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Defence

BEL, GSL sign MoU to address global market opportunities for Naval platforms

Bengaluru,15th February,2023: At Aero India 2023, Navratna Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) has today signed an MoU with Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) for co-operation in addressing global market opportunities for supply for state-of-the-art products such as Autonomous Boats, and other systems / solutions based on Artifical Intellegence for Naval platfroms. Bhanu Prakash Srivastava, CMD, BEL, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyay, CMD, GSL, exchanged the MoU documents at Aero India in the presence of Vinay Kumar Katyal, Director (Bangalore Complex), Manoj Jain, Director (R&D), Damodar Bhattad, Director (Finance), and other senior officers of BEL and GSL.

Defence

RM calls for joint efforts to develop India as MRO hub

Bengaluru, 14th Feb 2023: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has called for joint efforts to develop India as a Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) hub. He emphasised the need for MRO services to safeguard our defence equipment and systems, and protect our defence forces. He was speaking at the inaugural session of the seminar on “Sustenance in MRO and Obsolescence Mitigation: Op capability Enhancers in Aerospace Domain” organised by the Indian Air Force at Aero India 2023 on February 14, 2023. Shri Rajnath Singh pointed out that the self-confidence and morale of our defence forces will be strengthened by using indigenous equipment. He mentioned that due to geo-political developments India is taking steps to strengthen its defence sector and assured that the government is committed towards making the best equipment and platforms available to our defence forces to bolster National security. Shri Rajnath Singh further mentioned that along with combat readiness the government has focussed on Aatmanirbharta in defence production, and preparedness. As a result, India is moving ahead in the field of defence production, he said. The Raksha Mantri listed various initiatives to develop self-reliance in the IAF, such as the Akash Weapon System, LCA Tejas, Long Range Surface to Air Missiles, Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft and the order for 15 Light Combat Helicopter ‘Prachand’. He also informed that there would be 160 of the Prachand helicopters in the Armed Forces in the future. He expressed confidence that these steps would help to reduce external dependence of the Armed Forces. “While we should procure the best equipment and systems, our efforts should focus on developing our own equipment and systems to strengthen the Indian Defence sector”, he added. Speaking on the need to give a push to indigenisation, Rajnath Singh mentioned that the requirement for minimum 50% indigenous content in ‘Buy Indian- IDDM’ category currently does not include maintenance. He suggested that the procurement cost as well as maintenance and support should have 50% indigenous content to make the acquisition truly “Buy Indian- IDDM” and give a boost to Aatmanirbharta. He further pointed out the need to consider the cost of defence products over their entire lifespan. “The Life Cycle cost of high value defence equipment, including service and maintenance, should be examined at the time of acquisition for a clear estimate of total expenditure on these products throughout their usable life, and to enable us to get better value for money”, he suggested. He said that this will also enable us to understand the overall financial implications and estimate the level of indigenisation in particular defence equipment. The Raksha Mantri expressed confidence that the IAF would scale new heights not only in the sphere of security, but also in terms of self-reliance. He appreciated the organisation of the seminar, saying that it will promote efforts to build a self-reliant Air Force. He also commended the dedication of the IAF and its role as a first responder and relief activities during the earthquakes in Syria and Turkey, saying that the efforts reflect India’s contribution to international relations and its duty towards the world. The Raksha Mantri also launched the IAF Electronic Maintenance Management System (e-MMS) during the inaugural session. E-MMS is one of the largest and technologically complex digital Enterprise Asset Management solutions implemented in the world. Compendiums of Innovation & Indigenization Requirements of the IAF and the Maintenance Journal of the IAF were also released. Earlier, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari delivered the welcome address at the inaugural session. He emphasised on the contributions of MSMEs and startups towards upgradation and sustenance of legacy fleets. He urged the aerospace and defence industry to take opportunities in IAF’s objectives of capability enhancement and deterrence, assimilate technologies involved, set up R&D centres and evolve viable business plans to meet future requirements of the Armed Forces. He also pointed out that there is a huge potential for overhaul through part testing and outsourcing, and mentioned how IAF has successfully indigenised approximately 65,000 lives of spares. The second session focused on the Indigenization and ROH requirements of the IAF. The key areas of discussion were ‘Scope for MRO, Obsolescence Mitigation & Development of Repair Technology, Certification Process, Industry Perspective on MRO Opportunities & Emerging Technologies and Opportunities and Challenges in Commercial Off the Shelf Technology. The seminar was held to communicate IAF’s revenue indigenisation and Repair and Overhaul (ROH) requirements to private enterprise. It provided a forum for industry and IAF to work out plans for attainment of Aatmanirbhar Bharat. Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande, Deputy Chief Minister of Haryana Shri Dushyant Chautala, Senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Defence Forces, DPSUs, DRDO, private industries (including foreign OEMs collaborating with Indian companies), IAF personnel and representatives of various Operational and Maintenance Directorates also participated.

