India-Africa Defence Dialogue to be held on October 18

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will host the Defence Ministers of African Nations during the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) on October 18, 2022 on the sidelines of the 12th DefExpo in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. The broad theme of the dialogue is ‘India-Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergising and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’.

India and Africa share close and historical ties. India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles enunciated by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in 2018. India’s engagement rests on African priorities as outlined by Africans themselves.

The first-ever India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave was held in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh in conjunction with DefExpo on February 06, 2020. A Joint Declaration - ‘Lucknow Declaration’ - was adopted at the end of the conclave as an outcome document.

In continuance of the ‘Lucknow Declaration’ and in consultation with stakeholders, IAAD has been institutionalised to be held once every two years on the sidelines of DefExpo. The IADD will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism.

Manohar Parrikar Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (MP-IDSA) is the knowledge partner for the India-Africa Defence Dialogue. 

BAE Systems to showcase advanced defence capabilities

Global defence, aerospace and security company, BAE Systems, will exhibit a series of its state-of-the-art defence capabilities at the 12th edition of DefExpo scheduled in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.   

With its strategy of ‘co-creating for a self-reliant India’, the company will showcase existing relationships with Indian industry. BAE Systems will also demonstrate how its defence capabilities and technology solutions are best suited to strengthen India’s national security by advancing the growth of the country’s indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem.   

Ravi Nirgudkar, BAE Systems’ Managing Director India, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka said, “BAE Systems looks forward to participating at DefExpo as India is an important and key strategic market for us. Our presence at the show focuses on reflecting our commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and to demonstrate our industry-leading, advance defence capabilities – across land, air and sea.” 

“As a founding partner of defence manufacturing in India, we also look forward to meeting key stakeholders and industry partners to discuss ways to support India in its modernization journey, alongside bolstering its indigenous defence production capabilities.”     

BAE Systems’ continuous support to India’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and its growing partnership with the local defence industries will be demonstrated through the digital representation of the M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer (ULH), which is providing Indian Army with unparalleled tactical and strategic mobility alongside reliable fire support in the most hostile environments.    

Under an agreement between the U.S. and Indian governments, the 155mm M777A2 ULH systems are being assembled, integrated, and tested in India by Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd. (MDSL), as part of the Make in India programme. The capability is in service with the Regiment of Artillery and to date, BAE Systems has produced and delivered more than 125 guns to the Indian Army.      

Another important digitally represented defence capability will be the APKWS laser-guided rocket, the most cost-effective laser-guided munition in its class that transforms an unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision-guided rocket, giving rotary- and fixed-wing military aircraft a low-cost surgical strike capability.

Additionally, BAE Systems’ maritime capabilities at DefExpo will be showcased through Bofors 40 Mk4 Naval Gun and Bofors 57Mk3 Naval Gun System, which provides high survivability and tactical freedom at all levels of conflict and are equipped with agile, flexible weapon systems that enable a lightning-quick response. 3P Ammunition and BONUS munition will also be on display.

Self-reliance & secured borders key to a powerful ‘New India’

“Self-reliance & secured borders are central to making India a powerful nation,” said the defence minister Rajnath Singh at an event in New Delhi on October 15, 2022. The minister, in his address, echoed the Government’s unwavering resolve to transform India into one of the most powerful nations by 2047, asserting that Ministry of Defence (MoD) is leaving no stone unturned to achieve Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.

Rajnath Singh underlined the Government’s focus to equip the Armed Forces with state-of-the-art weapons/equipment, manufactured by a self-reliant defence industry. He listed out a number of steps taken by MoD to reduce dependency on imports, including issuance of positive indigenisation lists. Citing the example of recently-commissioned INS Vikrant, which contains 76 per cent indigenous content, he stated that India has the ability and capability to manufacture modern weapons and platforms. He exuded confidence that the country will start manufacturing modern and effective water, land, sky and space defence platforms in the next ten years.

The minister appreciated the fact that due to the steps taken by the Government in the last few years, defence exports have seen a massive jump. “There was a time when India only exported defence equipment worth Rs 1,900 crore. The figure today has crossed Rs 13,000 crore. We have set a target of Rs 1.75 lakh crore of defence production by 2025, including Rs 35,000 crore worth of exports. We are well on course to achieve the target,” he said.

