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In an exclusive interview with Aviation World, Juergen Kappler, Director of Critical Infrastructure and Aviation, Smiths Detection highlights their presence across most of the larger airports in India and they would work directly with BCAS to secure the necessary approvals for deployment as regulatory alignment is always a core part of their rollout strategy. Excerpts… Q: Could you give us a concise overview of Smiths Detection and the key markets it serves within the aviation sector? A:Smiths Detection has been active in the aviation market for several decades and is a market leader in many areas. We serve three main segments: (i) Checkpoint security for passenger control (ii) Hold baggage screening (iii) Air cargo. We provide complete solutions – not just hardware, but also software and full integration into airport environments. Our portfolio includes scanners, CT systems, lanes, trace detection, and, more recently, X-ray diffraction technology. We also work with partners on body and people screening, whether it’s at checkpoint, hold baggage, or cargo. Q: Focusing on airport operations, could you outline the exact products you supply to airports? And as you also have a presence in India, are you able to name a few of the Indian airports where your solutions are currently deployed? A:Smiths Detection is across most of the airports in India, the larger ones being Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Kochi. We serve all metros and also many smaller airports, and have efficient service team across 50 locations across India. In the checkpoint segment, we provide automated tray return systems – commonly referred to as lanes. Passengers place their backpacks or personal items in a tray, which then passes through the scanner and is automatically returned at the end of the process. In many cases, these systems also include disinfection features to minimise contamination risks. We also supply the scanners themselves. In India, the majority of checkpoints currently use 2D X-ray scanners. However, we know that India is preparing to transition towards 3D computed tomography (CT) scanners as the next step, and we are ready to support that evolution with our CT technology portfolio. Beyond hardware, we deliver extensive digitalisation and software capabilities. These include advanced detection algorithms not only for explosives but also for other prohibited or high-risk items such as knives, firearms, narcotics, cigarettes, and even organic materials like plants or food. Importantly, what we deliver is not just a standalone product but a complete solution integrated into the airport’s operational environment. Depending on the requirements of the airport, the system shares data to support alarm resolution workflows – helping operators determine whether a detected threat requires manual inspection or if it can be cleared as a false alarm. Q: This integration is key to maintaining both security efficiency and passenger flow. And on the hold baggage side, how does the process differ? A: Hold baggage screening takes place deeper within the airport — typically in automated systems located out of sight. Once a passenger drops off their suitcase at the check-in counter, it enters a high-speed baggage handling system. These automated lanes move luggage rapidly through a series of checks, starting with X-ray screening. In India, as in many other regions, hold baggage screening is now largely based on CT technology. These CT scanners provide a detailed 3D analysis of each bag, enabling security teams to assess contents more accurately than traditional 2D systems. While explosive detection remains the primary objective, the same systems can be configured to identify additional threats or prohibited items. Depending on the software algorithms installed, the machines can detect narcotics, weapons, smuggled currency, and other contraband. By tuning the software, airports can extend the system’s capabilities far beyond explosives alone, allowing for a more comprehensive security posture. Q: So, with your technology, are you able to detect even very small or minute items that might otherwise pass through airport security unnoticed? A: Yes, absolutely. Depending on the instrument used, especially at checkpoints where smaller bags and backpacks are scanned, the systems are capable of identifying extremely small objects. One of the critical items we are trained to detect is detonators, components that can initiate an explosion, and these are typically very small in size. Our systems are also calibrated to detect fine elements such as very thin cables, which can be a strong indicator of a potential explosive device. These small signatures are important because, in many cases, it is these minute components rather than large objects that signal a real threat. The ability to detect such fine details significantly enhances overall security effectiveness. Q: Airports worldwide are moving towards seamless, paperless and contactless travel experiences. What are the key factors that you believe Smiths Detection is providing or can provide to make the transition a smooth and hassle-free process? A: The way modern checkpoints are being implemented globally is moving exactly in this direction. In the past, going through security meant long queues and multiple trays — typically between one and four, depending on what you were carrying. You would place your backpack in the first tray, your laptop in the second, your jacket in the third, and so on. This process created delays and disrupted passenger flow. With our current technology, passengers can now leave everything inside their backpacks — including liquids and electronic devices. Our scanners analyse contents from all angles in full 3D, which means the system can inspect liquids and electronic items without requiring them to be removed. Previously, laptops were a major issue because they acted as a shield in traditional X-ray views. X-rays would be absorbed by the device, making it impossible to see what was behind it. With rotational 3D imaging, our systems scan from the front, back, and every angle, eliminating that blind spot. This is one of the most significant advancements in enabling seamless travel. The tray handling mechanism also operates at extremely high speed, allowing trays to be placed very close together and moved through the scanner efficiently. Thanks to very low false alarm rates,