Recent News

Defence Secretary meets UK Delegation

Bengaluru, 14th Feb 2023: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane had a bilateral meeting with UK Minister of State for Defence Procurement Alex Chalk. The meeting was conducted on the side-lines of the Aero India 2023 which was inaugurated by Hon’ble Prime Minister on 13 February 2023. A number of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed including areas for potential defence industrial cooperation. The UK Minister was accompanied by British High Commissioner to India Mr Alex Ellis.

Recent News

Jyotiraditya Scindia visits Collins India Operations Center (CIOC) in Bengaluru

Bengaluru,14th Feb ,2023: Union Minister of Civil Aviation, Jyotiraditya Scindia visited Collins India Operations Center (CIOC) at KIADB Aerospace Park in Bengaluru. The Minister met with the Collins’ leadership team and toured the Industry 4.0 designed manufacturing facility. The CIOC – KIADB Aerospace Park site was inaugurated in Dec 2022 together with Collins’ Global Engineering and Technology Center (GETC) in Bangalore as part of a long-term growth strategy for Raytheon Technologies in India and globally to maximize collaboration and innovation providing cutting edge solutions for customers and provide additional STEM-based opportunities in the country. The new CIOC site spans 26 acres across the Hitech Defense and Aerospace Park and will help Collins bring operational synergy and economies of scale, as well as support future growth opportunities and customer requirements. Its Building Management System (BMS) is a connected ecosystem which helps monitor and control air, water, temperature and humidity at critical process points to help maintain product quality with quick issue resolution. The site has also received USGBC Silver and IGBC Gold building certification. The campus is energy efficient with best practices in line with BEE-India and Global Best Management Practices. Collins Aerospace recently commemorated its 25th anniversary of operations in India. “It was a pleasure to be at Collins India, a wonderful facility that is in many ways pushing forward on the new paradigm of aerospace manufacturing in India. In its 25 years of journey, Collins Aerospace is amalgamated across multiple verticals of aerospace manufacturing. It is indeed an honor to be here with the Collins team. I wish Collins all the very best in its endeavor to grow and also contribute to India’s growth in the area of aerospace manufacturing.” said the minister for Collins Aerospace.

Recent News

Defence Secretary meets delegations from Saudi Arabia, USA and Oman on the sidelines of Aero India 2023

Bengaluru, 13th Feb 2023: Defence Secretary Giridhar Aramane held bilateral meetings on 12 February 2023 with three defence delegations on the sidelines of Aero India 2023 at Bengaluru. Defence Secretary met Mr Engr Turki Saad, General Manager Industrial Relations, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and discussed a number of bilateral defence cooperation issues. A US delegation led by Mr Jedijiah P. Royal, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for Indo-Pacific Security Affairs, and accompanied by Ambassador Elizabeth Jones, Charge D’Affairs US Embassy and Maj Gen Julian Cheator, US Air Force, met the Defence Secretary. A wide range of ongoing and future defence cooperation issues were discussed. US is participating in Aero India with a number of officials, companies and aircrafts. Later, Defence Secretary met a delegation from Oman led by HE Dr Mohammed Nasser Al Zaabi, Secretary General, Ministry of Defence. The ongoing defence cooperation was reviewed and possible opportunities for increasing the depth and scope of engagements was discussed.

