Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Bangalore: Aero India 2009 took off to a roaring start on Wednesday with India flaunting its air power in a stunning aerobatics display by fighter jets, helicopters and jet trainers.
Billed as the biggest biennial event in South Asia, the five-day seventh edition of Aero India 2009 began on a sunny and breezy day from the Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Yelahanka, about 20 km from Bangalore.
With a security blanket in place to ward off terror attacks, about 5,000 people, including diplomats and air chiefs from the world over, were treated to a two-hour spectacular show by scores of IAF pilots.
The inaugural by Defence Minister A.K. Antony in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was marked by a flypast and breathtaking manouveres from IAF's assorted aircraft -- Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-21, supersonic jet trainer Hawk and subsonic trainer Kiran and a slew of helicopters.
Four indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) scrambled over the gathering, while a IAF fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) aerobatic team christened Sarang kept spirits soaring high.
IAF's transport behemoths and air-to-air refuelling aircraft had the spectators in awe with their sheer size and functionality mid-air.
"Growing in stature, size and public participation, the air show has emerged as the most important event in South Asia, drawing global attention," Defence Secretary (production) Pradeep Kumar said in his introductory remarks.
With 25 countries participating and 50 official delegations, including many led by their defence ministers and air chiefs, the Indian version of the air show has come of an age to turn into a war theatre for the world's major aerospace firms and global consortiums.
A total of 592 firms, including 303 from overseas and 289 from the Indian subcontinent, are showcasing their products and technologies spanning military and civilian sectors to woo the country's three armed services and the burgeoning aviation industry.
The Indian government is set to invest a whopping Rs.1.4 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to modernise and upgrade its defence services.
The IAF order to induct 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) into its depleting fleet as a replacement to the ageing MiG-21 old warhorse has made the six global aerospace bidders vie for the estimated $10 billion (Rs.500 billion) contract by flying in their metal birds to show their strike power.
A dozen global aerospace firms, including the state-run HAL, as well as US and German air forces have flown in their fighter jets, transport planes, a fleet of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles for flying and static displays at the event.
Spanning an area of 44,000 square metres as against 30,000 sq m in 2007, the exhibition area has five international pavilions hosting Australia, Belgium, Germany, Israel and Romania, 54 chalets and about 600 stalls to house international and Indian firms and a host of facilities forming the eco-system.
With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) riding high on the successful launch of India's maiden lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 to the moon, a space pavilion is also put up to flag the country's prowess in space technology and space applications.
"We are expecting about 125,000 visitors, including 50,000 business delegates and about 75,000 people from across the country, especially Bangalore and Karnataka,"Kumar said.
11/02/09 IANS/The Hindu
Billed as the biggest biennial event in South Asia, the five-day seventh edition of Aero India 2009 began on a sunny and breezy day from the Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Yelahanka, about 20 km from Bangalore.
With a security blanket in place to ward off terror attacks, about 5,000 people, including diplomats and air chiefs from the world over, were treated to a two-hour spectacular show by scores of IAF pilots.
The inaugural by Defence Minister A.K. Antony in the presence of Karnataka Chief Minister B.S. Yeddyurappa was marked by a flypast and breathtaking manouveres from IAF's assorted aircraft -- Sukhoi-30MKI, Mirage 2000, Jaguar, MiG-21, supersonic jet trainer Hawk and subsonic trainer Kiran and a slew of helicopters.
Four indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) of the state-run Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) scrambled over the gathering, while a IAF fleet of Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) aerobatic team christened Sarang kept spirits soaring high.
IAF's transport behemoths and air-to-air refuelling aircraft had the spectators in awe with their sheer size and functionality mid-air.
"Growing in stature, size and public participation, the air show has emerged as the most important event in South Asia, drawing global attention," Defence Secretary (production) Pradeep Kumar said in his introductory remarks.
With 25 countries participating and 50 official delegations, including many led by their defence ministers and air chiefs, the Indian version of the air show has come of an age to turn into a war theatre for the world's major aerospace firms and global consortiums.
A total of 592 firms, including 303 from overseas and 289 from the Indian subcontinent, are showcasing their products and technologies spanning military and civilian sectors to woo the country's three armed services and the burgeoning aviation industry.
The Indian government is set to invest a whopping Rs.1.4 trillion ($30 billion) over the next five years to modernise and upgrade its defence services.
The IAF order to induct 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) into its depleting fleet as a replacement to the ageing MiG-21 old warhorse has made the six global aerospace bidders vie for the estimated $10 billion (Rs.500 billion) contract by flying in their metal birds to show their strike power.
A dozen global aerospace firms, including the state-run HAL, as well as US and German air forces have flown in their fighter jets, transport planes, a fleet of helicopters and unmanned aerial vehicles for flying and static displays at the event.
Spanning an area of 44,000 square metres as against 30,000 sq m in 2007, the exhibition area has five international pavilions hosting Australia, Belgium, Germany, Israel and Romania, 54 chalets and about 600 stalls to house international and Indian firms and a host of facilities forming the eco-system.
With the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) riding high on the successful launch of India's maiden lunar mission Chandrayaan-1 to the moon, a space pavilion is also put up to flag the country's prowess in space technology and space applications.
"We are expecting about 125,000 visitors, including 50,000 business delegates and about 75,000 people from across the country, especially Bangalore and Karnataka,"Kumar said.
11/02/09 IANS/The Hindu
Labels: General: Arrangements, General: Participants
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Bangalore: The communist China's participation for the first time in an Indian air show has generated interest but New Delhi has sought to downplay it saying too much need not be read into it.
For the first time, China would be sending a delegation, Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told media persons here on Tuesday.
