. In 2021 and 2022, approximately 90 registration/ deregistration entries were recorded, compared to approximately 40 in 20 and 35 in 2020. The United States has approximately 600 billionaires and more than 10,000 private jets. India has approximately 166 billionaires and around 132 private jets. Every year, about 34 billionaires are added to the list. The number of millionaires will be rising by 63 per cent over the next five years. Thus, there is sufficient and even greater potential for the growth of civil aviation including Business Aviation, in India over the next 20 years and beyond.

EXPANDING INFRASTRUCTURE: LAYING THE FOUNDATION FOR GROWTH

India has recognised the importance of infrastructure development in fostering a thriving aviation industry. Through the UDAN scheme, the number of operational

airports has expanded significantly, growing from 74 in 2014 to 140 in 2022, including 31 international airports. This number is set to exceed 200 in the next five years. Furthermore, 21 Greenfield airports have been approved, with 11 already operational and 11 more scheduled for development, backed by substantial investments from the government and the private sector.

EXPLOITING TECHNOLOGY

The government’s commitment to technology and passenger facilitation is evident in the release of the “Digi Yatra” policy, which leverages biometric-based digital processing to enhance the travel experience and security measures at airports.

WORLD CLASS FBOS AND GENERAL AVIATION TERMINALS

Establishment of General Aviation terminals, such as those in Mumbai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Kochi, demonstrates the focus on catering to the growing demand in the Business Aviation sector.

Three years ago, there was only one full-fledged General Aviation Terminal at Mumbai. Delhi had a General Aviation terminal for only the domestic sector. Even there, aeroplanes were parked far away, often on the opposite side of the runway. Not only does Delhi now have a distinct General Aviation terminal for all flights, but it also has specialised hangars and an apron for general aviation and business aviation aircraft. Ahmedabad and Kochi have also opened General Aviation terminals.

MANY REGIONAL AIRLINES LIKE STAR AIR HAVE STARTED THE CONNECTIVITY OF TIER-2 AND TIER-3 CITIES THROUGH UDAN SCHEME, THAT HAS HELPED CONNECT EVEN THE REMOTE AREAS OF THE COUNTRY

Global players are making a beeline to partner with domestic companies in India’s aviation sector to seize unprecedented opportunities

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL COMMERCIAL AVIATION

THRIVING MRO AND MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY

India’s potential as an MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) and manufacturing hub is on the rise. With a large English-speaking technical workforce and the support of skill development councils, the country is poised for exponential growth in the MRO industry. Two skill development councils, the Aviation Multi Skill Development Centre in Chandigarh and the Aerospace and Aviation Skill Sector Council (AASC), are working around the clock to build joint ventures with domestic and global partners to train vital aviation personnel. With the current order book of India, an exponential rise in the MRO industry is anticipated. Growth in the MRO industry is expected to be highest in the world. Expect many more mergers and acquisitions in the MRO industry.

The government has taken steps to remove tax and regulatory barriers, facilitating the establishment of MRO facilities and attracting investment. The recent reduction in GST (Goods and Services Tax) for MRO services and the removal of customs duty on tools and spares further enhance the sector’s viability.

SUSTAINABILITY: A KEY PRIORITY

India recognises the importance of sustainable aviation and has revised its National Green Policy accordingly. The goal of achieving carbon neutrality for 90 airports by 2024 and sourcing 50 per cent of energy from renewable sources by 2030 reflects India’s determination to reduce its environmental footprint.

To further promote sustainable practices, India aims to reduce the GST on sustainable aviation fuel to five per cent and plans to waive airport fees for flights using sustainable aviation fuel. These initiatives not only contribute to environmental protection but also create a favourable environment for investments in sustainable aviation technologies.

SAFER SKIES

The focus on flight safety and the implementation of the National Aviation Policy have positioned India as one of the world’s best regulators. Recent initiatives like the Krishi UDAN scheme, GIFT City leasing, and fractional ownership strategy showcase the government’s commitment to sustainable growth and attracting further investment.

LEASING AND FINANCING: UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES

The government of India has taken proactive measures to attract leasing and financing companies to the country. The aviation leasing sector, valued at $290 billion USD, offers significant opportunities for investors. With 80 per cent of Indian airline fleets being leased, the government’s focus on maintaining leasing revenue is evident through initiatives like GIFT City leasing.

To instill confidence in lessors and financiers, the government has introduced several measures. These include a threemonth CAP on airport fee payment, a forward mechanism for GST payments, access to low-cost asset management firms, escrow payment of lease rentals, and the provision for New York or English legislation for aircraft leasing in India. The government has also taken steps to address concerns over insolvency by signing most clauses of the Cape Town Convention and ensuring effective repossession processes. In addition, the government is currently focusing on aircraft funding. It is in the process of identifying banks to provide aviation funding. It recognises that the leasing sector will only be successful if more Indian and foreign banks begin to support these GIFT City Companies.