Events

RM vows for India to remain an assembly workshop at CEOs Round Table during Aero India 2023

Bengaluru, 13th Feb 2023: Raksha Mantri Rajnath Singh has called upon Indian & global industry leaders to support the Government’s endeavour to design, develop and manufacture cutting-edge products, using critical technologies, within the country to attain complete ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence, with the overall objective of achieving shared global peace and prosperity. He was addressing over 70 CEOs of local and global Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs) during a Round Table organised as part of Aero India 2023 in Bengaluru on February 13, 2023. The Raksha Mantri asserted that India does not want to remain just an assembly workshop and is looking to engage with friendly countries in defence and security based on sharing expertise and capabilities under the ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He assured industry leaders that the government is open to new ideas and is committed to fully harness the energy, entrepreneurial spirit and capability of private sector partners in the area of defence production. He extended government’s full support towards removing obstacles and facilitating businesses. Shri Rajnath Singh voiced the Government’s resolve of nurturing a vibrant and world-class defence manufacturing industry, terming it as the key driver of Indian economy. He enumerated a number of far-reaching reforms undertaken by Ministry of Defence to create a business-friendly climate in the country. These include setting up of defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu; simplification of industrial licensing processes; hike in cap on FDI in defence; opening of government trial and testing facilities for the private sector; increase in capital outlay for defence in Budget 2023-24 and launch of Technology Development Fund and Innovations for Defence Excellence. He said, these reforms will enable Indian defence products to compete with established global defence and aerospace companies. The Raksha Mantri stressed that indigenisation is the mantra for India today, unlike in the past when import was the default option. He appreciated the growing enthusiasm & greater participation of private players in defence production and expressed confidence that the CEOs Round Table will sow the seeds of successful new ventures and partnerships, boost investment, expand indigenous manufacturing and bolster aerospace and defence ecosystem in India. He stated that the partnership between Government and the Industry is based on equality & mutual trust. The CEOs Round Table was organised on the theme ‘Sky is not the limit: opportunities beyond boundaries’. The participating companies included Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Israel Aerospace Industries, General Atomics, Liebherr Group, Raytheon Technologies, Safran, General Authority of Military Industries, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, Bharat Dynamics Limited, BEML Limited, Mishra Dhatu Nigam Limited, Larsen & Toubro, Bharat Forge, Dynamatic Technologies and BrahMos Aerospace. This platform was to forge partnerships between domestic and global Industries of the aerospace and defence sector to address the present and future global needs and discuss the importance of supply chain strategy and operations as the world deals with the aftermath of the pandemic and global disruptions. More than 75 companies, including 28 foreign OEMs from 15 countries and domestic companies & DPSUs participated in the discussion. There was official participation from Countries of Sudan and Saudi Arabia. The significance of roundtable discussion as “dialogue between equals” was emphasised. A short film highlighting the robust Indian defence ecosystem showcasing indigenously designed, developed platforms were projected exhibiting Indian capabilities and strengths. The participants were apprised of the opportunities in the defence manufacturing industry and continued pro development and pro-growth policies offered by the country through the DPSUs, MSMEs and private Industries. Many foreign OEMs made announcements regarding their plans for investments and collaborations including Safran, Boeing, Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney and Thales in defence and aerospace sector. General Atomics and Bharat Forge announced to deepen their collaboration in aircraft components and parts. Hensoldt announced Design/TOT and IPR transfer of obstacle avoidance system for Indian Helicopters and co development of Advanced Multi Sensor Electro-optics Airborne Gimbals for Indian and world market. CEOs of domestic companies including Bharat Forge, L&T and Mahindra Defence Systems shared their views on major reforms and their impetus for robust defence system under Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The CEO Roundtable engaged industries for co-development and co-production to make India a Commercial Manufacturing Hub and base for global product support, while exploring Indian and Global market. Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan, Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral R Hari Kumar, Chief of the Army Staff General Manoj Pande and Defence Secretary Shri Giridhar Aramane also attended the Round Table.