It would be a seven-member Chinese delegation. He said one should not read too much into it. Countries take part in air shows for commercial considerations, he said, hinting there is nothing political about it.
Asked why Pakistan is not participating in Aero India 2009, Mr Kumar said 'we don't invite Pakistan'. On why India did not invite Pakistan, he said "I don't have to answer" and then retorted: "What's your suggestion? (do we have to invite Pakistan or not?."
Defense public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Tuesday announced that they have signed a MOU to jointly develop an analysis and experimentation Centre in India to offer customers the ability to make better informed decisions in modernising India's defense forces.
11/02/09 Mangalorean To read the news in full | PermaLink
For the first time, China would be sending a delegation, Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told media persons here on Tuesday.
It would be a seven-member Chinese delegation. He said one should not read too much into it. Countries take part in air shows for commercial considerations, he said, hinting there is nothing political about it.
Asked why Pakistan is not participating in Aero India 2009, Mr Kumar said 'we don't invite Pakistan'. On why India did not invite Pakistan, he said "I don't have to answer" and then retorted: "What's your suggestion? (do we have to invite Pakistan or not?."
Defense public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) and aircraft manufacturer Boeing on Tuesday announced that they have signed a MOU to jointly develop an analysis and experimentation Centre in India to offer customers the ability to make better informed decisions in modernising India's defense forces.
11/02/09 Mangalorean To read the news in full | PermaLink
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) will display the export version of the indigenously designed and developed advanced light helicopter (ALH) Dhruv for the first time at the seventh edition of the international air show, Aero India 2009, starting here on February 11.
“This is for the first time that the export version of the ALH will be on display,” secretary (defence production) Pradeep Kumar told reporters, here today. The exhibition of the export version of the ALH at Aero India 2009 is significant with the public sector undertaking HAL set to to export five helicopters to Ecuador. “The deal has been finalised to export five Dhruv helicopters to Ecuador and the air chief of the Ecuador air force will be here for the airshow to collect the keys,” Kumar said.
However, he added that Afghanistan and Malaysia, which had earlier shown interest in the flagship helicopter of the HAL, had not made any export request. “We are in talks with Mauritious and Suriname for the export orders,” Kumar added. Besides there will also be many firsts to the seventh edition of the air show. Following the success of India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also opened a pavilion at the air show.
11/02/09 Business Standard
“This is for the first time that the export version of the ALH will be on display,” secretary (defence production) Pradeep Kumar told reporters, here today. The exhibition of the export version of the ALH at Aero India 2009 is significant with the public sector undertaking HAL set to to export five helicopters to Ecuador. “The deal has been finalised to export five Dhruv helicopters to Ecuador and the air chief of the Ecuador air force will be here for the airshow to collect the keys,” Kumar said.
However, he added that Afghanistan and Malaysia, which had earlier shown interest in the flagship helicopter of the HAL, had not made any export request. “We are in talks with Mauritious and Suriname for the export orders,” Kumar added. Besides there will also be many firsts to the seventh edition of the air show. Following the success of India’s lunar mission Chandrayaan, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has also opened a pavilion at the air show.
11/02/09 Business Standard
Labels: Defense, Dhruv, HAL, India
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The defence ministry has asked its star firm to pull out a trainer aircraft from Aero India 2009 because it is not sure the plane can fly.
The Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) is being produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore since March 1999. It is supposed to replace the ageing Kiran aircraft that is flown by cadets training to be fighter pilots. The Indian Air Force was scheduled to have received 150 IJTs from HAL in 2005-06.
“They are not going to fly the IJT this year,” defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar said. “HAL wants to be sure about it being ready to fly.”
The IJT was a major embarrassment for the defence ministry — the host of the show in which all global aviation majors participate — in Aero India 2007 when HAL’s chief test (fixed wing) pilot squadron leader, Baldev Singh, who was taxiing out for a demo, suddenly felt the aircraft give away under him. The plane keeled over on a wing.
Singh was again in the IJT just last Saturday, with test pilot Wing Commander C. Subramaniam, when the plane they had flown on a routine sortie suddenly sat down on its belly at Yelahanka air force base — the venue of Aero India — after landing.
The IJT project has overshot all cost and time lines. It is being refitted with a Russian AL 551 engine. The aircraft had its maiden flight in March 2003 but has not got an initial operational clearance yet.
10/02/09 Sujan Dutta/The Telegraph
The Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) is being produced by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) in Bangalore since March 1999. It is supposed to replace the ageing Kiran aircraft that is flown by cadets training to be fighter pilots. The Indian Air Force was scheduled to have received 150 IJTs from HAL in 2005-06.
“They are not going to fly the IJT this year,” defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar said. “HAL wants to be sure about it being ready to fly.”
The IJT was a major embarrassment for the defence ministry — the host of the show in which all global aviation majors participate — in Aero India 2007 when HAL’s chief test (fixed wing) pilot squadron leader, Baldev Singh, who was taxiing out for a demo, suddenly felt the aircraft give away under him. The plane keeled over on a wing.
Singh was again in the IJT just last Saturday, with test pilot Wing Commander C. Subramaniam, when the plane they had flown on a routine sortie suddenly sat down on its belly at Yelahanka air force base — the venue of Aero India — after landing.
The IJT project has overshot all cost and time lines. It is being refitted with a Russian AL 551 engine. The aircraft had its maiden flight in March 2003 but has not got an initial operational clearance yet.
10/02/09 Sujan Dutta/The Telegraph
Labels: Defense, HAL, IJT, India
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Bangalore: This year's Aero India show will be the largest ever with 592 companies from 25 countries showcasing their latest products, but a series of delays, production hitches and an air crash have hit the Indian participation at the prestigious military air exposition. While no new Indian products will be on display, even older "in development" products will give the air show a miss.