The GIFT City has already registered 16 businesses in its brief history. 26 leases, including some with foreign lessees,

INDIA’S GDP GROWS 4.1% IN Q4 EXPANDS 8.7% IN FY22 GOVT DATA

KRISHI

l Cargo related infrastructure to be built in airports for transporting agricultural produce

UDAN 2.0

l To be implemented at 53 airports, focusing on Northeast and tribal regions

l Full waiver on airport charges at select airports

have been impacted. There has also been a lot of interest from foreign leasing companies who want to now set up shop in GIFT City. Tax benefits are only available if the company is registered before March 31, 2024.

INVESTMENT SUCCESS STORIES: A TESTAMENT TO INDIA’S POTENTIAL

The commitment of foreign investors to the Indian aviation industry is evident, with major OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) establishing their presence in the country.

• GMR: The partnership between GMR and Boeing, aimed at converting a Boeing 737 into a freighter aircraft, is a prime example of the investment opportunities available. Similarly, the collaboration between GMR and Airbus to offer a fouryear AME license degree and the partnership between GMR and Spirit Aero Repair for Nacelle components and radome repairs demonstrates the confidence international players have in India’s aviation sector.

• AIESL: Air India Engineering Services Limited has partnered with Boeing to maintain VIP Boeing 777s and the Indian Navy’s P-81 landing gears.

• Air Works: Air Works has joined forces with Boeing to open an MRO facility for Indian Navy P-8Is for conducting heavy maintenance on these Aircrafts. Further it has been doing heavy maintenance and upgrades on VVIP 737s. It has also tied up with Embraer to maintain its VIP fleet with IAF in India.

Source: affairscloud.com

GIFT CITY: THE NEW HUB FOR INDIAN AIRCRAFT LEASING AND FINANCING

Boeing India currently helps its parent source supplies worth $1 billion per year from India of which 66 per cent is actual manufacturing and the remaining is software and services. GE’s global research centre in Bengaluru plays a vital role in developing engines such as the GE9X, GEnx, and CFM Leap. Safran, a leading aerospace company, will open its largest MRO facility in Hyderabad.

These success stories illustrate the confidence of foreign investors in India’s aviation industry and the vast potential that awaits those who seize the opportunities available.

GOVERNMENT ENGAGEMENT WITH INVESTORS: SHAPING PERCEPTIONS

To dispel concerns and attract more foreign investment, Indian officials and regulators must actively engage with investors. They should participate in debates, seminars, conferences and Air Shows worldwide to share success stories and showcase the tremendous potential of the Indian aviation industry.

UDAN SCHEME REACHES MORE LOCATIONS ACROSS INDIA

l 78 new routes were approved under the 4th round of Regional Connectivity Scheme (RCS)UdeDeshKaAamNagrik (UDAN)

l 3 Successful Rounds of bidding were conducted by the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation

l 766 Routes have been sanctioned under the UDAN scheme so far

l 274 UDAN routes have been operationalized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation since its inception, connecting 45 airports and 3 heliports

• Tata: Tata, a leading conglomerate, has become the world’s largest Trent XWB operator and partnered with Rolls-Royce to supply Trent XWB engines and additional RR engine components. Furthermore, Tata Engineering Services will provide assistance to digital engineering and data innovation teams. The list of successful investments continues with Tata’s partnership with Sikorsky to deliver S-92 cabins and their manufacturing facility in Vadodara, which will produce military aircraft components for Airbus. Additionally, Tata has joined forces with Lockheed Martin to provide extensive maintenance services for C-130Js in India. Tata Boeing’s Hyderabad factory manufactures the fuselage for AH-64 helicopters.

• Mahindra: Mahindra Aerospace is developing aero structures for Airbus.

• Dynamatic Technologies: Dynamatic Technologies has become a component supplier for Airbus and Boeing products.

• Indamer: Indamer and AAR have collaborated to establish a new airframe MRO plant in Nagpur.

• Reliance ADA: Reliance ADA and Dassault have an agreement for the production of Falcon 2000 components.

• HAL: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is playing a crucial role in manufacturing various helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft for both the Indian Defence and foreign countries. HAL is also in talks with Sukhoi about producing Sukhoi aircraft in India and collaborating with other civil aviation manufacturing and design firms to build a 90-seater regional aircraft.

CONCLUSION: INDIA’S CENTURY UNVEILED

Foreign investors are already making significant investments in India’s aviation industry, positioning themselves to reap the rewards of its growth. With the opening of all sectors of civil aviation to Foreign Direct Investment, the time is ripe now for even the more conservative and safe investors to enter the market. The foundations for growth have been laid, and India’s ascent in the global aviation arena is well underway.

Some of the industries where first movers can still benefit include:

• East and Northeast India have no aviation expansion.

• Aircraft Management Companies, such as NetJets and VistaJet, can have a major presence in the General Aviation sector, further benefitting from the upcoming Fractional Ownership regulation. Last year, many popular aircraft have logged more than 100 hours per month in the domestic charter sector.

• There are hardly any seaplane activities.

• Training companies, both on the ground and in the air, are scarce and investment in this sector would be a low-hanging fruit.

• The MRO industry has the greatest potential in the world. Overhauls of engines and heavy components are basically non-existent.

• Aircraft assembly lines and completion centres have yet to be established.

• Financial and leasing services. The groundwork has been laid for foreign aircraft leasing businesses and banks.