Events

Embraer showcases the C-390 Millennium at Aero India 2023

Bangalore,13th February 2023: Embraer is showcasing the C-390 Millennium military multi-mission tactical air transport aircraft, which will be on static display at Aero India 2023 in Bangalore, India, from 13 – 17 February. Complementing the C-390 Millennium’s presence at the show is Embraer’s booth (Hall B, B2.2 B) that will offer visitors a closer look at Embraer Defense & Security’s comprehensive portfolio and innovative solutions, which include the A-29 Super Tucano, the P600 AEW&C, and the radars & border surveillance solutions. “We are proud to bring Embraer’s iconic C-390 Millennium to India for our guests to experience the true capabilities of this 21st-century military multi-mission aircraft,” said Bosco da Costa Junior, President & CEO, Embraer Defense & Security. “India is a key market for Embraer, and we are keen to establish partnerships in the country that can further boost India’s defence industries and capabilities. We look forward to engaging with India’s defense & aerospace ecosystem at this event.” Since it entered into service with the Brazilian Air Force (FAB) in 2019, the C-390 has proven its capability, reliability, and performance across a variety of missions. FAB’s fleet of five aircraft, all refueling versions, designated KC-390, have already accrued more than 7,500 flying hours, and recent numbers have shown a mission completion rate of 99%, demonstrating outstanding productivity in its category. Embraer has orders for the C-390 Millennium from Portugal & Hungary, both NATO member nations. The Netherlands, also a NATO nation, selected the C-390 Millennium in 2022. The C-390 is the most modern next-gen military tactical transport aircraft, and its multi-mission platform offers an unbeatable combination of low operating costs and fast turnaround. The aircraft can carry more cargo (26 tons) compared to other medium-sized military cargo aircraft and flies faster (470kts) and further on a standard crew duty day. The C-390 Millennium can carry out a wide range of missions using the same platform, including Air-to-Air (in-flight) Refueling (AAR) for fixed & rotary wing aircraft, airborne operations, troop & cargo transportation, humanitarian missions, medical evacuation, firefighting, and search & rescue, with simple and rapid reconfiguration between the different configurations using conversion kits and state-of-the-art built-in reconfigurable cargo floor systems. The aircraft was designed to operate on semi-prepared or damaged runways as well as in hostile environments, ranging from hot & humid to cold, dry conditions. One of Embraer’s defense products operating in the country is the Indian Air Force’s Netra AEW&C. Built upon the ERJ 145 regional jet platform, the fleet of three Netras is the product of collaboration between Embraer and DRDO. The aircraft took part in the Fly Past grand finale of India’s recent 74th Republic Day and is often deployed in key missions.

Recent News

RattanIndia launches two new drones for deliveries

New Delhi, February 13, 2023: RattanIndia Enterprises Ltd. (REL), launched a new drone delivery platform, ‘L-series’ by its company TAS (Throttle Aerospace Systems).This new platform is designed to meet the increasing demand for deliveries using drones from the industry. L-Series is stable, secure, it can carry significantly higher payloads and is designed to work across low, medium, and high altitudes. Company earlier had a Med-copter series focused on the healthcare sector; this new series helps in massifying drone delivery usage across industries. L-Series is designed, developed, and manufactured in India. L-Series starts with the launch of two new VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing) products L- 20 and L-15 capable of carrying payload weights of 20 and 15kgs respectively. These products can fly for up to 45minutes, Cruise speed of 32.4 km/hr(9 meters / sec), operate at a maximum altitude of 5,500 to 6,000 meters above MSL (Mean Sea Level). These drones are very easy to deploy, can be made ready to fly in just 5 minutes and can be operated by a two-member team. Anjali Rattan, Business Chairperson of RattanIndia Enterprises Limited said, “Drone delivery market is expected to reach $32 billion (~INR, 2,50,000 Cr) by 2031 as per the market estimates. We spotted this segment very early and have been innovating in this space for a while. The launch of a new drone delivery platform opens a wide range of use cases across the commercial drone delivery market for us. NeoSky and TAS’s L-Series is a significant progress from the existing Med-copter series, and we are looking forward to setting new benchmarks in the delivery drones’ industry. Our drone delivery category has four products now and this is just the start.” Nagendran Kandasamy, CEO of TAS said, “After successfully completing the BVLOS trials for our Med-copter series, we started looking at the challenge of higher payloads as that is the only way to scale up drone delivery industry. This helped us in launching the L-series platform with an initial payload of 20 and 15kgs. These products are fully autonomous from takeoff to landing and comes with many ‘fail safe’ options to keep the flight stable. These products also perform many pre-flight checks before starting the flight. We are extremely excited about the launch of these products.”

