Union Minister Rajnath Singh, Ministry of Defence (MoD) inaugurated the India Defence Aviation Exposition (Expo) (IDAX-24) in Jodhpur(Rajasthan), showcasing India’s commitment to Indigenous defence manufacturing and aerospace innovation.
- The IDAX-24, run from 12 to 14 September 2024, highlighted the significant advancements and contributions of the Indian aviation industry.
The event coincides with Exercise Tarang Shakti-24 (Phase II), one of the largest and India’s first multinational air exercises hosted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) in Jodhpur from 29th August to 14th September 2024.
Note: The Phase I of Exercise Tarang Shakti-24 was organised in Sulur, Tamil Nadu(TN) from 6 – 14 August 2024.
About IDAX – 24:
IDAX-24 aims to present India’s Indigenous aviation capabilities to global air forces.
- IDAX-24 serves as a platform for aviation and defence sector partners to engage with the IAF’s Innovation Directorate and decision-makers.
- It offers opportunities to witness and connect with the latest indigenous products and technologies.
Technological Showcase:
i.IDAX-24 is described as a grand exhibition of products and technologies in aviation.
ii.It exhibited innovations from Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), private industries, and startups.
iii.The event witnessed extensive participation from public and private sectors within the aviation industry, showcasing advancements in the industry to both domestic and international participants.
iv.The expo provided a platform for Indian companies and startups to:
- Demonstrate their technological advancements;
- Foster opportunities for international collaboration, and export growth.
v.Participation from Friendly Foreign Countries (FFC) enhanced integration into global supply chains and partnerships for the co-development of defence needs.
Event:
i.The IAF’s Directorate of Aerospace Design (DAD) participated in the expo alongside various startups.
ii.The startups showcased innovative technologies such as:
- Radio Frequency (RF) Guns for countering unmanned aerial threats
- High Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS)
- Loitering ammunition
- Air-Launched Flexible Asset (ALFA)
- Augmented Reality (AR)/Virtual Reality (VR) smart glasses for training
- Expendable Actie Decoys (EAD)
- Real-time aircrew health monitoring systems
- Foldable field mats for rapid runway repairs.
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024:
Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 (Phase II) integrated various advanced aircraft platforms, bringing together 28 international partners (10 participating nations and 18 observing nations), aiming at simulating a high-tech conflict scenario.
- The exercise is mentioned as a demonstration of India’s enhanced defence capabilities and the IAF’s role in international collaboration.
Objectives:
i.Exercise Tarang Shakti 2024 Phase II aims to provide an excellent multilateral training opportunity and is an optimal environment to increase readiness and mutual compatibility.
ii.It also aims to foster diverse ties that strengthen cooperation within numerous capabilities such as counter-air, reconnaissance, airlift, air defence, and close air support.
Participants:
i.The IAF participating with LCA ‘Tejas, Su-30 MKI, Rafale, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, Mig-29, LCH ‘Prachand’, ALH Mk IV ‘Rudra’, C-130, IL-78 (FRA), and Netra and Phalcon AEW&C.
ii.The United States of America(USA’s) A-10 Warthog ; a Japanese F-2 fighter aircraft(Viper Zero); The United Arab Emirates (UAE’s) Advanced F-16 E/F and Other Variants The UAE’s Block 60; F-16 C/D Block 52 variants from Greek and the United States of America (USA) ; Australia’s Boeing EA-18G Growler, etc.
iii.The collaboration also included 4 Pacific Air Force (PACAF) affiliated units, units with the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF), Hellenic Air Force (HAF), and Republic of Singapore Air Force (RSAF).
About the Ministry of Defence (MoD):
Union Minister– Rajnath Singh (Constituency: Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh,UP)
Minister of State (MoS)- Sanjay Seth (Constituency: Ranchi, Jharkhand)
