- The Defence Minister inaugurated the Bharat Drone Shakti 2023, first-of-its-kind drone exhibition at the Hindon Air Base in Ghaziabad.
- It has been jointly organized by Indian Air Force (IAF) and Drone Federation of India (DFI).
- It featured around 75 drone startups from across the country.
- The event also saw the formal induction of the C-295 transport aircraft into the Indian Air Force (IAF).
- The event showcased the potential of indigenous drone design and development, with over 50 live aerial demonstrations featuring various drone applications.
- These demonstrations include drone survey, agriculture drones, fire suppression drones, tactical surveillance drones, heavy-lift logistics drones, drone swarms and counter-drone solutions.
- Drone technology has swiftly transformed military and civilian sectors by enhancing efficiency, reducing risk exposure, and expanding capabilities.
- The IAF has recognized the growing importance of drones in both these sectors and initiated the Meher Baba Swarm Drone competition to tap into India's drone capabilities.
Source - Press Information Bureau