During the Bahrain International Air show, held at Sakhir Airbase, Bahrain from 16 – 18 Jan 2014, India showcased its state-of-the-art airborne platforms and associated sensors & communication systems designed and developed by DRDO (Defence Research & Development Organization, Ministry of Defence, Govt of India). The DRDO, along with some of its production partners displayed country’s capability and expertise in design and development with a demonstrated capacity for online production. The objective was to explore the potential for exporting these advanced systems to friendly countries in the region.
The show witnessed flying demonstrations by the ‘AEW&C India’, the latest in state of the art “Airborne Early Warning and Control system” that can detect, identify and classify threats present in the surveillance area and act as a command and control centre to support variety of air operations. The system with its multiple communication and data links can alert and direct fighters against such threats while providing “Recognizable Air Surface Picture” to the Commanders at the Ground Exploitation Stations. The airborne platform also comprises of electronic and communication support measures that intercept and classify unfriendly radar transmissions and communication signals.
This “AEW&C India” with Mission Systems developed by DRDO on a modular design has been seamlessly integrated on an Embraer 145 aircraft. It thus provides a very cost effective solution for C4ISR apabilities. The developed machine can be adapted to the needs of any country.
DRDO also displayed models of Light Combat Aircraft ‘TEJAS’, the ‘Four +’ generation fighter aircraft designed and developed by the Department of Defence R&D of the Ministry of Defence and being produced by the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited. Models of trainer and the Naval versions were also on display. The other items included models of ‘Expendable high Speed Aerial Target’, ‘NISHANT’, the multi mission UAV with Day and Night operational capability for battlefield surveillance & reconnaissance, target tracking & localization, and artillery fire correction; and OBOGS (On Board Oxygen Generation System).
A high level DRDO delegation led by Dr Avinash Chander Scientific Adviser to Defence Minister and Secretary Defence R&D participated in the event. The delegation included Dr S Christopher, Distinguished Scientist and Director ‘Centre for Air Borne Systems (CABS), Mr Radhakrishnan, Outstanding Scientist and Director Industry Interface & Technology Management and Senior level officials from Indian Iidustries partnering DRDO in the production of various systems.
