Bharat Drone Shakti 2023
Union Defense Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated the "Bharat Drone Shakti-2023" exhibition at Hindon Airbase, Ghaziabad. It is a two-day event taking place on September 25 and 26. This program has been carried out by the Indian Air Force and Drone Federation of India. Top military officials including Air Chief Marshal VR Choudhary were present during the induction ceremony.
Make in program has been promoted through this program. Bharat Drone Shakti 2023 held at Hindon Air Force Station will see over 75 drone startups and corporates along with experts from across the world including Survey Drones, Agriculture Drones, Fire Suppression Drones, Tactical Surveillance Drones, Heavy Lift Logistics Drones, Lotari Munition Systems, Drone Constellations and Counter Drones.
Indian Air Force's first C-295 MW Transport Aircraft
Defense Minister inducts the first C-295 MW transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force during the Bharat Drone Shakti programme. This aircraft has been purchased for the Indian Air Force from the European company Airbus Defense and Space. India has purchased a total of 56 such aircraft for Rs 21,935 crore. The induction of this aircraft will significantly increase the strength of the Indian Air Force.
Information About C-295 aircraft
Airbus's new generation C295 is a highly versatile tactical transport designed for missions that range from carrying troops and cargo to maritime patrol to signals intelligence and medical evacuation.
Military transport aircraft C-295 can fly continuously for 11 hours at a speed of 480 kilometers per hour. The aircraft is capable of flying at a height of 13 thousand feet and can lift a payload of 7050 kg. This aircraft can carry 71 soldiers, 50 paratroopers, 24 stretchers and 5 cargo pallets at a time. In case of disaster, this aircraft can be used to deliver essential goods to remote and mountainous areas as soon as possible. A ramp door has been built at the rear of the aircraft which can allow rapid loading and dropping of soldiers or goods. It can be used for mid-air refueling of fixed wing aircraft and helicopters. This aircraft is capable of taking off and landing even from short runways. It can easily land on soft, unpaved, sandy and grassy runways.