By Lt. Col. Narendra Tripathi (r)
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIAS) is a prominent event on the global aerospace calendar. Held biennially in Farnborough, United Kingdom, it has historically attracted stakeholders from around the world. Its relevance from a defence perspective is particularly significant against the backdrop of ongoing conflicts. Typically aligned with the aviation and aerospace sectors, the event has garnered increased interest from defence stakeholders worldwide due to the advent of next-generation technologies being employed in war zones.
Considering India’s defence strategy and ongoing technological developments, FIAS offers the ideal platform for the Indian defence establishment and industry to engage in collaboration and development with international partners. It provides a global viewpoint in addressing India’s defence needs while promoting the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” and “Make in India” initiatives.
Relevance of the Farnborough Airshow to Indian Defence
Indian defence expenditure is one of the highest, with a $574 billion allocation in the 2024-25 interim budget. The Indian defence sector faces complex requirements due to diverse operational needs across various terrains. The Government of India is working to establish a self-sustaining defence ecosystem while collaborating with friendly foreign countries to bring in next-generation technological solutions. A recent engagement with France has resulted in a defence industrial roadmap for jointly developing military equipment and systems, boosting the Make in India initiative and establishing MRO facilities for LEAP and Rafale engines.
Beyond conventional defence aviation needs, the Indian defence industry is delving into new-age solutions like eVTOLs and UASs. Indian government agencies such as DRDO, HAL, and IAF have showcased advancements in fighter aircraft, advanced light helicopters, and missile technologies at previous shows. To illustrate the potential benefits of the FIAS for the Indian defence industry, it is helpful to look at past successes and case studies:
(a) HAL’s Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas: Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has used international airshows like LIMA-2019 at Malaysia, Dubai Air Show-2021, Sri Lanka Air Force anniversary celebrations in 2021, Singapore Air Show- 2022 and Aero India Shows from 2017 to 2023 to showcase the LCA Tejas. The exposure has helped garner interest from various countries, leading to potential export opportunities. The Tejas program highlights how indigenous products can gain international recognition through strategic exhibitions. This time again HAL will display its products at FIAS which may include variants of ALH and TEJAS.
(b) BrahMos Aerospace: The BrahMos missile, a joint venture between India and Russia, has been showcased at several international airshows, including Farnborough. The visibility at such events has helped establish BrahMos as a leading supersonic cruise missile system and has opened up discussions for exports to other nations.
(c) DRDO’s Participation: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has regularly participated in such Airshows, presenting its advancements in missile technology, electronic warfare systems, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). This participation not only demonstrates India’s technological prowess but also attracts potential collaborators and buyers.
(d) Defence Startup Participation: In addition to large-scale startups in defence industry in the field of drones and UAVs India is already taking leaps with start-ups working for Space technology.
Another area of interest is outer space, increasingly recognized as the new battleground of the future due to its vastness, the race for resources, and the development of zero-gravity technology. The future will see advancements in directed energy weapons, kinetic projectiles, and cyber warfare. International events provide the best environment for networking and collaboration to develop strategies for orbital supremacy, infrastructure, and treaties. DRDO’s LASTEC is working on directed energy weapons. The Indian space program achieved a legendary milestone with its landing on the south pole of the moon, along with missions like Gaganyaan, Aditya L1, and the proposed Chandrayaan 3 for the first Indian astronaut to land on the moon. Technologies from premier agencies have been showcased at previous aero shows such as Aero India 2023 in Bangalore and Wings 2024. Just as Airbus Defence and Space showcased Alphasat, one of the most technically advanced telecommunications satellites, India should also take advantage of such events to capture attention.
Achieving self-reliance also involves showcasing Indian-developed technologies on the global stage. Indian industry partners can leverage expos to connect internationally for design and engineering solutions, electronic components, maintenance and repair overhaul (MRO), processes, manufacturing of components and tools, and raw materials. Both established defence companies and startups in India can play a crucial role in this effort. Meeting the diverse requirements will be best accomplished through indigenous development, complemented by partnerships with foreign entities.
Aero shows are generally known for focusing on airports, airlines, and aircraft. However, recently, particularly from an Indian perspective, there has been a significant increase in participation from the defence sector. This includes defence aviation component manufacturers, drone startups, and public sector entities showcasing their assets. Aero shows now serve as a platform for interaction and collaboration, enabling stakeholders from government and industry, including startups, to engage in productive dialogues for development. The Indian defence industry can leverage to encash such events to engage and bag international orders.
