Aero India 2013 to lift India's defence sector

Bangalore, Jan 29: India is projected to become the third largest defence spender after the US and China with $ 80-100 billion worth of acquisitions lined up for next five years and the bi-annual aerospace exposition, Aero India, is a fitting tribute to the growth in the industry. The Aero India 2013 airshow is scheduled to be held from February 6 to February 11 in Bangalore. The defence capital budget in the 12th plan will be an estimated Rs. 4,45,500 crore.

Those who missed the long-range ballistic missile Agni-5 at the Republic Day Parade in New Delhi on Saturday can catch it during the Aero India 2013 show. The ninth edition of Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bangalore will show case 53 civil and military aircraft from leading manufacturers and suppliers across the globe.

Apart from Agni-5, the Airborne Early Warning and Control Systems (AEW&Cs) will be one of the major attraction at the DRDO pavilion. India has taken up development of the Rs 6,000-crore Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS) that will have the capability to penetrate longer distances into the enemy territory.

The DRDO will also showcase a host of products from its avionics, aerospace, radars and other stables. In all, 21 out of the 50-odd DRDO labs will be participating in Aero India with indoor and outdoor exhibition, static and flying displays.

Business jets from Bombardier

Bombardier Aerospace will showcase Challenger 605 and Global 6000 business jets at airshow. "India represents huge potential for business aviation," says Nilesh Pattanayak, Regional Vice President, Sales, Asia-Pacific.

"As the economy grows and the need for global and regional corporate travel increases in the region, the value of a business jet is now well established.

"Our Global aircraft family is the market leader in India and we look forward to having the opportunity to showcase a Global 6000 jet, our class-leading Challenger 605 jet and presenting our overall product portfolio.

"It's an exciting time for business aviation in India, and we are playing our part in connecting India's business leaders with the rest of the world by providing the ultimate tools to improve their efficiency," added Mr. Pattanayak.

China invited

Meanwhile, according to Secretary (Defence Production) R K Mathur China has also been invited to the show but a confirmation has not been received yet. He said that more confirmations were expected. "We expect the number to be higher than the last year,'' he said.

Aerobatic teams from India, Russia and the Czeh Republic will take part in the event. He said leading engineering colleges from the country would display designs of their students. He said business opportunities of Rs.14,000 crore have already been generated for the private sector. Since 2006, all defence deals above Rs. 300 crore require the vendors to reinvest 30 per cent in India's defence industry.

OneIndia News