India’s remarkable economic expansion, coupled with the thriving aviation industry, presents unprecedented opportunities. The country’s impressive infrastructure development, commitment to flight safety, sustainability initiatives, and proactive measures to attract leasing and financing companies demonstrate its determination to create a conducive environment for investment.

As India’s century unfolds, the aviation industry stands at the forefront of this transformative journey. With ongoing reforms, robust growth projections, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, India is set to become a global aviation powerhouse. The potential for growth in civil aviation is immense, and those who recognize and embrace this potential will undoubtedly shape the future of aviation in India and beyond. The time to invest in Indian aviation is now, as delaying further may mean missing the bus to extraordinary opportunities. SP

BOSCO DA COSTA JUNIOR PRESIDENT & CEO EMBRAER DEFENSE & SECURITY INSIDE C-390 AT PARIS AIR SHOW HELD EARLIER THIS YEAR

CELEBRATING INDIA’S INDEPENDENCE. STRENGTHENING ‘ATMANIRBHAR BHARAT’.

Forging stronger bonds and empowering self-reliance in Indian defence, Embraer goes on a collaborative journey for future-ready partnerships through innovative defence solutions

By BOSCO DA COSTA JUNIOR PRESIDENT & CEO, EMBRAER DEFENSE & SECURITY

As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, it is a poignant moment to reflect how far the country has progressed on the global stage, more so this year, with India heading the G20 Presidency.

Over the past few years, ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ has evolved to be a cornerstone of India’s defence approach. At the Aero India event held earlier this year, it was evident to see how the push for a self-reliant Indian armed forces has strengthened the domestic industries and helped boost national security in an ever-evolving global situation. As pointed out recently, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, it is also fulfilling the security needs of India’s allies.

Embraer is a global leader in aviation and defence with a successful track record of cooperation with India - from the entry of the Legacy 600 used by the government for VIP transport to the Indian Air Force’s AWACS project. We see great opportunities for further collaboration in the country and we are keen to extend our presence and establish partnerships that can further boost the country’s ambitions for ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. On top of that, the bond between India and Brazil is strong – this year marks the 75th year of diplomatic relations –and we must leverage those strong ties.

A great example of collaboration is the Netra AEW&C platform. For the development of this aircraft Embraer embarked on a mission together with the DRDO to develop a leading edge AEW&C system based on the ERJ145 platform –India’s first indigenously developed surveillance plane. It was a large undertaking where engineering and technology knowledge was exchanged resulting in an aircraft that expanded the strategic resources and capabilities of the Indian Air Force.

Fast forward to 2023, we see the C-390 Millennium as potentially the next phase of collaboration in the defence area as the country seeks out medium transport aircraft (MTA) options in the market. The C-390 is the next-generation medium airlift, and its multi-mission concept makes it very adaptable to the needs of each customer. The aircraft was on display at Aero India this year and we took our guests on a visit of the aircraft – both on the ground and in the air. The positive feedback has spurred us on.

This year, the C-390 has hit several notable milestones. It achieved the Full Operational Capability (FOC) with the Brazilian Air Force in April. The FOC certificate confirms that the C-390 Millennium project meets all the requirements defined by Air Force and that the aircraft can carry out all missions for which it was designed.

The sixth C-390 multi-mission aircraft was delivered to the Brazilian Air Force, in June, just before the Paris Air Show and featured the FOC configuration. Since entering operation with FAB, in 2019, the C-390 has proven its capacity, reliability, and performance. The current fleet of six aircraft, all in the aerial refuelling version, designated KC-390, has already accumulated more than 9,300 flight hours. Recent figures show an operational availability of around 80 per cent, with a mission completion rate above 99 per cent, demonstrating exceptional productivity in the category.

The C-390 Millennium has orders from Portugal and Hungary, both NATO member countries and the delivery of the first KC-390 Millennium for the Portuguese Air Force, fitted with NATO equipment, is imminent. The Netherlands, also a member of NATO, selected the C-390 Millennium in 2022. SP

“We are keen to extend our presence and establish partnerships that can further boost the country’s ambitions for Atmanirbhar Bharat”

PRIVATE INDUSTRY — TAKING AVIATION BY STORM

The airline industry has again proved that whenever private enterprise is unleashed in any sector it takes that sector by storm. Defence and aerospace manufacturing could well replicate this feat within the next 20 years.

By JOSEPH NORONHA

Poised to emerge as the world’s third-largest aviation market by 2030 or earlier, India’s airline industry has seen a remarkable transformation in recent years. And, unsurprisingly, private enterprise has been the driving force.

For several decades after Independence, aviation was the exclusive domain of state-owned carriers. But following the liberalisation of the economy in the early 1990s, a number of private airlines were started at sporadic intervals. Various challenges including financial turmoil, regulatory issues, and fierce competition among the contenders, especially post 2003, meant that many of these private carriers had an all-too-brief existence. Even the big fish like Kingfisher Airlines and Jet Airways eventually fell by the wayside. But fast forward to 2023, and it is private enterprise all the way. Even Air India, the airline

founded by JRD Tata in 1932 and nationalised in 1953, is back under Tata’s wing after seven decades.