For starters, the indigenous effort to develop an Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) by HAL received a jolt just days before the air show. One of the two flying prototypes of the aircraft crashlanded on the runway after a routine test flight, writing it off for the Aero India show. The project, which has been delayed for close to five years already, also had a similar spell of bad luck at the last air show in 2007 when the other flying prototype crashed during take-off in full view of the participants.
Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar admitted that while HAL was planning to bring in the trainer for a demo flight, it was called off after more tests were required for the aircraft.
Another aircraft to be put up by HAL will be the 'indigenously manufactured' Hawk trainer for the Indian Air Force. While an 'indigenous' Hawk will be on display at HAL's pavilion, the trainer has been dogged by a serious delay over the past few months with problems of delivery of spare parts from the UK-based BAE company. Sources say BAE is holding up supplies of certain components which has delayed the aircraft production at the Indian facility. While the UK-manufactured trainers have already come in, the lack of parts means that IAF has to do without the optimum number of trainers required.
As highlighted by The Indian Express, the trainer had been hit by a series of quality problems after it was inducted at the Bidar air base, prompting the IAF to take up the issue with BAE.
10/02/09 Manu Pubby/Indian Express
For starters, the indigenous effort to develop an Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) by HAL received a jolt just days before the air show. One of the two flying prototypes of the aircraft crashlanded on the runway after a routine test flight, writing it off for the Aero India show. The project, which has been delayed for close to five years already, also had a similar spell of bad luck at the last air show in 2007 when the other flying prototype crashed during take-off in full view of the participants.
Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar admitted that while HAL was planning to bring in the trainer for a demo flight, it was called off after more tests were required for the aircraft.
Another aircraft to be put up by HAL will be the 'indigenously manufactured' Hawk trainer for the Indian Air Force. While an 'indigenous' Hawk will be on display at HAL's pavilion, the trainer has been dogged by a serious delay over the past few months with problems of delivery of spare parts from the UK-based BAE company. Sources say BAE is holding up supplies of certain components which has delayed the aircraft production at the Indian facility. While the UK-manufactured trainers have already come in, the lack of parts means that IAF has to do without the optimum number of trainers required.
As highlighted by The Indian Express, the trainer had been hit by a series of quality problems after it was inducted at the Bidar air base, prompting the IAF to take up the issue with BAE.
10/02/09 Manu Pubby/Indian Express
Labels: Defense, General: Participants, IJT, India
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Bangalore: For the first time, pilots in Aero India will hold classes for students. Schools in Yehlahanka have been invited for the sessions involving pilots who would take the class just after coming out of the cockpit.
"The idea to let students interact with pilots is new. We plan to have 200 students every day during the interactive session," Kumar said.
After performing aerobatics, the pilots will go to designated halls and take questions from students and explain them basics of flying, how pilots train and what it takes to become a pilot.
"The IAF has an arrangement with the education department, and the latter will bring the students. We want students to take interest in science. Young minds will be easily fascinated by pilots and aircraft," Kumar explained.
According to him, most students want to become pilots but there should be right conditions in place to help them become pilots.
11/02/09 Times of India
"The idea to let students interact with pilots is new. We plan to have 200 students every day during the interactive session," Kumar said.
After performing aerobatics, the pilots will go to designated halls and take questions from students and explain them basics of flying, how pilots train and what it takes to become a pilot.
"The IAF has an arrangement with the education department, and the latter will bring the students. We want students to take interest in science. Young minds will be easily fascinated by pilots and aircraft," Kumar explained.
According to him, most students want to become pilots but there should be right conditions in place to help them become pilots.
11/02/09 Times of India
Labels: Special Events, Students
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Bangalore: Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa on Wednesday invited aviation companies to make Bangalore a cargo hub for the regions of South East Asia, West Asia and Africa and promised to extend required help.
Addressing the inaugural function of Aero India 2009 here, he said an 11-acre cargo village is getting ready at Bangalore International Airport at Devanahally on the city's outskirts.
"I invite aviation companies to consider making Bangalore the centre of supply chain for perishable items and high value small products", he said.
Yeddyurappa also said that the Bangalore Metro project is to commence soon with most of the tenders to be awarded shortly. Metro trains are expected to run from December 2011 in the city.
11/02/09 PTI/The Hindu To read the news in full | PermaLink
Addressing the inaugural function of Aero India 2009 here, he said an 11-acre cargo village is getting ready at Bangalore International Airport at Devanahally on the city's outskirts.
"I invite aviation companies to consider making Bangalore the centre of supply chain for perishable items and high value small products", he said.
Yeddyurappa also said that the Bangalore Metro project is to commence soon with most of the tenders to be awarded shortly. Metro trains are expected to run from December 2011 in the city.
11/02/09 PTI/The Hindu To read the news in full | PermaLink
Bangalore: With India going into overdrive to secure its coastline in the wake of the Mumbai terror attacks, US defence major Raytheon is positioning its airborne standoff radar (ASTOR) as the ideal solution for the country's homeland security.
"This may be something of interest to India. There's a lot of opportunity here," Mike Henchey, Raytheon's Vice President for space and airborne systems, said.
Pointing to the success achieved by the British defence ministry in operating the system, Henchey, who is here for Aero India-2009 that opened today, said he hoped to discuss its benefits with Indian officials during the five-day international air show.
The ASTOR system, Raytheon says, provides a highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability. It delivers wide area, all weather surveillance and reconnaissance imagery in near real time for peacekeeping, war fighting and homeland security needs.