Terming border area development as another aspect at the core of the Government’s vision, Rajnath Singh said that all efforts are being made to increase connectivity with far-flung areas to further strengthen the preparedness of the Armed Forces and linking the country with people residing in the region. He lauded the exceptional synergy between the Armed Forces and the general public in the North-East states and their patriotism, despite challenging circumstances.

BEL receives Technology Excellence Award 2022

BEL received the Quantic Technology Excellence Award 2022 for ‘Best Security, Defence, or Law Enforcement IT Project’ at an award ceremony held in Bengaluru today (Oct 14, 2022). The award was received by Mr Manoj Jain, Director (R&D), on behalf of BEL from Mr Sachin S Rao, MD & CEO, Archon Consulting Systems, along with the BEL team.

BEL is constantly investing in cutting edge technologies to deliver differentiated products and solutions to the customers, increase indigenisation content and value addition in all its products / systems. BEL’s total investment in R&D as a percentage of turnover during 2021-22 was 6.95%. BEL’s constant effort towards indigenous development led it to achieve 78% of its turnover from indigenous products.

During FY 2021-22, BEL filed 137 IPRs (including 65 Patents) in the areas of Embedded Systems, Electro optics, Software, Communication, Radar, Network & Communications, etc. BEL has been granted 11 patents, taking the total number of patents to 24. During the year, 51 technical papers were published by scientists and R&D engineers of BEL in various National and International journals / seminars / conferences.

BEL empanelled 303 partners towards collaborative R&D, which includes 40 R&D partners, 192 design service providers, 38 consultants and 39 production service providers. BEL also received 19 AS9100 D standard certifications and five Green Channel Certificates for its products.

BEL has always been in the forefront in continuously developing innovative and quality products for customers. Some of the major products / systems introduced during 2021-22 include Software Defined Radio Variants, Improved Version of Data link system for Ship (Link2-MOD3), Sensors for VSHORAD, IFF Mk XII for Medium Range Surface to Air Missile, Navigational Complex System, IIR Seeker for HELINA/NAG/PROSPINA, Gunner Thermal Imager Sight for T-90, Spotter scope with Digital Camera, Continuous Zoom Lens 20-860 mm, Image Stabilisation for Electro Optics, Multi-Function Radar-VLSRSAM, Electrical Power System (EPS) for Weapon Control (P15B), Hand Held Laser Dazzler, ACCS for 1135.6 / ACCS for SVL, etc.

BEL has a multi-tiered R&D structure to ensure greater outcomes. It comprises Central Research Laboratories (CRLs), Product Development and Innovation Centre (PD&IC), Centres of Excellence (CoE) and Development & Engineering (D&E) groups attached to SBUs across all units. All R&D centres are Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR) registered, and work on identified technology and product areas, based on three-year R&D plans.

DRDO to display 430 strategic & tactical weapon systems

Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) will display  a wide range of 430 products encompassing the strategic and tactical weapon systems, defence equipment and technologies developed in DefExpo 2022 being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18 – 22, 2022.  The major theme for this year’s DRDO participation is based on 3D (DRDO, Designed and Developed) ecosphere which will highlight its strong linkages with both Industry as well as Academia.

Further, it will showcase the advancements in technologies made by its laboratories as well as its partnerships with the industry, in recent years while representing a high level of indigenousness in advanced and futuristic defence products & technologies that contribute towards Aatmanirbharta in Defence.

DefExpo2022, a premier biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18 – 22, 2022. The 12th edition of Asia’s largest defence event will be highlighting the theme ‘Path to Pride’ aligned with ‘India at 75’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, encouraging the industry as well as the citizens to join in and contribute towards nation building. It aims to further the narrative of ‘Make in India, Make for the World’. The overall event will showcase a range of indigenously designed, developed, prototyped, and produced Land, Naval, Aero and Homeland Security systems and technologies.

In addition, DRDO will showcase several initiatives to deepen its strategic partnerships with Industry, and Academia. These will include initiatives such as Technology Development Fund, Dare to Dream, DIA- Centres of Excellence and other similar schemes to support academia, Start-ups, MSMEs and large industries to continuously upgrade technology readiness levels of present and futuristic technologies in the country. All these DRDO led initiatives have led to operational readiness of many Indian industries, especially in the areas of systems, radars, sonars, missiles, aircrafts, etc. some of which will be displayed at the DRDO Pavilion, DefExpo22.

