India’s Afghan evacuation efforts to feature as case study during Air Chiefs’ meet at Aero India

During the roundtable discussion, India will talk about the country’s achievement in the aerospace sector, in a bid to push for export of indigenous defence items.

Representational image | Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 14th edition of Aero India 2023, in Bengaluru on 13 February | Photo: ANI

Bengaluru: India’s successful operation of evacuating hundreds of citizens from war-torn Afghanistan in middle of Taliban’s hostile takeover in 2021 will be a key case study at the Air Chiefs roundtable, being organised on the sidelines of the Aero India show.

Sources in the defence and security establishment said that Air Chiefs from about 30 countries, including Egypt and Malaysia – which have evinced interest in the indigenous Tejas aircraft – will be attending the round table, being hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).

The biennial five-day Aero India show took off Monday in Bengaluru with Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurating the event.

Meanwhile, the sources said that the IAF will be presenting the Afghan evacuation as a case study for humanitarian and disaster relief operations while putting across the point that “the country will stand by all its friends if needed”.

Sources said that the other discussion point will be the threats emerging from the mushrooming of drone activities.

“Drones have become the new challenge for countries across the world. While drones can be countered in a heavily contested airspace, they are a disruptive power and this is something that the Air Chiefs will discuss,” a source said.

India to push for Indian products at round table

Sources said that during the roundtable, India will also talk about the country’s achievement in the aerospace sector.

They said multiple countries, especially Malaysia and Egypt, have shown interest in the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft, Tejas.

“The IAF has already inducted the Tejas and has signed orders for Tejas Mk1A. IAF has also committed to the Tejas Mk 2 which shows its confidence in the fighter aircraft. Tejas would be a good choice for a number of countries in terms of cost and capability,” a source said.

Another indigenous system, the light combat helicopter, was also noted to have “excellent export potential”.

“India is now in a position to export fighters and multiple types of helicopters. We are offering high capabilities at low cost,” another source said.