Defence

Eaton showcases its advanced sustainable aerospace technologies and products at Aero India 2023

Bangalore,13th Feb 2023: Power management company Eaton participates in the 14th edition of Aero India 2023—biennial Aero show and aviation exhibition in India from February 13–17, 2023, at Bengaluru’s Yelahanka Air Force Station. With a footprint spread across 41 global facilities, Eaton’s Aerospace Group manufactures hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, air conveyance, electrical, motion control, and engine solutions; and serves the leading OEMs in the industry. Commenting on Eaton’s presence in India, Desmond Goh, Managing Director – Asia Pacific, Aerospace Group, Eaton, says, “Eaton has been in the Indian skies for decades. Eaton’s Aerospace Group takes pride in being a distinct contributor to the growth of both military and commercial aviation sectors, along with the platforms being introduced to these markets by global OEMs. Eaton in India is uniquely positioned to serve as a strategic location to enhance Eaton’s global competitiveness.” During the 5-day expo, Eaton will showcase a diverse range of its advanced sustainable aerospace technologies and products, which include conveyance, electromechanical actuators, engine solutions, hydraulic pumps and motors, and fuel systems. Nikhil Joshi, Country Manager, Aerospace Group, Eaton, India, adds, “Aero India Expo is one of the largest congregations for players in the aerospace industry. Platforms like these are instrumental in enabling businesses to explore the latest product and technology trends in the industry. Our participation exhibits Eaton’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient solutions for the Aero segment.” Eaton’s aerospace footprint in India includes two manufacturing plants in Coimbatore and Bangalore, three sales offices in Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Delhi, and engineering support from Pune. In the aerospace industry, Eaton’s portfolio includes hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, air conveyance, electrical, motion control, and engine solutions, as well as aftermarket service and support. Eaton serves commercial and military aerospace, marine, and defense markets worldwide. Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably, and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.  

Events

Eaton showcases its advanced sustainable aerospace technologies and products at Aero India 2023

Bangalore,13th Feb 2023: Power management company Eaton participates in the 14th edition of Aero India 2023—biennial Aero show and aviation exhibition in India from February 13–17, 2023, at Bengaluru’s Yelahanka Air Force Station. With a footprint spread across 41 global facilities, Eaton’s Aerospace Group manufactures hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, air conveyance, electrical, motion control, and engine solutions; and serves the leading OEMs in the industry. Commenting on Eaton’s presence in India, Desmond Goh, Managing Director – Asia Pacific, Aerospace Group, Eaton, says, “Eaton has been in the Indian skies for decades. Eaton’s Aerospace Group takes pride in being a distinct contributor to the growth of both military and commercial aviation sectors, along with the platforms being introduced to these markets by global OEMs. Eaton in India is uniquely positioned to serve as a strategic location to enhance Eaton’s global competitiveness.” During the 5-day expo, Eaton will showcase a diverse range of its advanced sustainable aerospace technologies and products, which include conveyance, electromechanical actuators, engine solutions, hydraulic pumps and motors, and fuel systems. Nikhil Joshi, Country Manager, Aerospace Group, Eaton, India, adds, “Aero India Expo is one of the largest congregations for players in the aerospace industry. Platforms like these are instrumental in enabling businesses to explore the latest product and technology trends in the industry. Our participation exhibits Eaton’s commitment to delivering safe, reliable, and efficient solutions for the Aero segment.” Eaton’s aerospace footprint in India includes two manufacturing plants in Coimbatore and Bangalore, three sales offices in Coimbatore, Bangalore, and Delhi, and engineering support from Pune. In the aerospace industry, Eaton’s portfolio includes hydraulic, fuel, oxygen, air conveyance, electrical, motion control, and engine solutions, as well as aftermarket service and support. Eaton serves commercial and military aerospace, marine, and defense markets worldwide. Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment for people everywhere. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably, and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re accelerating the planet’s transition to renewable energy, helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges, and doing what’s best for our stakeholders and all of society.