At DefExp2022, DRDO will provide numerous static displays, live demonstrations, seminars as well as immersive experience zones spread across three locations including the Mahatma Mandir Convention & Exhibition Centre, Helipad Exhibition Centre, and Sabarmati River Front.

The venue for DRDO Pavilion is Hall no. 10 of Helipad Exhibition Centre. It will be segmented in 17 display zones of various classes including Immersive Zones and Experience Zones to showcase 376 products. These 17 zones are namely Engines & Propulsion, Aerospace & Aeronautics (UAVs, fighter aircrafts, aircraft for surveillance etc.), Sensors, Devices & Advanced Electronics, Naval Weapons & Systems (EW systems and Sensors), Armoured Vehicles & Land Systems, Armament, Guns & Ammunition, Materials, Missiles (Cruise, MBRLs, AAM, ATGM & MRSAM), BrahMos, Industry Partners in R&D (17 Partners-3 Start-ups &14 MSMEs), Soldier Support and Dual Use Technologies (Soldier support, LS products, Fire protection, Firefighting, Fuel & Energy, Food products etc.), Experience Zone (Simulator, Virtual Reality and Audio-Visual),  Software AI & Cyber, Academic Zone, Academic Outreach, Industry Outreach and Public Interface.

This year, several technologies developed for land based, naval and air-based systems will be showcased through experience zones – a closed room immersive cinematic experience. In a first, Advanced Combat Aircraft (AMCA) simulator will also be made available to experience, among other augmented and virtual reality Naval, Land and Air product simulators. A holographic deck providing a 3D experience of over 30 defence products will be present at the hall to gain insights into the intricacies of weapon designs.

Over a sprawling 1200 sq. mtr. outdoor display, 18 Outdoor static exhibits (actual products) will be also put on display at the Helipad Exhibition Centre. These include Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence System(LFS), IRDE Tableau, BrahMos Air Version Missile, Mobile Autonomous Launcher(MAL) for BrahMos, CBRN Water Purification System, Infantry Combat Vehicle with Composite Hull (CICV), Advanced Composites Modular Bridge System(ACMBS), 155mmX52 Cal Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), CBRN Water Purification System, CBRN Recce Vehicles, 70 T Tank Transporter, Wheeled Armoured Platform(WhAP), Prahar Missile, Rudram III Missile, Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile(QRSAM), Medium Range Surface to Air Missile(MRSAM), Mounted Gun System(MSG), Unmanned Ground Mobile Platform(UGMP).

DRDO will present Live Demo as well as Static Display of equipment at the Sabarmati River Front. 5 Live demo of DRDO equipment will be put on display namely – Portable Diver Detection Sonar (PDDS) with Electro Optic System (EOS), Imaging Sonar ‘CHITR’, Autonomous Survey Vehicle – Inland, Autonomous Survey Vehicle -Coastal (ASV- Coastal) and Weapon Mounted Surface Vehicle. Whereas 6 static displays of DRDO equipment presented will be AIR Independent Propulsion System, Virtual Reality based counter measure deployment simulator, TAL Torpedo, Portable Diver Detection Sonar, Wet End Unit, Counter Drone System for IN – D4 Radar, Soft Kill System and Hard Kill System, and Passive IRSS Device.

And finally, India Pavilion in the Helipad Exhibition Centre will be displaying a combined strength of DRDO along with public and private sectors. DRDO will put its 22 products on static display. These high-value products will be displayed in the form of actual products and will include – VIBHAV- Anti Tank Point Attack Munition, VISHAL- Anti Tank Bar Mine, PRACHAND- Anti Tank, 9 x 19 mm Machine Pistol- ASMI, Mine Field marking Equipment Mk II, Light Tank, Daksh Defuser, MBT Arjun Mk-1A,  Light Machine Gun, Pralay, QRSAM, Carbine- 5.56x 45 mm, AIP System- Air Independent Propulsion, TAPAS, ASTRA Mk-I, LCA Mk2 amongst others.