STATE OF PLAY

The Tata Group is now attempting something unique – merging four airlines into two. Vistara will be absorbed by Air India as a full-service carrier while AirAsia India and Air India Express will be merged to form a single low-cost carrier (LCC) retaining the Air India Express name. The Group’s combined fleet size stands at 219 currently. Earlier this year, with the aim of rapidly growing its 24.8 per cent domestic market share and 22.96 per cent international market share, it placed what was till then the largest single order in aviation history – a mix of 470 Airbus and Boeing airliners, narrow-body as well as wide-body.

THE CONTINUOUS ACHIEVEMENTS OF INDIGO AIRLINES SHOWCASE THE ENTREPRENEURIAL DRIVE AND INNOVATIVE PROWESS OF THE PRIVATE SECTOR IN ACHIEVING REMARKABLE SUCCESS

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL PRIVATE SECTOR

Not to be outdone IndiGo Airlines, the domestic market leader with a commanding 63.2 per cent market share in June 2023, placed a whopping order for 500 Airbus airliners – the largest order in the history of commercial aviation. And it cannily chose the high-profile Paris Air Show to do so. Against a fleet of 317 aircraft, IndiGo now has almost 1,000 jets on order.

The carrier in third place, Akasa Air, is following a meteoric trajectory. Having commenced commercial operations as recently as August 7, 2022, it raced ahead of SpiceJet and grabbed 4.9 per cent market share in June 2023. It will hit the magic figure of 20 aircraft by its first birthday, qualifying it to launch overseas operations. This is the fastest any airline has grown, both in terms of market share and fleet size, since Indian aviation was opened up to the private sector. Akasa has another 55 jets on order.

Domestic aviation is dominated by the LCCs that now control as much as 80 per cent of the market. That is all to the good. But the airline industry is fast becoming a duopoly with IndiGo and the Air India group cornering nearly 90 per cent of passenger traffic. And that is not good news because, whenever just two entities control the market, consumers rarely get competitive prices. The woes of LCC Go First have also highlighted the plight of small operators who are struggling to compete against the bigger ones. And LCC SpiceJet too is under severe pressure from lessors over unpaid dues.

PRIVATE INDUSTRY TO THE FORE

Be that as it may, commercial aircraft numbers are bound to surge. With government and private airport developers planning to infuse almost `75,000 crore over the next 8-10 years, airport infrastructure also seems likely to keep pace albeit with some lag. Next is the turn of manufacturing. And almost every global aerospace major already has a significant technological presence in India, lured by the availability of inexpensive yet quality talent in aeronautical engineering as well as in software, simulation and electronics.

In 2014, the government introduced several measures under the ‘Make in India’ initiative that signified a determined shift away from a reliance on imports. The aim was to establish India as a force in the aerospace and defence manufacturing industry. The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan mission launched in 2020 had aerospace exports as a focus area. India aims to achieve a turnover of $25 billion from aerospace and defence goods and services by 2025, with exports accounting for $5 billion, or roughly `41,000 crore. Although the figure of almost `16,000 crore aerospace and defence exports achieved in FY23 was an all-time high, there is still a long way to go to meet the 2025 target. And there is no way the target can be achieved without massive participation by private industry.

TASL’S TURN

Tata Advanced Systems Ltd (TASL) is now gearing up to become the first private company to build a military aircraft in India. Till now all military aircraft have been manufactured only by state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), so this will be a giant leap for private industry. Set up in 2007, TASL has not had a free run. Back then all government contracts for defence projects went almost automatically to public sector units (PSUs).

‘Make in India’ was unknown. Besides the Tata Group had no experience of defence or aerospace engineering. However, within two years, TASL struck a deal with Sikorsky Aircraft to make aerospace components in India, followed by another long-term contract to assemble Sikorsky S-92 helicopter cabins. Over the years TASL also entered into significant contracts with Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Airbus and Rolls-Royce.

In September 2021, India signed a long-awaited `21,935 crore deal with Airbus Defence and Space to procure 56 C295 new-generation tactical airlifters to replace the Indian Air Force’s (IAF) ageing Avro HS 748 planes, which entered service in the early 1960s. Airbus will sell 16 C295 twin-engine, turboprop aircraft in fly-away condition between September 2023 and August 2025. The remaining 40 aircraft will be manufactured and assembled by TASL at its new facility in Vadodara, Gujarat. The first made in India C295 is scheduled to emerge in September 2026 and all 40 aircraft by August 2031. By then, the IAF will become the largest C295 operator in the world.

TASL and its subcontractors will manufacture over 13,400 detail parts, 4,600 sub-assemblies and all the seven major component assemblies of the C295 along with tools, jigs and testers. Also, 96 per cent of the total man-hour work per aircraft that Airbus employs at its manufacturing facility in Seville, Spain, will be undertaken by TASL. Thereafter, TASL will provide complete MRO (maintenance, repair and overhaul) support and service to the IAF, which creates another channel for future revenues. It is also likely that another 15 C295 aircraft will be acquired later – nine for the Indian Navy and six for Coast Guard. Exports too are eminently possible. Further into the future, the IAF’s An-32 transport fleet will be up for replacement in the early 2030s and the C295 could be a strong contender. Therefore, the importance of the Airbus C295 project for India’s private aerospace manufacturing sector cannot be overemphasised.