Raytheon, which has had a presence in India for the past 60 years, views India's new policy for procuring military hardware as an opportunity for building long term partnerships that would benefit the country economically and industrially.
"We see the offsets clause as an opportunity for partnerships and we would be very pleased to work with our partners here," Henchey pointed out.
11/02/09 IANS/Sify
"This may be something of interest to India. There's a lot of opportunity here," Mike Henchey, Raytheon's Vice President for space and airborne systems, said.
Pointing to the success achieved by the British defence ministry in operating the system, Henchey, who is here for Aero India-2009 that opened today, said he hoped to discuss its benefits with Indian officials during the five-day international air show.
The ASTOR system, Raytheon says, provides a highly effective 24-hour surveillance and target acquisition capability. It delivers wide area, all weather surveillance and reconnaissance imagery in near real time for peacekeeping, war fighting and homeland security needs.
Raytheon, which has had a presence in India for the past 60 years, views India's new policy for procuring military hardware as an opportunity for building long term partnerships that would benefit the country economically and industrially.
"We see the offsets clause as an opportunity for partnerships and we would be very pleased to work with our partners here," Henchey pointed out.
11/02/09 IANS/Sify
Labels: Defense, India, Radar, Raytheon, USA
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Bangalore: There is no proposal before the government to revise the 26 per cent cap on FDI in defence sector, Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar said today."There is no move at present to change the 26 per cent cap", he told reporters in response to questions a day before the five-day air show, Aero India 2009 commences here.
Pradeep Kumar said the government would come out with a revised Defence Procurement policy next year, improving upon the one unveiled in August last year, which was finalised after getting feedback from all stake-holders, Indian and foreign industries and aviation experts.
11/02/09 Press Trust of India To read the news in full | PermaLink
Pradeep Kumar said the government would come out with a revised Defence Procurement policy next year, improving upon the one unveiled in August last year, which was finalised after getting feedback from all stake-holders, Indian and foreign industries and aviation experts.
11/02/09 Press Trust of India To read the news in full | PermaLink
Bangalore: At this year’s Aero India show, a biennial schmooze fest for aerospace firms, the world’s biggest makers of fighter jets, spy planes, helicopters and radars will show off their wares in Bangalore starting Wednesday, hoping to win some of the tens of billions of dollars India is expected to spend buying such hardware.
Aerospace firms say they will be patient with India, where decisions still take years coming, although the defence procurement process has accelerated over the past decades.
Patience could eventually prove rewarding.
Aided by a six-year economic boom, India’s military will spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on 126 fighter jets, for which it has floated the world’s largest tender in recent years. The deal for the so-called medium multi-role combat aircraft may cost some Rs42,000 crore.
India is the only major nation in the world that uses weapons and fighter planes from both Western nations and its traditional ally Russia. China is a large importer from Russia while the US and Europe insist on locally made weapon systems for their Armed Forces. Moscow rarely imports arms.
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans include replacing a third of its fleet of Russian-built MiG-21 planes. “(In the) next few years, you will find every bit (of) inventory (with) some kind of transformation. Assets being inducted, upgraded and replaced—it will be an entirely new environment,” India’s air chief, Air Marshal Fali Major, had said on 17 January.
The IAF is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co., Saab International, Dassault Aviation, and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their planes from April over terrain ranging from the deserts of Rajasthan to the snow-laden peaks of the Himalayas.
On a conference call with analysts late last month, Bruce Tanner, chief financial officer of Lockheed Martin, put in context the Indian deal with other potential supply contracts in Taiwan for 66 of its F-16 planes and Romania’s nearly two dozen. The longer objective is the India competition (or deal) for the MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft), which is 126 aircraft, Tanner said.
Traditionally, India’s defence purchases have been long-drawn and often delayed. The 66 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer deal it signed in 2004 with British aircraft maker BAE Systems Plc. took at least two decades to conclude.
That process has speeded up, with India sewing up deals worth at least $5 billion to buy planes, missiles and helicopters since the last Aero Show in 2007.
Deals since then include the purchase of 80 Russian-made Mi-17v5 helicopters, three Boeing business jets for VIP travel, and six C-130J Super Hercule transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Three IAF squadrons are being equipped with Israel’s Spyder surface-to-air missiles and two squadrons with Akash medium-range missiles from Bharat Electronics Ltd. In addition, the Armed Forces are acquiring 159 Dhruv advanced light helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Livemint
Aerospace firms say they will be patient with India, where decisions still take years coming, although the defence procurement process has accelerated over the past decades.
Patience could eventually prove rewarding.
Aided by a six-year economic boom, India’s military will spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on 126 fighter jets, for which it has floated the world’s largest tender in recent years. The deal for the so-called medium multi-role combat aircraft may cost some Rs42,000 crore.
India is the only major nation in the world that uses weapons and fighter planes from both Western nations and its traditional ally Russia. China is a large importer from Russia while the US and Europe insist on locally made weapon systems for their Armed Forces. Moscow rarely imports arms.
The Indian Air Force’s (IAF) plans include replacing a third of its fleet of Russian-built MiG-21 planes. “(In the) next few years, you will find every bit (of) inventory (with) some kind of transformation. Assets being inducted, upgraded and replaced—it will be an entirely new environment,” India’s air chief, Air Marshal Fali Major, had said on 17 January.
The IAF is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic, Defence and Space Co., Saab International, Dassault Aviation, and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their planes from April over terrain ranging from the deserts of Rajasthan to the snow-laden peaks of the Himalayas.
On a conference call with analysts late last month, Bruce Tanner, chief financial officer of Lockheed Martin, put in context the Indian deal with other potential supply contracts in Taiwan for 66 of its F-16 planes and Romania’s nearly two dozen. The longer objective is the India competition (or deal) for the MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft), which is 126 aircraft, Tanner said.