In an exclusive Interview with Aviation World, Shobha Kulavil, Vice President and Industry Platform Leader – Aerospace and Defence, Capgemini talks about the key trends expected to shape the industry in 2026. Excerpts: Q: What’s driving change in the A&D industry and how Capgemini is contributing to this transformation? A: The Aerospace and Defense industry is undergoing a profound transformation driven by several key factors. First and foremost is the growing emphasis on customer experience, where organizations are expected to deliver seamless, personalized, and efficient interactions. Alongside this, agility and speed have become critical to meet evolving market demands and accelerate product and service delivery. Safety remains a non-negotiable priority, while continuous technological innovation across every stage of the product lifecycle is essential to stay competitive. Another major driver is sustainability—companies are striving to go green and achieve net-zero goals, aligning with global environmental commitments. Capgemini plays a pivotal role in enabling this transformation. Through its deep industry expertise and advanced digital solutions, Capgemini helps A&D organizations enhance customer engagement, optimize operations for agility, and embed cutting-edge technologies into their processes. From leveraging data-driven insights to implementing sustainable practices, Capgemini empowers clients to navigate these changes effectively and position themselves for long-term success in an increasingly dynamic landscape. Q: There are few sectors where drone is playing the role of key enabler. Still, there is a room for bigger involvement. What’s your thought on developing the Advanced Drone Capabilities and give impetus to Simulation training? A: Drones have evolved from being primarily defense-focused to becoming indispensable across commercial sectors such as agriculture, media, surveillance, and infrastructure inspection. Their potential, however, remains far from fully realized. To unlock broader applications where human safety and accessibility are challenges—continuous investment in technology is critical. Enhancements in sensor precision, propulsion systems, and battery life will enable longer endurance, extended range, and improved operational efficiency, making drones a true game-changer for high-risk environments. Equally important is advancing simulation-based training to ensure skilled deployment and safety. Leveraging Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR), immersive training programs can create high-impact experiences that build muscle memory, improve retention, and allow trainees—such as pilots—to practice complex scenarios repeatedly in a risk-free environment. This approach not only enhances competency but also reduces operational risks significantly. Q: Airlines and Airports are investing huge on AI technologies to streamline operations and enhance reliability of their systems. How do you see this growing as well as easing the entire operational process? A: Airline and airport operations are inherently data-heavy and time-sensitive, requiring rapid, concurrent responses across multiple systems. This complexity makes them an ideal environment for AI and machine learning adoption. By leveraging these technologies, operators can automate decision-making, reduce human error, and ensure scalability, critical as the industry experiences unprecedented growth with new airports, expanding fleets, and emerging carriers worldwide. AI-driven solutions can optimize everything from air traffic management to predictive maintenance, baggage handling, and passenger flow management. For example, machine learning models can process vast datasets in real time, enabling proactive interventions that minimize delays and disruptions. In air traffic control, AI can help overcome challenges such as miscommunication caused by language or accent differences, which have historically contributed to operational errors. Intelligent systems can standardize communication, enhance situational awareness, and significantly improve safety. As the aviation ecosystem expands, manual processes alone cannot keep pace. AI not only streamlines operations but also builds resilience, ensuring reliability and efficiency at scale. Q: Tech has its own issues as there have been various incidences related to GPS jamming and spoofing which hints for bigger challenges ahead? How the sector needs to cope with such threats? A: Cybersecurity has always been a critical focus in the Aerospace and Defense industry, but the growing scale and complexity of operations have amplified its importance. Incidents like GPS jamming and spoofing underscore the need for robust, proactive measures to safeguard systems against evolving threats. The approach must start at the design stage, embedding cybersecurity protocols into every layer of product development and extending through the entire lifecycle—from manufacturing to in-service operations. This means implementing advanced encryption, secure communication channels, and real-time threat detection systems to mitigate vulnerabilities before they impact mission-critical functions. Continuous monitoring and rapid response frameworks are essential to counter sophisticated attacks that target navigation, avionics, and operational networks. As digitalization accelerates, cybersecurity cannot remain an afterthought—it must be a foundational element of every innovation, ensuring trust, safety, and operational continuity in an increasingly connected aerospace ecosystem. Q: In recent times, various Indian airports and airlines faced severe technical glitch resulting into managing crisis manually. Instead of easing, is too much dependence on tech over burdening the operational systems? A: Technology is no longer optional—it is a necessity for efficient and scalable operations in aviation. Over time, multiple technologies have been introduced to address specific challenges, but many of these systems have operated in silos. This fragmented approach can create inefficiencies and vulnerabilities, especially during high-pressure situations. The solution is not reducing reliance on technology but integrating and connecting these systems into a unified digital ecosystem. The industry is now moving toward digital continuity and convergence, where technologies across design, operations, and maintenance work seamlessly together. A fully connected environment ensures real-time data flow, predictive insights, and faster decision-making, reducing the risk of operational breakdowns. This approach not only enhances resilience but also minimizes manual intervention during disruptions. Q: What factors will define the next decade of aviation and aerospace sector? A: The next decade will be driven by completely digitally driven systems relying heavily on AI, but simultaneously enriched with built-in business and industry intelligence, best practices, and lessons learning, creating platforms that are forward-looking and predictive in nature. These systems will enable real-time decision-making, optimize operations, and deliver superior customer experiences across the value chain. At the same time, safety, quality, and cybersecurity will remain top priorities, forming the foundation of every innovation. As connectivity expands and digitalization accelerates, safeguarding systems against cyber threats will be critical to maintain trust and