In March 2023, Lockheed Martin and the Tata Group inked a contract to build fighter jet wings at their joint venture in Hyderabad – Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Ltd (TLMAL). TASL also aims to make India truly self-reliant in the defence aerospace sector by working on other core technologies routinely denied to the country by foreign vendors.

BEST OF THE REST

TASL may be in the limelight today but it is by no means the only company destined for a bright future. Below is just a small sample of scores of private companies that are showing the way in defence and aerospace manufacturing and are poised to capitalise on the sector’s huge potential.

• Bharat Forge is a leading multinational company that specialises in the manufacture of high-quality metal products. It is a trusted partner of several leading aerospace and defence companies worldwide.

• Larsen & Toubro has a portfolio of aerospace and defence products that includes electronic warfare systems, advanced radar systems, aerospace structures, and missile launchers.

• Godrej Aerospace is in talks to build aircraft parts for suppliers to Airbus. It expects its civil aviation business to be as much as 50 per cent of its total revenues next year. It also

Almost every global aerospace major already has a significant technological presence in India, lured by the availability of inexpensive yet quality talent

INDEPENDENCE DAY SPECIAL PRIVATE SECTOR

intends to bid for a possible contract to manufacture modules of GE F414 engines that will power the next generation of IAF fighter jets.

• Ashok Leyland, Dynamatic Technologies, Honeywell Aerospace India, Mahindra Aerospace and Quest Global are other private companies that are well placed to contribute meaningfully towards the huge ecosystem of aerospace technology in both civilian and military spheres that is now emerging in India.

FROM RTA TO DRONES

The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL), under the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), has been tasked with the development of the ambitious Regional Transport Aircraft (RTA), a 90-seat turboprop passenger plane. Besides other public sector partners, NAL is also looking for private sector collaborators, domestic as well as foreign. The RTA’s project definition phase started in April 2022 and will conclude by September 2023. Here too TASL’s experience with the C295 programme could come in handy. And the RTA project could in turn be the launch pad for the development of an indigenous regional jet, a long-cherished dream of the country.

Much smaller in size physically, but of immense potential, is drone manufacturing. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia have stated on various occasions that India aims to become a global drone hub by 2030. In August 2021, a new set of regulations was released as ‘Drone Rules 2021’. These liberalised rules greatly simplified the tedious official procedures for registration and operation of drones. The “DigitalSky platform” hosted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) for various activities related to drones now serves as a single-window portal for drone manufacture approvals.

Once again, it is private enterprise all the way. Take ideaForge, the Mumbaibased pioneering drone company. With a wide range of products for both military and civil applications it had a market share of approximately 50 per cent in FY 2022. Pune-based Bharat Forge is the largest repository of metallurgical knowhow, design and engineering expertise and manufacturing prowess in India. Recently the company entered a partnership with General Atomics to manufacture main landing gear components, subassemblies, and major assemblies of drones. This is expected to help the country build a strong manufacturing ecosystem for high-end drones. TASL already has Sky-I and Rakshak VTOL (vertical take-off and landing) unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) in its tactical UAV portfolio. Next in line could be MALE (Medium-Altitude Long-Endurance) and HALE (HighAltitude Long-Endurance) UAVs for military customers.

According to an estimate by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, India’s drone sector will achieve a turnover of `12,000-15,000 crore by 2026, up from just `80 crore currently. Much of this spectacular growth will probably come from drone start-ups. For instance, Garuda Aerospace, founded in 2015, already has 750+ clients and over 30 different drones that offer more than 50 services across 84 cities in India. Its main products are Vajra, for the defence sector, and the Garuda Kisan Drone. It is all set to partner with Naini Aerospace Engineering Ltd (NAeL), an HAL subsidiary, and develop advanced precision drones.

THE TOP THREE

GROWTH PROSPECTS

A FEAT WORTHY OF BEING REPLICATED

All the signs indicate that India’s aviation sector will be transformed in about a decade from now. Apart from the stunning aircraft orders, demand for air travel has moved beyond just the big cities and spilled over into tier 2 and 3 towns. Some analysts believe that IndiGo and Air India may have gone overboard with their orders in pursuit of the same pool of passengers. However, irrespective of the number of aircraft that actually materialise, all those planes will surely provide direct and indirect economic multiplier effects. And to complete the aviation ecosystem picture, this is the best time to enter the high-revenue aviation MRO and aircraft leasing segments. This requires some encouragement and incentives from the government, underpinned by action in the areas of policy and taxation. According to Deloitte, the Indian repair and overhaul industry is expected to grow to $4 billion by 2031, up from $1.7 billion in 2021.

In a recent interview, Minister of Civil Aviation Jyotiraditya Scindia stated, “India will have a fleet size of 1,200-1,400 planes by 2030, up from the current 700. We will have enough airport capacity. I am looking at the number of airports growing from 148 now to close to 230-240 during this period. I am also looking at passenger traffic growing from the current 14.5 crore (145 million) a year to almost 42 crore (420 million) by 2030, which means a three-fold increase. So yes, there is a long journey yet to be covered.”