The Society of Indian Defence Manufacturers (SIDM) and United Kingdom Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) are coordinating a bespoke program at FIAS. This program includes a pavilion walkaround, interactions with senior officials, interactive webinars, and participation in forums fostering opportunities for collaboration and growth. Business engagements with the Philippines, Singapore, Spain, and the UAE are already planned.
India’s strategic interests and its growing emphasis on indigenization in defence make events like the FIAS particularly relevant. Several factors underscore the importance of this event for the Indian defence sector, facilitating networking, showcasing technological advancements, and fostering international partnerships: –
(a) Technology Transfer and Collaboration: The event is a hotspot for advanced aerospace and defence technologies. Indian defence firms and government representatives can explore opportunities for technology transfer and collaboration with global leaders. This can accelerate the modernization of India’s defence capabilities and support the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
(b) Networking and Partnerships: The airshow provides a unique platform for networking with key stakeholders in the global defence industry. Indian companies can forge partnerships with international firms, leading to joint ventures, co-development projects, and enhanced capabilities.
(c) Showcasing Indigenous Capabilities: Indian defence firms can use the airshow to showcase their indigenous technologies and products to a global audience. This enhances India’s reputation as an emerging defence manufacturing hub and attracts potential buyers and partners. Turkey’s TAI has taken the lead and will be showcasing its T129 Attack Helicopter.
(d) Market Intelligence and Trends: By participating in the FIAS, Indian defence professionals gain insights into global market trends, emerging technologies, and strategic priorities of other nations. This information is invaluable for shaping India’s defence procurement and development strategies.
Key Takeaways for the Indian Defence Industry
To fully leverage the opportunities presented by the Farnborough Airshow, the Indian defence industry should focus on the following key takeaways:
(a) Strengthening International Ties: The airshow is an ideal venue for high-level diplomatic and defence engagements. Indian defence officials and industry leaders should prioritize meetings with their counterparts from other countries to discuss potential collaborations and strategic partnerships.
(b) Promoting Indigenous Innovations: India has made significant strides in developing indigenous defence technologies. The Farnborough Airshow provides a global stage to highlight these achievements. Indian companies should present their latest innovations and products, emphasizing their competitive advantages and potential applications. India has developed autonomous flying wing technology, demonstrated at the Chitradurga range by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment. Demonstrating such niche technologies is essential for bringing Indian products to the global stage.
Pic Courtesy: www.drdo.gov.in
(c) Exploring Joint Ventures and Co-Development: Joint ventures and co-development projects can be mutually beneficial. Indian defence firms should explore opportunities to collaborate with international companies on projects that align with India’s strategic needs. This approach can lead to the development of advanced technologies and capabilities that might not be achievable independently.
(d) Focusing on Niche Areas: India has strengths in specific areas such as information technology, software development, and space technology. The Indian defence industry should focus on these niche areas where it can offer unique capabilities and solutions, potentially leading to strategic partnerships and contracts.
(e) Learning from Best Practices: Exposure to global best practices in defence manufacturing, supply chain management, and technological innovation can be transformative. Indian defence companies should observe and learn from the operational models and practices of leading international firms to enhance their own efficiencies and competitiveness.
(f) Securing Defence Deals: The Farnborough Airshow is renowned for being a venue where significant defence deals are signed. Indian defence companies should come prepared to negotiate and finalize contracts for the sale of their products and services. This not only boosts revenue but also strengthens India’s position in the global defence market.
Conclusion
The Farnborough International Airshow (FIAS) offers a unique and strategic opportunity for the Indian defence industry to enhance its global footprint, forge strategic alliances, and secure new business opportunities. By leveraging the platform to showcase indigenous capabilities, explore joint ventures, and learn from global best practices, the Indian defence sector can significantly advance its modernization and indigenization goals. Strategic participation in such is not just about immediate gains but also about positioning India as a formidable player in the global defence landscape for the long term. As India continues to focus on building a robust and self-reliant defence industry, the FIAS will remain a crucial avenue for achieving these objectives.
Lt Col Narendra Tripathi (r)is a subject matter expert and independent consultant in military technology. The views expressed are of the writer and based on research on information in the open domain.