Traditionally, India’s defence purchases have been long-drawn and often delayed. The 66 Hawk Advanced Jet Trainer deal it signed in 2004 with British aircraft maker BAE Systems Plc. took at least two decades to conclude.
That process has speeded up, with India sewing up deals worth at least $5 billion to buy planes, missiles and helicopters since the last Aero Show in 2007.
Deals since then include the purchase of 80 Russian-made Mi-17v5 helicopters, three Boeing business jets for VIP travel, and six C-130J Super Hercule transport aircraft from Lockheed Martin. Three IAF squadrons are being equipped with Israel’s Spyder surface-to-air missiles and two squadrons with Akash medium-range missiles from Bharat Electronics Ltd. In addition, the Armed Forces are acquiring 159 Dhruv advanced light helicopters from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Livemint
Labels: Aerospace, Defense, General: Participants
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Bangalore: India’s largest-ever air show, Aero India-2009, opens here on Wednesday with participation by frontline fighter aircraft from the United States, Europe and Russia, all of whom are in the race for the Union Government’s plans to acquire multi-role combat aircraft.
The Americans have flown-in the F16 (Lockheed Martin) and have been providing “sorties” to people before it flies Olympian Abhinav Bindra, while Boeing will showcase its F/A18 Hornet.
MiG 35
Europe plans to pitch the “Typhoon” while the Russians are here with the MiG 35 with an ad line, “For India, with India”, plastered across billboards here. The French Rafael and Swedish Grippen will also mark their presence.
Supporting these efforts while building defence relations, British High Commissioner Richard Staag and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Steven J. White addressed the media here on Tuesday, while French Minister of State for Defence Jean-Marie Bockel plans to do so on Wednesday after Defence Minister A.K. Antony inaugurates the show.
These frontline fighters are in the bidding for India’s plans to purchase 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft worth Rs. 45,000 crore. Their spectacular display is a show stealer. The biennial event has this year attracted a record 592 companies, including 303 from 25 countries, exhibiting their products over 44,000 square metres expanse.
Being held under high security cover and strict access controls, the event will have 289 Indian companies with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcasing its successful bid to supply seven advanced light helicopters to Ecuador at the air show. Mr. Antony will be handing over the keys to the Ecuadorian Air Chief on the occasion, symbolising the execution of HAL’s first export order.
However, the HAL’s plan to fly Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) fell off the shelf following a mishap here last week. Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), sought to downplay the change in plans owing to the setback at a news conference here stating that HAL is still testing the product and not yet ready to fly now. The completely indigenised British trainer Hawk will also be part of the display.India-Russia joint venture missile Brahmos is on display as have many Indian companies which have joint ventures with other leading manufactures..
11/02/09 K.V. Prasad/The Hindu
The Americans have flown-in the F16 (Lockheed Martin) and have been providing “sorties” to people before it flies Olympian Abhinav Bindra, while Boeing will showcase its F/A18 Hornet.
MiG 35
Europe plans to pitch the “Typhoon” while the Russians are here with the MiG 35 with an ad line, “For India, with India”, plastered across billboards here. The French Rafael and Swedish Grippen will also mark their presence.
Supporting these efforts while building defence relations, British High Commissioner Richard Staag and U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Steven J. White addressed the media here on Tuesday, while French Minister of State for Defence Jean-Marie Bockel plans to do so on Wednesday after Defence Minister A.K. Antony inaugurates the show.
These frontline fighters are in the bidding for India’s plans to purchase 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft worth Rs. 45,000 crore. Their spectacular display is a show stealer. The biennial event has this year attracted a record 592 companies, including 303 from 25 countries, exhibiting their products over 44,000 square metres expanse.
Being held under high security cover and strict access controls, the event will have 289 Indian companies with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) showcasing its successful bid to supply seven advanced light helicopters to Ecuador at the air show. Mr. Antony will be handing over the keys to the Ecuadorian Air Chief on the occasion, symbolising the execution of HAL’s first export order.
However, the HAL’s plan to fly Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) fell off the shelf following a mishap here last week. Pradeep Kumar, Defence Secretary (Production), sought to downplay the change in plans owing to the setback at a news conference here stating that HAL is still testing the product and not yet ready to fly now. The completely indigenised British trainer Hawk will also be part of the display.India-Russia joint venture missile Brahmos is on display as have many Indian companies which have joint ventures with other leading manufactures..
11/02/09 K.V. Prasad/The Hindu
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
To read the news in full | PermaLink
Bangalore: The seventh edition of Aero India 2009, billed as Asia’s largest biennial air show, which begins here on Wednesday, will focus on business-to-business (B2B) deals that involve both Indian and foreign vendors as well as government organisations.
A large number of international defence and aerospace companies are expected to negotiate multi-billion-dollar defence contracts with the Indian government at the five-day show.
The show aims at bringing exhibitors from across the globe under one roof to showcase the best in the aviation sector. Aero India will have both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircraft from leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.
The show, being held at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station, Yelahanka, will see participation of 592 companies from 25 countries. Of these, 303 are international and 289 Indian.
“For the first time, we have developed software to facilitate B2B meetings and 300 companies have registered online. We expect around 500 meetings between Indian and foreign companies. Out of the B2B meetings, 142 will be at the industry level while 57 will be between industry and government,” Pradeep Kumar, secretary, defence production, told reporters here today.
However, no business deals are expected during the show, barring a few announcements, like the one by HAL regarding export of Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv, to Ecuador.