Just 20 years ago no one could have predicted that India’s private airlines would achieve near-total domination of the skies so rapidly and that the two state-owned carriers would become history. The airline industry has again proved that whenever private enterprise is unleashed in any sector it takes that sector by storm. Defence and aerospace manufacturing could well replicate this feat within the next 20 years. After all, innovation and quality flow from competitiveness. Now that the stranglehold of the PSUs over aviation manufacturing has been decisively broken, private enterprise will surely deliver far more economically and effectively. SP

The importance of the Airbus C295 project for India’s private aerospace manufacturing sector cannot be overemphasised

ISRAEL – A KEY STRATEGIC PARTNER OF INDIA

The two countries share a number of common challenges, including terrorism, and cooperate closely on security matters. Israel is a major supplier of weapons, ammunition and battlefield technology to India and the two countries are working together to develop new technologies.

By LT GENERAL P.C. KATOCH (RETD)

India recognised Israel on September 17, 1950 and both nations celebrated 30 years of ‘full diplomatic relations’ on January 30, 2022. However, India-Israel relations are centuries old.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

Relations between ancient Israel and the Indian subcontinent were recorded in 10th century BCE, according to Chaim Menachem Rabin, Israeli professor of Hebrew and Semantic languages. Jews settled in Kochi-Kerala trace their origin to Israel

of 10th century BCE. Jews migrated to India from Spain in the 15th and 16th centuries. Trade relations of both communities go back to 1,000 BCE and even earlier to Indus Valley Civilisation. In FY 2022-23, Indian merchandise exports to Israel was $7.89 billion and Israeli exports to India was $2.13 billion. In addition, bilateral trade in services stood at $1.1 billion in 2021.

GROWING DEFENCE AND SECURITY COOPERATION

Defence cooperation between India and Israel began in 1960s.

DR JITENDRA SINGH, UNION MINISTER OF STATE, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY, INDIA AND DR DANIEL GOLD, HEAD OF DDR&D, ISRAELI MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, ISRAEL HAVE SIGNED A MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING ON INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION WITH FOCUS ON SEVERAL KEY TECHNOLOGY AREAS

MILITARY BI-LATERAL

During the Sino-India War of 1962; Israel supplied mortar ammunition to India. In the 1965 Indo-Pak War, Israel supplied arms and ammunition to India and followed suit during the 1999 Kargil Conflict including laser-guided missiles for Mirage 2000H fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF). Over the past decades India-Israel relations have grown exponentially in multiple sectors, important parts of which include defence and security, aerospace, space, counter-terrorism cyber security, and intelligence sharing. The strong bilateral ties are driven by convergence of national interests of both countries. During the visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s to Israel in 2017, the bilateral relationship was upgraded to ‘Strategic Partnership’. A MoU to establish the India-Israel Industrial R&D and Innovation Fund (I4F), with each side contributing $20 million over five years, was signed. Also, three agreements on space cooperation were signed between ISRO and Israel Space Agency.

The Joint Working Group (JWG) is the apex body of the defence ministries of both the countries; meant to “comprehensively review and guide all aspects of the bilateral defence cooperation including efficient utilisation of bilateral resources and effective flow of technologies and sharing industrial capabilities. At the 15th JWG meeting held in October 2021, it was agreed to form a Task Force to formulate a comprehensive 10-year Roadmap to identify new areas of cooperation.

Israeli exports to India include the Super Dvora Mk II fast patrol boats; ‘Searcher’ and ‘Heron’ unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs); ‘SkyStriker’ kamikaze drones, ‘BARAK-8’ air defence missile systems, ‘Spike’ anti-tank guided missiles (ATGMs), ‘Crystal Maze’ air-to-surface missiles, sensors and electro-optical systems, Tavor assault rifles, and Spice 2000 bombs.

JOINT VENTURES AND ‘MAKE IN INDIA’ PROJECTS

India-Israel Joint ventures (JVs) under ‘Make in India’ and for promoting Atmanirbhar Bharat include Israel Weapons Industries and Punj Lloyd small arms factory; IAI-Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) JV to convert used Boeing-767 aircraft into mid-air refuellers for the IAF; Elbit Systems-Bharat Forge JV for artillery guns, guided munitions and mortars; ELTA Systems (IAI’s subsidiary) JV with the Tata Advanced Systems to manufacture communications, electronic warfare, and homeland security systems; JV between Kalyani Strategic Systems Ltd and Israel’s Rafael Advanced Systems manufacturing Spike ATGMs; Elbit Systems and Adani-owned Alpha Design Technologies JV in Bengaluru for SkyStriker drones; IAI JV with Elcom Systems and Dynamatic Technologies for manufacture of UAVs in India, and; Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) JV for long-term product support services for the Indian military.

During Aero India 2023 in February this year, BEL and IAI signed a MoU to establish a JV to provide life cycle support for MRSAM (Medium Range Surface to Air Missile) air defence systems in India; with its headquarters in New Delhi and provide the required technical and maintenance support to the Armed Forces. MRSAM, jointly developed by IAI and the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), is an advanced air and missile defence system that provides protection against a variety of aerial platforms. The system is used by the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, Indian Navy and Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The MRSAM system includes an Advanced Phased Array Radar, command and control shelter, mobile launchers and interceptors with an advanced RF seeker.