A seminar conducted by DRDO on the theme ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat in Defence R&D: Synergistic Approach’ will be held at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Centre in the forenoon session on 20 October 2022. This will be chaired by Hon’ble Raksha Mantri. Winners of Dare to Dream 3 will be awarded by Hon’ble RM. DRDO will exchange MOU with six IITs and Bharathihar University for establishing new DIA-CoEs in presence of Hon’ble RM. Dare to Dream 4 contest will also be declared open by Hon’ble RM. Hon’ble RRM will release a few monographs and policies.

Over the span of the exhibition, the participants and attendees will witness a string of major events, seminars, and discussions. Among these is one such event – Bandhan –designed to handover licenses of DRDO developed technologies to the industries. DefExpo2022 will see 15 LAToTs and 10 technologies to 12 industries in its Bandhan event.

The exhibition will also host the 2nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil. Intensive interactions and ideation at seminars, planned at DefExpo2022 with eminent panellists from Government, Industry, Industry associations, States, Academia, Think-tanks etc., will also provide important learnings/takeaways/action points for further growth of this sector.

HAL to Showcase Indigenous Products

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited is geared up to display its indigenous products at the 12th edition of DefExpo to be held at Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022.

HAL’s participation will focus on technological excellence and indigenisation initiatives, under its business verticals such as fighters, trainers, transport aircraft, helicopters, engines, systems and avionics besides projecting the company’s futuristic programs.

HAL will have a dedicated ‘Indigenisation Exhibition Stall’ at HALL-2 for active participation and interaction of Indian industry partners.  More than 200 imported items planned to be indigenised with private industries will be displayed in this stall to attract Indian industry. Twenty six already indigenised items will be displayed for understanding and encouragement of private industries. There will be one-to-one interactions and instant clarifications to the Industry partners at the venue.

Dr Ajay Kumar, Defence Secretary, MoD will inaugurate the HAL’s dedicated Indigenisation Stall on the first day of DefExpo.  Launching of a document on indigenisation success stories of HAL, handing over of "Project Sanction Orders" of Positive Indigenisation List (PIL) items to the Indian Private Partners, handing over of approvals / clearance certificates to the industry partners for items indigenised and launch of Indigenisation - Supplier Relationship Management (ISRM) portal are planned.

HAL’s Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’ is planned to be showcased in the Outdoor Display area during the show. HAL will also exhibit the scaled models of LCA, LCH, LUH, ALH, Do-228 and HTT-40 during the show. Some of the avionics/ accessories/ components/ products such as Indigenous Engine & Flight Display Unit (EFDU), Mission Computer & Interface Computer, Digital Map Generator (DMG), FBW DAU (Fly by Wire Data Acquisition Unit), E-FDR (Enhanced Flight Data Recorder), Gunner Pilot Control Unit (GPCU), Automatic Identification System (AIS), Solid State Data and Video Recording System (SSDVRS), Full Authority Digital Engine Control System (FADEC), Integrated Control Computer (ICC), ICCATS-Jaguar, APU, GTSU-127 etc. will be on display at the HAL stall.

Further at the India Pavilion (HEC), HAL will display 29 products of which 17 are scaled models and 12 will be through display posters and product videos. Scaled models of HTT-40, ALH (WSI), IMRH, LUH and RUAV, will be showcased during the show. Other products include Main Landing and Nose Landing gears of ALH, Air Starter Turbine –AMCA, Digital TGT Amplifier (TGTA), Ring Forgings, Shape Memory Alloy Ferrule Rings, Solid State Cockpit Voice & Flight Data Recorder, HPTR BLADE-AL31FP ENGINE, Main Rotor Blade (ALH), TACAN, VOR ILS and Air to Air Heat Exchanger. HAL will hold meetings with delegations and engage in MoU signing ceremonies as part of the show.

MoD to promote investment in the defence sector

‘Invest for Defence’, the first ever marquee event of Ministry of Defence, targeted to promote investment in the defence sector in the country both by the Indian industry as well Foreign Original Equipment Manufacturers, will be inaugurated by Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh on October 20, 2022 during the 12th edition of DefExpo. The event will highlight the requirements of the Armed Forces and policy reforms undertaken by the Government for ease of doing business in the defence sector. It provides the industry with the opportunities and the advantages of investing in the sector and thus contributing to maximising the indigenous production.