China is participating in the show for the first time with a seven-member delegation led by the deputy chief of the Chinese Air Force. Major participating countries include the US, Russia, the UK, Germany, Israel, Belgium and Romania. There will be 49 foreign delegations. Defence ministers of Bolivia, Botswana, France, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman and Surinam and air chiefs of Brazil, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the UK will be present.
Besides IAF’s aircraft, 14 other aircraft will be on display. These include F-16 from Lockheed Martin, F-18 from the US Air Force (USAF), MiG 35D from the Russian Federation Military, Euro Fighter from EADS, and C-17 and C-130J from the USAF.
11/02/09 Business Standard
A large number of international defence and aerospace companies are expected to negotiate multi-billion-dollar defence contracts with the Indian government at the five-day show.
The show aims at bringing exhibitors from across the globe under one roof to showcase the best in the aviation sector. Aero India will have both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircraft from leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.
The show, being held at the Indian Air Force (IAF) station, Yelahanka, will see participation of 592 companies from 25 countries. Of these, 303 are international and 289 Indian.
“For the first time, we have developed software to facilitate B2B meetings and 300 companies have registered online. We expect around 500 meetings between Indian and foreign companies. Out of the B2B meetings, 142 will be at the industry level while 57 will be between industry and government,” Pradeep Kumar, secretary, defence production, told reporters here today.
However, no business deals are expected during the show, barring a few announcements, like the one by HAL regarding export of Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv, to Ecuador.
China is participating in the show for the first time with a seven-member delegation led by the deputy chief of the Chinese Air Force. Major participating countries include the US, Russia, the UK, Germany, Israel, Belgium and Romania. There will be 49 foreign delegations. Defence ministers of Bolivia, Botswana, France, Maldives, Mongolia, Oman and Surinam and air chiefs of Brazil, Czech Republic, Ecuador, Germany, Kazakhstan, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and the UK will be present.
Besides IAF’s aircraft, 14 other aircraft will be on display. These include F-16 from Lockheed Martin, F-18 from the US Air Force (USAF), MiG 35D from the Russian Federation Military, Euro Fighter from EADS, and C-17 and C-130J from the USAF.
11/02/09 Business Standard
Labels: B2B, Deals, General: Participants
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Bangalore: F-16 rides for celebrities and hectic lobbying by aircraft giants are part of the buzz surrounding the seventh edition of the AeroIndia show that takes off here tomorrow.
The British and American envoys also made a strong pitch for companies in their countries as the Indian Air Force plans to launch field trials for purchase of 126 aircraft as part of its expansion and modernisation programme. The air show is being organised jointly by the defence ministry and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
“It is competitive sales and our aircraft are competing with others. What we are trying to do is convince our customers about our products and that the product uses the best technology,” said US Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Steven J White.
American giant Lockheed Martin has been pitching for sale of F-16 aircraft and has been lobbying hard. It is even planning to take celebrities and media personnel for a ride on the aircraft. Film star Priyanka Chopra and cricketer Yuvraj Singh are among the names doing the rounds but a media person Ms Suman Sharma appeared to have got the better of them and is poised to become the first Indian woman to fly on an F-16.
The secretary, defence production, Mr Pradeep Kumar, speaking to reporters earlier about arrangements for the five-day show was not aware of these personalities planning to fly in the F-16. Journalists, too, have been lobbying hard for a ride in the aircraft.
Twenty two American and 33 British companies are displaying their latest products at the AeroIndia show.
Significantly, the participation of domestic exhibitors has steadily grown from 66 in its inaugural show in 1998, to 289 this year, accounting for nearly half the total exhibitor strength of about 600.
10/02/09 Sri Krishna/The Statesman
The British and American envoys also made a strong pitch for companies in their countries as the Indian Air Force plans to launch field trials for purchase of 126 aircraft as part of its expansion and modernisation programme. The air show is being organised jointly by the defence ministry and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
“It is competitive sales and our aircraft are competing with others. What we are trying to do is convince our customers about our products and that the product uses the best technology,” said US Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr Steven J White.
American giant Lockheed Martin has been pitching for sale of F-16 aircraft and has been lobbying hard. It is even planning to take celebrities and media personnel for a ride on the aircraft. Film star Priyanka Chopra and cricketer Yuvraj Singh are among the names doing the rounds but a media person Ms Suman Sharma appeared to have got the better of them and is poised to become the first Indian woman to fly on an F-16.
The secretary, defence production, Mr Pradeep Kumar, speaking to reporters earlier about arrangements for the five-day show was not aware of these personalities planning to fly in the F-16. Journalists, too, have been lobbying hard for a ride in the aircraft.
Twenty two American and 33 British companies are displaying their latest products at the AeroIndia show.
Significantly, the participation of domestic exhibitors has steadily grown from 66 in its inaugural show in 1998, to 289 this year, accounting for nearly half the total exhibitor strength of about 600.
10/02/09 Sri Krishna/The Statesman
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
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Bangalore: With the terror threat looming large post the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, security at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka has been tightened for Aero India 2009 which is to take off on Wednesday.
Apart from the strong presence of the police forces, the Indian Air Force’s elite Garuda commando force has been deployed at the venue in order to ensure foolproof security for the seventh edition of the air show.
On Tuesday, the elite Garud Commandos were seen patrolling the premises of the air show in an open top jeep and kept a vigil on the activities on the eve of the air show.
Armed with sophisticated weapons, the Garud Commandos even frisked a few visitors at the Air Force Station.The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force and was in action at the 2005 and 2007 editions of the air show.
Sources said that the security personnel will take no chances, especially following the Mumbai attacks and orders have been issued to the Quick Reaction Teams to shoot at sight in the eventuality of any suspicious activity or if anyone was found scaling the boundary walls of the venue.