At the signing ceremony of the BEL-IAI MoU, Minister of State (MoS) for Defence Ajay Bhatt said, “Israel is a very important strategic partner of India and the successful development

and deployment of MRSAM system for the Indian defence forces is a shining example of the successful joint collaboration between the two countries. The joint venture between two prestigious companies from India and Israel will certainly play a very important role as a single point of contact in delivering product support services for MRSAM systems.” AI’s President and CEO, Boaz Levy, said, “It follows our announcement in 2022 about the opening of Aerospace Services India (ASI), an IAI subsidiary in New Delhi, both of which illustrate our support of the Government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative and investment in India. Our joint venture with BEL will leverage the best technology, innovation and talent to provide services matching the needs of our customers in India”.

On May 2, 2023, India and Israel signed a MoU on Industrial Research and Development Cooperation with focus on several key technology areas like Aerospace, Electronics Instrumentation, Civil, Infrastructure & Engineering, Ecology, Environment, Earth & Ocean Sciences and Water, Mining, Minerals, Metals & Materials, Chemicals and Petrochemicals, Energy (Conventional & Non-Conventional) and Energy Devices, Agri, Nutrition & Biotech and Healthcare. The MultiSectoral Agreement was signed between CSIR and Directorate of Defense Research and Development (DDR&D), Ministry of Defense of the State of Israel, in the August Presence of Union Minister for Science & Technology, Dr Jitendra Singh at the CSIR-Science Centre, New Delhi. Welcoming the signing of the MoU, Jitendra Singh said he is optimistic that this agreement will open a new phase in India-Israel partnership in areas like Innovation, Technology and StartUps.

ISRAELI TECHNOLOGY TO BENEFIT IAF

Avi Bleser, Vice President of Marketing for India at IAI, says he is working closely with the Indian Armed Forces. The IAI has been keeping a close watch on developments in Eastern Ladakh after the Galwan incident – all to help provide tailor-made technological solutions for Indian security forces. The IAF in particular is set to improve its combat capabilities with India-Israel defence cooperation by way of:

• UAVs and armed UAVs.

• Upgrading MiG-21s.

• Crystal Maze air-to-surface laser-guided missiles.

• Cooperation in developing Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) and Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH).

• ‘FireFly’ loitering munitions.

• MRSAM with life cycle support.

• Converting civil passenger aircraft into a multi-mission tanker transport (MMTT) for air refueling with cargo and transport capabilities and conversion of planes into freighter aircraft.

In a technological breakthrough, Israel’s Rafael Advanced Defense Systems has developed ‘Sky Sonic’; a hypersonic missile interceptor with remarkable maneuverability and speed, revolutionising hypersonic missile defence. The interceptor’s ability to alter trajectory and operate on a non-ballistic path sets it apart, providing a major advantage in countering hypersonic threats and reducing uncertainty in targeting and interception. China’s hypersonic inventory and aggressive stance mandates India to develop and deploy hypersonic missile interceptors. India-Israel collaborating can help India acquire such capability.

Finally, Israel has always been a trusted strategic partner for advanced technologies without placing limits on its use. The future of India-Israel cooperation is bright and unlimited. SP

PM MODI INAUGURATES NEW INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

APPOINTMENTS

EVE AIR MOBILITY

Eve Air Mobility announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Johann Bordais, current President and CEO of Embraer Services & Support, as Chief Executive Officer to be effective on September 1, 2023. Johann Bordais has led Embraer’s Services & Support business since its foundation in 2016. During his tenure at Embraer Services & Support, Bordais has transformed Embraer’s aftersales business model with over 2,300 people dedicated to supporting customers and their 5,700 aircraft worldwide.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the new International Airport in Rajkot marking a significant step towards bolstering the nation’s aviation infrastructure and enhancing connectivity in the region. The new airport is ten times larger than the existing airport in Rajkot. A new terminal building is also being constructed there, which will have the capacity to serve 1,800 passengers per hour. In 2014, there were only 56 flight movements per week from Rajkot, which has now more than doubled to 130 flights per week. The New Terminal building and the airside infrastructures are developed in a total land area of 2,534 acres and at a cost of `1,405 crores.

BOEING FORECASTS DEMAND FOR NEXT 20 YEARS

Andre Stein will assume the role of Chief Strategy Officer at Eve, based in the United States. He will be responsible for defining Eve’s strategy, including commercialisation, growth and the development and execution of launch strategies with Eve’s international partners and operators. Stein has over 25 years of experience in the aerospace industry with a focus on sales, product development and market strategy and has nurtured the Urban Air Mobility initiative since its inception

BEML

Shantanu Roy has assumed charge as the next Chairman & Managing Director (CMD) of BEML Limited. Roy has over 30 years of extensive experience in capital goods sectors for defence, mining & construction, transportation, transmission, renewable, and large power projects. He has served as Executive Director of BEML, responsible for the International Business Division, Strategy & New Initiatives, Coordination and Northern region operations, before assuming his current position.