The event is expected to witness participation from the big industry names, both Indian as well as foreign OEMs, such as L&T, Adani Defence, Bharat Forge, Saab, Airbus, Lockheed Martin etc., besides participation from Domestic and Foreign Institutional Investors and Venture Capitalists.

The event will feature a panel discussion between the industry stalwarts and the MoD and Armed Forces leadership. The discussion will be followed by a Q&A session, wherein participants can ask questions from the eminent panelists. The target audience for the event is industry representatives including those from MSMEs and Start-ups, policy makers and enthusiasts in defence sector.

Another highlight of the event will be a B2B interaction among the OEMs, including both DPSUs and foreign OEMs, on the ‘Opportunities from large platforms’. Concurrently, with this B2B interaction an iDEX pitching event for the budding start-ups in Defence is also planned. The 12th DefExpo will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between October 18-22, 2022.

Hybrid seminars to be held

Ministry of Defence is organising the 12th edition of the prestigious biennial defence exhibition - DefExpo 2022 – in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between October 18-22, 2022. This mega defence exhibition is focusing on Land, Air, Naval and Homeland Security systems. The Government of India, with policy initiative of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, believes that the country has tremendous potential to become a leading supplier of complete defence solutions to many of its friendly nations. 

The seminars during the event will be held at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar in a hybrid format, enabling the speakers as well as the audience to participate virtually. These will be streamed worldwide. The seminars will be conducted by the leading Industry Associations, Think Tanks, Indian Defence Public Sector Entities, Service Headquarters (SHQs), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO), Directorate General of Quality Assurance (DGQA), Ministry of Civil Aviation and State Government etc.

The theme of these seminars will broadly cover Exports, Financing and Investments in Defence Start-ups & MSMEs, Emerging role of MSME in Aerospace manufacturing & MRO, Aatmanirbharta in Defence R&D, Futuristic Autonomous Technologies for Air Dominance etc. Leading international and national experts from Defence and Aerospace sector are the speakers for various seminars. 

BEL to showcase its capabilities

BEL will showcase state-of-the-art products and systems spanning every domain of its business. 

The products and systems to be on display during Defexpo 2022 have been clustered as ‘Air Defence & Surveillance’, ‘C4I Systems’, ‘Artificial Intelligence-based Products’, ‘Non-Defence & Diversification Products’, ‘Radar Systems’, ‘Communication Systems’, ‘Airborne Products & Systems’, ‘Homeland Security and Cyber Security’, ‘Futuristic Technologies’, ‘Missile Systems’, ‘EO & Laser-based Products’,  ‘Outdoor Display Products’ and Indian pavilion.  In addition, BEL will also showcase its R&D capabilities by launching/demonstrating some of its new products / technologies.

BEL’s display in the area of ’Air Defence & Surveillance” will include Hexacopter, Tethered UAV, Robotic Surveillance and D4 Anti-drone Systems. The display in the area of ’C4I Systems will include C4I technologies, Combat Management Systems and Navigational Consoles. Also on show will be the complete range of products and systems for ‘Non-Defence & Diversification’. 

BEL will showcase its ‘Radar Systems’ including Battle Field Short Range Active Electronically Scanned Array (BFSR-AESA) Radar, Air Defence Fire Control Radar, Mountain Fire Control Radar, Weapon Locating Radar, etc. BEL’s display in the area of ‘Communication Systems’ will include High Capacity Radio Relay, Manpack High Frequency Software Defined Radio (SDR), Point to Multi Point Radio,  SDR Hand Held Naval version, and a whole lot of other products. 

Other ‘Futuristic Technologies’ on display include Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast System, Position Indicator – G3I, Hand-Held Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System, Extended C-Band Block Up-Converter, Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuit (15 types within one enclosure), etc. The highlight of BEL’s outdoor display will be Hexacopter, Tethered UAV, Swarm of UAVs, Robotic Surveillance Platform, HLS CIBMS, BFSR AESA, FMCW based DDR, Hydrogen Based scooter and Ultra Light Weight Enclosure with Platform. 

The entire set of state-of-art equipment on offer will be a force multiplier for any Defence force and civilian requirements. 

Lockheed Martin Showcases Commitment to a Self-Reliant India

Lockheed Martin will showcase its diverse portfolio of defence capabilities and solutions at the 12th biennial edition of DEFEXPO India 2022, taking place in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from October 18-22, 2022. The company’s exhibit this year includes a broad span of advanced technologies from the Aeronautics, Rotary and Mission Systems, and Missiles and Fire Control business areas.

