Aero India 2003

Different from the last event this year's Aero India at Yelahanka Air Base near Bangalore offered interesting novelties. First pictures of the modernized MiG-21 are shown below. Additional photographs - also of other types - will follow.

This is how the MiG-21-93 looks like in den colours of the Indian Air Force. The aircraft is designated either the MiG-21bis UPG or the MiG-21 Bison.

External distinctive marks compared to the MiG-21bis are the additional angle-of-attack sensor on starboard, the one-piece windshield and numerous new antennas.

Clearly visible from that view are the French radar warning receiver at the rudder assembly and the chaff / flare dispensers at the wing roots.

A short and rather disappointing display of the MiG-21 Bison was part of every day's flying programme.

The star of Aero India was for sure the Su-30MKI of which the first examples were delivered in a close to final configuration. That means that the air force of the developing country India flies today's most sophisticated combat aircraft of the world!

India presented several indigenous programmes: while the first ALH's already serve with their customers ...

... the LCA is still in the technology demonstrator phase.

At the show several combat aircraft of the Indian Air Force were to be seen, among them the MiG-29 ...

... and the Mirage 2000.

Israel Aircraft Industries (IAI) is equipping the Indian Mi-24's with new avionics. Externally these helicopters can be distinguished by the infrared turret starboard of the nose.

Beside An-32 and Hs.748 several Il-76 ...

... and Mi-8 flew logistic support missions for the show. The latter also lead the opening flypast.

... the author took the chance to visit the HAL Heritage Centre & Aerospace Museum, where this MiG-21U is on display. Why there is shown this version instead of the HAL built MiG-21FL M or bis is not known.