AIR INDIA UNLEASHES THEIR NEW BRAND IMAGERY TO COMPETE WITH GLOBAL PLAYERS

With the global commercial airplane fleet expected to double by 2042, Boeing forecasts industry-wide demand for 2.3 million new aviation personnel over the next 20 years to support the commercial fleet and meet long-term growth in air travel.The company’s 2023 Pilot and Technician Outlook (PTO) projects that commercial carriers will need significant personnel through 2042 to support the global commercial fleet:

• 6,49,000 pilots

• 6,90,000 maintenance technicians

• 9,38,000 cabin crew members.

The fastest-growing regions for personnel are Africa, Southeast Asia and South Asia, with their regional demand expected to nearly double. l

FLAGGING OFF A NEW ERA FOR AIR INDIA, N. CHANDRASEKARAN, CHAIRMAN, TATA GROUP AND CAMPBELL WILSON, CEO & MD, AIR INDIA, UNVEIL THE NEW LIVERY OF THE AIRLINE AT THE BRAND RELAUNCH EVENT

INVEST IN RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT

For strategic independence, India needs to foster a robust domestic Aerospace and Defence manufacturing ecosystem through investment in Research & Development

The ‘Make in India’ campaign, initiated by the Prime Minister of India in 2014, was designed to invigorate the country’s manufacturing sector and bolster employment opportunities. Among the 25 key sectors prioritised, the aerospace and defence (A&D) industry stood out, with objectives encompassing self-reliance, indigenisation, economies of scale, export capabilities, technology transfer, and domestic research and development (R&D). However, India’s R&D performance in comparison to global standards remains suboptimal, underscoring the pressing need for enhanced investment in this critical domain. Building an effective domestic A&D manufacturing ecosystem, hinges on a robust commitment to R&D, aligning India’s economic aspirations with innovative prowess and technological advancement.

Research and Development (R&D) constitute the cornerstone of organisational growth and innovation. By harnessing R&D, enterprises can achieve heightened operational efficiency, cost reduction, and the introduction of groundbreaking products that confer a competitive edge. India’s journey towards becoming a manufacturing hub akin to Japan, Germany, and China is contingent upon establishing a vibrant R&D culture that aligns with its long-term economic ambitions. Crucially, R&D empowers organisations to not only stay competitive but also to lead in a rapidly evolving global landscape.

Recognising the indispensable role of R&D in shaping a resilient domestic A&D manufacturing ecosystem, the Indian government has embarked on a series of strategic measures. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has championed the Development cum Production Partners (DcPP) policy, ushering in industry collaboration from the project’s inception to expedite development-to-induction timelines. DRDO’s Transfer of Technology (ToT) policy, featuring zero fees and royalties, amplifies the global competitiveness of Indian industries while nurturing self-reliance in defence manufacturing. A progressive patent policy facilitates access to DRDO patents, stimulating indigenous R&D and technology proliferation.

To catalyse innovation and bolster the growth of indigenous defence manufacturing capabilities, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund (TDF) provides vital financial backing to Indian industries, including startups and MSMEs. This fund fosters an environment conducive to innovation and nurtures the evolution of self-sufficient defence manufacturing

By ROHIT GOEL

capabilities, ultimately bolstering India’s standing as a potent A&D player.

Harnessing the immense potential of premier academic institutions like IIT and IISc is pivotal for accelerated R&D progress. By incentivising outcome- and application-based investments, along with long-term R&D ventures, the government can tap into the extensive talent pool and infrastructure offered by these institutions. Restoring income tax allowances for R&D investments by domestic companies further cultivates an environment conducive to transformative innovation.

The Indian government has instituted a slew of policy measures designed to galvanise domestic design, development, and production of defence equipment, expediting self-reliance in defence manufacturing. Strategic initiatives encompass prioritised domestic procurement, unveiling major industry-led defence platform projects, and enforcing indigenisation lists with import embargoes for non-compliance. Facilitating foreign direct investment (FDI), streamlining industrial licensing, and incentivising startups and MSMEs through schemes like iDEX further reinforce the impetus for indigenous A&D manufacturing.

As mentioned, these are some specific ways in which the government can promote R&D in the aerospace and defence sector:

• Increase funding for R&D at DRDO and other government agencies.

• Provide tax breaks and other incentives for companies that invest in R&D.

• Create a more favourable regulatory environment for R&D.

• Promote collaboration between industry, academia, and the government.

• Encourage the development of a skilled workforce in R&D. By taking these steps, the government can help to create a vibrant R&D ecosystem in the aerospace and defence sector. This will lay the foundation for a strong domestic manufacturing base and a more secure India.

India’s quest for genuine independence in its military strategies and foreign policies hinges on reducing reliance on imported military hardware. The path to achieving this goal involves accelerating critical technology development and fostering a thriving ecosystem through R&D investments. By prioritising research and innovation, India can establish itself as a global hub for indigenous A&D manufacturing, transforming its aspirations into a tangible reality. SP

Celebrating 76 years of progress

Happy Independence Day, India. We celebrate what makes India soar as the nation progresses to becoming Aatmanirbhar in aerospace and defence.