In a significant stride towards bolstering India’s aviation capabilities, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan inaugurated the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) Avionics Expo 2023 in New Delhi. The event, focusing on the crucial role of avionics in the modern aerospace system, unfolded key insights into the evolving landscape of military technology.
In his opening address, Chauhan highlighted the imperative for the aviation sector to adapt to the fast-paced changes and technological innovations characterizing the contemporary world. He underscored the concept of convergence warfare, where diverse technologies converge to enhance the automation and autonomy of battles. According to him, avionics stands as the backbone of the modern aerospace system, delivering benefits to both the armed forces and the civil sector.
Aatma-Nirbharta, or self-reliance, emerged as a central theme in his address where he stressed the need for reduced import dependency in the aviation sector, highlighting its potential to boost the economy and better navigate geopolitical and economic uncertainties.
Expressing confidence in the expo’s capacity to facilitate idea exchange and gauge industry standing, he positioned it as a platform to propel India towards self-sufficiency in aviation.
Manned-unmanned military collaboration took center stage in CDS Chauhan’s discussion of future avionics for upcoming warfare scenarios. He reiterated India’s commitment to advancing technologies to tackle potential security threats and commended HAL’s leadership in the domain. The expo, hosted by HAL, served as a showcase of their expertise in avionics design, signalling a strategic shift towards advanced defence technologies.
Gen Chauhan envisioned a future where collaboration between manned and unmanned military assets became a pivotal aspect of new-generation avionics. In addressing potential security challenges, he urged the development of futuristic technologies. HAL, at the forefront of rolling out new avionics and hardware, was highlighted as a key player in fortifying India’s military preparedness.
Dr D K Sunil, Director of Engineering and R&D at HAL, talked about the global opportunities in the military avionics market, projecting significant growth by 2030. And urged the exploration of this window of opportunity with a commitment to the mantra of “Make for India, Make for the World.”
General Chauhan’s address delved into the dynamic nature of global changes, encompassing geopolitical, geo-economic, and technological shifts. He underlined the essential readiness of modern militaries to engage in present conflicts while preparing for an uncertain future. The convergence of new technologies, he noted, is transforming the battle space into one that is more automated and autonomous.
As the Avionics Expo 2023 unfolds over two days at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre in New Delhi, HAL is showcasing its rich legacy in the design, development, and production of diverse avionics systems. The event stands as a testament to India’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve in the ever-evolving landscape of military avionics, emphasizing precision targeting, electronic warfare, aircraft health monitoring, and data connectivity for positive control. Advancing Military Preparedness: Exploring Future Frontiers at Avionics Expo 2023″