Asia's major air show to be unveiled tomorrow

Bangalore, Feb 6 (UNI) Asia's largest Airshow, Aero India 2007 will be unveiled by Defence Minister A K Antony at the Yelahanka Air base of the Indian Air Force tomorrow exhibiting the aviation prowess of the several countries, besides the matured base of aerospace industries in India.

With over 503 companies, including 300 overseas, participating, the show is dubbed as the largest ever in the country and even out beat the Singapore and Dubai airshows.

Union Secretary for Defence Production K P Singh talking to newsmen at the Airbase said overwhelming response to the show provided ''a great opportunity for India to integrate with the global aviation industry''.

Stating that the biennial show had been growing at 30 per cent, Mr Singh said more than 50 aircraft would be involved in flying and static display. Among them were those who are vying for the attrative 126 multirole combat aircraft request India had sent out.

They included the F-16 (Lockheed Martin), F-18 Super Hornet (Boeing), Gripen (sweden), Mig 35 (Russia), Rafale (France), India's own Light Combat Aircraft, Dhruv Helicopter and the Intermediate Jet Trainer of HAL would also be there.

In the 2005 show as many as 380 companies had participated.

Mr Singh said over 40 delegations from abroad have arrived for the show, besides chiefs of air force of 35 countries have also come after their two-day conference in Delhi.

Asked about non participation by China he said it was for that country to decide. ''we had sent out invitation to all countries'' he added.

He said Bangalore would be the permanent location for the airshow and necessary permanent infrastructure need to be created for the purpose.

Replying to another question he said Indian Aviation industry was ''deep and competent'' and was prepared to face any challenge.

UNI