FOREWORD

Dear Readers,

 

Welcome to the latest edition of Aviation World. This is an incredibly significant issue for us, perfectly timed to align with several prominent aviation events unfolding across the globe.

 

Chief among them is the Farnborough International Airshow, taking place from July 20th to 24th, 2026, in Hampshire, United Kingdom. Ranked as one of the world’s premier events for aviation, aerospace, and defense, this year’s airshow arrives at a crucial moment. Against a backdrop of geopolitical turbulence, Farnborough provides an invaluable platform to engage with global leaders and gain firsthand perspectives on the future of the industry. Inside, you will find our comprehensive curtain-raiser report focusing on the show’s core themes, as well as the highly anticipated static and aerobatic aircraft displays.

 

On our front cover, we are proud to feature Capt. Vaibhav Goutham Suresh, Director of the School of Aviation, Logistics and Tourism Management (SALTM) at Galgotias University. In an exclusive interview, Capt. Suresh highlights how SALTM bridges the gap between academia and the runway, delivering a comprehensive curriculum that ensures graduates are industry-ready from day one. Complementing this, our special feature on SALTM dives deeper into how the institution maintains world-class academic standards and a cutting-edge learning environment.

 

We are also privileged to bring you exclusive insights from a stellar lineup of industry trailblazers in this edition, including:

  • Robin Glover-Faure, Chief Customer Officer of Acron Aviation
  • Karim Makhlouf, CCO of Royal Jordanian Airlines
  • Pallavi Joshi & Vimal Priya, the leadership powerhouse behind AirFleet Managers &Aviatrics Global
  • Wg. Cdr. Prem Kumar Garg (Retd.), CEO of IndiaOne Air

Each shares a detailed perspective on driving innovation, navigating current market dynamics, and establishing progressive frontiers within their respective sectors.

 

Beyond these highlights, this issue is packed with curated features and analytical pieces designed to keep you informed and inspired.

 

Finally, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our esteemed advertisers and partners. Your unwavering support empowers us in our ongoing endeavor to make Aviation World a truly world-class publication with global reach and recognition.

 

Happy Reading!

 

The Editorial Team

 

Aviation World

NEWSLETTER

Aviation World Magazine is India’s premier aviation magazine and has been actively supporting the development of the Indian and global civil aviation sector. We started our journey in year 2015 and its been 12 years now and the response and acceptance is really encouraging. Thanks to all our associates and writers who remained with us in our progressive journey.

We have started 2026 on a very positive note and we look forward to increase our footprints to more locations and induct many more new companies in our campaign.. Do write to us at : editor@aviationworld.in

Disclaimer

The contents published in this website are news covering Aviation, Aerospace and Defence sector. The objective is to provide news in informative form to keep our readers updated of the latest development. We also publish content featured in our print publication Aviation World.We try our best to avoid any factual errors or image displayed here but we ensure immediate corrections to any such thing brought to our notice that might have been published inadvertently. All images and contents are sourced from the relevant organisations media team.

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