“Lockheed Martin is committed to assisting in the growth of India’s strategic security capabilities and the advancement of its defence manufacturing ecosystem. Our joint ventures with Tata and industrial relationships with many Indian companies such as Ashok Leyland, Lakshmi Machine Works, MIDHANIi, Rossell Techsys, and SASMOS among others are a testament to the success of the government of India’s mission to create ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ in the defence sector,” said William L. Blair, chief executive, Lockheed Martin India Pvt. Ltd.

“Participating at DEFEXPO 2022 gives us the opportunity to showcase our advanced technologies and innovative capabilities directly to the largest gathering of defence and aerospace partners and our customers in India,” Blair said. “We look forward to engaging with our customers and industry partners to discuss their key priorities for advancement of India’s national security, indigenous production and human capital development agendas.”

The prime attraction at Lockheed Martin’s booth this year will be one of the most technologically advanced complex aerostructures — a “Made in India”, fuel-carrying, 9G, 12,000 hour, interchangeable/replaceable fighter wing. This wing was manufactured at the Tata Lockheed Martin Aerostructures Limited (TLMAL) facility in Hyderabad. The TLMAL joint venture exemplifies the government of India’s “Make in India” goals and also serves as the single global source of C-130J empennage assemblies installed on all new Super Hercules aircraft. To date, TLMAL has manufactured and exported more than 180 C-130J empennages.

The F-21 fighter aircraft, which is on offer to the Indian Air Force (IAF) will also occupy a prominent place at Lockheed Martin’s booth. The company is leveraging both 4th and 5th generation technologies to offer the best solution to meet or exceed the IAF’s capability needs, provide Make in India industrial opportunities, and accelerate India-United States cooperation on advanced technologies, including but not limited to fighter aircraft. The F-21 demonstrates Lockheed Martin’s commitment to delivering a technologically advanced, single-engine fighter to the IAF — For India, From India.

The Indian Navy’s acquisition of MH-60R “Romeo” multi-mission helicopter is another highlight for Lockheed Martin at the show. The MH-60R is the world’s most advanced maritime helicopter and brings vital anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare capabilities to the Indo-Pacific region. The U.S. Navy has already delivered the first three aircraft to the Indian Navy in 2021 and these aircraft are being utilized to train Indian pilots and crew members in California. In July-August 2022, the U.S. Navy transported to India another three helicopters, which will be initially based at Naval Air Station INS Garuda in Kochi. A total of 24 MH-60Rs will be delivered in country over the next few years.

 

India’s workhorse, C-130J Super Hercules airlifter, which represents a strong legacy of partnership between India and the U.S., also will be on display at the Lockheed Martin booth. The IAF uses its fleet to support a variety of missions, from cargo delivery to providing vital humanitarian aid including in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as for transportation of relief materials, equipment and personnel in the areas affected by cyclones Yaas and Tauktae.

The S-92 helicopter, best in class for safety and reliability, will also boost Lockheed Martin’s presence at the show. The S-92 helicopter recently surpassed 2 million fleet flight hours which is a testament to the reliability of the multi-mission aircraft.

As part of the Javelin Joint Venture, Lockheed Martin also produces the Javelin anti-tank guided missile system. This versatile and effective one-man-portable and platform-employed multi-target precision weapon system provides capability to defeat a broad spectrum of close combat threats on the modern battlefield. Using fire-and-forget technology, the weapon guides itself to the target without external commands, allowing soldiers to take cover or reposition. With a range of 65 meters to 4 kilometers in most operational conditions, as well as the ability to operate through adverse weather and battlefield obscurants, Javelin can be deployed in a variety of environments and conditions.

Lockheed Martin continues to build upon more than seven decades of association and three decades of partnerships with India by nurturing and expanding collaborations with local industry to support the foundation of indigenous defence manufacturing ecosystem. The company’s present and future programs in India range from transport, maritime and fighter aircraft, to sea and land-based air and missile defence projects, as well as capabilities in civil sectors including new and renewable energy.

Lockheed Martin’s presence at the show will be in strict accordance with COVID-19 protocols laid down by the Ministry of Defence and state government to ensure the safety of employees and visitors.