Over 100 closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) have been installed. Each and every visitor to the show will be monitored.The authorities have provided Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the passes and tickets issued to the visitors to keep a tab on them during the air show.
11/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Apart from the strong presence of the police forces, the Indian Air Force’s elite Garuda commando force has been deployed at the venue in order to ensure foolproof security for the seventh edition of the air show.
On Tuesday, the elite Garud Commandos were seen patrolling the premises of the air show in an open top jeep and kept a vigil on the activities on the eve of the air show.
Armed with sophisticated weapons, the Garud Commandos even frisked a few visitors at the Air Force Station.The Garud Commando Force is the special forces unit of the Indian Air Force and was in action at the 2005 and 2007 editions of the air show.
Sources said that the security personnel will take no chances, especially following the Mumbai attacks and orders have been issued to the Quick Reaction Teams to shoot at sight in the eventuality of any suspicious activity or if anyone was found scaling the boundary walls of the venue.
Over 100 closed circuit televisions (CCTVs) have been installed. Each and every visitor to the show will be monitored.The authorities have provided Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in the passes and tickets issued to the visitors to keep a tab on them during the air show.
11/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Labels: General: Arrangements
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Bangalore : Thirty-year-old Suman Sharma, the first Indian woman who flew as co-pilot on the F-16IN Super Viper, is now ready to get into IAF's deadly SU-30 if she passes tests and the IAF permits it. She has even filed her application.
Suman says her experience on the F-16IN would stand her in good stead for future flights. Interestingly, Suman's F-16 simulator stint at Fortworth Texas and at the Centrifugal chamber for pilots in Bangalore seems to have helped her for the F-16 flight. Suman told TOI: "I did not pass out even once in the centrifugal chamber in Bangalore. Withstanding that gave me confidence to fly on the F-16IN."
Suman, who is writing a personal account of her experience on the F-16, shared some of it: "As I embarked the all-digital glass cockpit of the F-16IN Super Viper on a journey of self-discovery, my thoughts went out to the more than 800 women officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). These bold women have come a long way from being short service non-combatants since 1992 and can hope for combat flying much like their Pakistani counterparts, four of whom were commissioned into fighter flying in 2006."
The air show, she said, gave her "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to get close with `combat'. "As I stepped in, I was impressed by the newly introduced automated recovery system of the Viper, an edge over the legacy F-16, as it warns, automatically takes off and saves the machine and lives from crashing. But none of this was my concern as I was in the safe hands of Paul `Bear' Randall, my pilot, what with his 4,200 hours of fighter experience!
11/02/09 Times of India
Suman says her experience on the F-16IN would stand her in good stead for future flights. Interestingly, Suman's F-16 simulator stint at Fortworth Texas and at the Centrifugal chamber for pilots in Bangalore seems to have helped her for the F-16 flight. Suman told TOI: "I did not pass out even once in the centrifugal chamber in Bangalore. Withstanding that gave me confidence to fly on the F-16IN."
Suman, who is writing a personal account of her experience on the F-16, shared some of it: "As I embarked the all-digital glass cockpit of the F-16IN Super Viper on a journey of self-discovery, my thoughts went out to the more than 800 women officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). These bold women have come a long way from being short service non-combatants since 1992 and can hope for combat flying much like their Pakistani counterparts, four of whom were commissioned into fighter flying in 2006."
The air show, she said, gave her "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to get close with `combat'. "As I stepped in, I was impressed by the newly introduced automated recovery system of the Viper, an edge over the legacy F-16, as it warns, automatically takes off and saves the machine and lives from crashing. But none of this was my concern as I was in the safe hands of Paul `Bear' Randall, my pilot, what with his 4,200 hours of fighter experience!
11/02/09 Times of India
Labels: Defense, F16, India, USA
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Bangalore: Despite the global meltdown, Boeing, the world's largest manufacturer of commercial and defence aircraft, today said there is no cancellation in its orders from India and assured to deliver aircraft on schedule to its buyers including Air India, the official national carrier.
"We have zero cancellation from India. We have been working carefully. We sold USD 25 billion worth of aircraft in the last three years. Hundred more are to be delivered in the next five years which is valued at USD 17 bn", Dinesh Keskar, the newly appointed President of Boeing India, who takes over his new responsibilities from March one, told a press conference on the eve of Aero India 2009 event here.
Boeing's major buyers in India, Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airlines have not made any cancellation, Keskar said. "I don't expect any cancellation. We are gearing up to deliver a big order for 68 aircraft by Air India".
11/02/09 PTI/Economic Times To read the news in full | PermaLink
"We have zero cancellation from India. We have been working carefully. We sold USD 25 billion worth of aircraft in the last three years. Hundred more are to be delivered in the next five years which is valued at USD 17 bn", Dinesh Keskar, the newly appointed President of Boeing India, who takes over his new responsibilities from March one, told a press conference on the eve of Aero India 2009 event here.
Boeing's major buyers in India, Air India, Spice Jet and Jet Airlines have not made any cancellation, Keskar said. "I don't expect any cancellation. We are gearing up to deliver a big order for 68 aircraft by Air India".
11/02/09 PTI/Economic Times To read the news in full | PermaLink
Bangalore: Six major global aerospace companies will slug it out at the Aero India International Show, trying to demonstrate the strike power of their fighter jets in the high-profile pitch for an order worth $10 billion from the Indian Air Force (IAF).
US-based defence companies will dominate the seventh edition of the bi-annual aero show to showcase an array of military and civilian aircraft for static and flying displays.
US defence giants — Boeing and Lockheed Martin — are in the race for the $10-billion fighter-plane contract — medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) — the largest in the world over the past 15 years.
Defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar said the technical evaluation of the six bids was underway and trials would be conducted thereafter.
Other contenders include Eurofighter Typhoon of European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS), Gripen of Saab, French Rafale of Dassault and MiG-35 of MiG for the IAF order.
The US pavilion will also sport aerospace giants such Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Bell Helicopter which will showcase their products. The focus of the event will be on B2B activity between Indian, foreign vendors and government organisations.
Public sector Hindustan Aeronautics will display its Dhruv choppers, five of which will be exported to Ecuador. But HAL’s intermediate jet trainer will be missing in action due to an accident met by a prototype model.
Other indigenous products such as ‘Tejas’ light combat aircraft, ‘Hawk’ advanced jet trainer manufactured by HAL through licence of BAE Systems and Dhruv would perform at the show.
11/02/09 Economic Times
US-based defence companies will dominate the seventh edition of the bi-annual aero show to showcase an array of military and civilian aircraft for static and flying displays.
US defence giants — Boeing and Lockheed Martin — are in the race for the $10-billion fighter-plane contract — medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) — the largest in the world over the past 15 years.
Defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar said the technical evaluation of the six bids was underway and trials would be conducted thereafter.
Other contenders include Eurofighter Typhoon of European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS), Gripen of Saab, French Rafale of Dassault and MiG-35 of MiG for the IAF order.
The US pavilion will also sport aerospace giants such Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Bell Helicopter which will showcase their products. The focus of the event will be on B2B activity between Indian, foreign vendors and government organisations.
Public sector Hindustan Aeronautics will display its Dhruv choppers, five of which will be exported to Ecuador. But HAL’s intermediate jet trainer will be missing in action due to an accident met by a prototype model.
Other indigenous products such as ‘Tejas’ light combat aircraft, ‘Hawk’ advanced jet trainer manufactured by HAL through licence of BAE Systems and Dhruv would perform at the show.
11/02/09 Economic Times
Labels: Defense, General: Participants, USA
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Bangalore: From joyrides to celebrities to high-voltage marketing campaigns, global aviation giants have pressed the full throttle in the bruising battle to grab India's gigantic Rs 42,000-crore project for acquiring 126 multi-role combat aircraft for IAF.
With IAF planning to begin field trials for the six fighter jets in contention for this "mother of all defence deals'' in April-May after evaluation of their technical bids, it's all about grabbing eyeballs of the decision-makers as well as the public at large at the `Aero India-2009' show here.
The six contenders -- the American F/A-18 `Super Hornet' (Boeing) and F-16IN `Super Viper' (Lockheed Martin), French Rafale (Dassualt), Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish Gripen (Saab) and Russian MiG-35 (RAC MiG) -- are leaving nothing to chance.
Though the Rafale and Gripen jets have not been able to make it for the airshow, the other four fighters are tearing into the skies here to display their lethality and super-maneuverability to all and sundry, interspersed with joyrides to celebs and IAF top-gun pilots as an effective marketing tool.
The Americans, of course, are in the forefront to hardsell their flying machines. If it was Ratan Tata last time around, the aviation majors are trying to rope in Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bhindra, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and industrialist Sunil Bharti Mittal, among others, to fly on the rear seat of the fighters this time.
The IAF, on its part, is watching the `gimmickry' with quiet amusement from the sidelines.
Defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar, on his part, said, "As far as we are concerned, the defence ministry does not invite celebrities. The companies do it on their own.''
IAF, of course, is in a hurry to seal the mammoth contract because of its fast-depleting fighter squadron (each has 14 to 18 jets) strength, down to just 32 from the "sanctioned'' number of 39.5. But it knows the contract for the 126 fighters will be more of a marathon than a 100-metre sprint.
It is estimated that the first lot of the new fighters -- 18 jets will be bought off the shelf, while the rest will be manufactured in India under transfer of technology -- will arrive only by 2012 at the earliest.
11/02/09 Rajat Pandit/Times of India
With IAF planning to begin field trials for the six fighter jets in contention for this "mother of all defence deals'' in April-May after evaluation of their technical bids, it's all about grabbing eyeballs of the decision-makers as well as the public at large at the `Aero India-2009' show here.
The six contenders -- the American F/A-18 `Super Hornet' (Boeing) and F-16IN `Super Viper' (Lockheed Martin), French Rafale (Dassualt), Eurofighter Typhoon, Swedish Gripen (Saab) and Russian MiG-35 (RAC MiG) -- are leaving nothing to chance.
Though the Rafale and Gripen jets have not been able to make it for the airshow, the other four fighters are tearing into the skies here to display their lethality and super-maneuverability to all and sundry, interspersed with joyrides to celebs and IAF top-gun pilots as an effective marketing tool.
The Americans, of course, are in the forefront to hardsell their flying machines. If it was Ratan Tata last time around, the aviation majors are trying to rope in Olympic gold medalist Abhinav Bhindra, cricketer Yuvraj Singh, Bollywood actress Priyanka Chopra and industrialist Sunil Bharti Mittal, among others, to fly on the rear seat of the fighters this time.
The IAF, on its part, is watching the `gimmickry' with quiet amusement from the sidelines.
Defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar, on his part, said, "As far as we are concerned, the defence ministry does not invite celebrities. The companies do it on their own.''
IAF, of course, is in a hurry to seal the mammoth contract because of its fast-depleting fighter squadron (each has 14 to 18 jets) strength, down to just 32 from the "sanctioned'' number of 39.5. But it knows the contract for the 126 fighters will be more of a marathon than a 100-metre sprint.
It is estimated that the first lot of the new fighters -- 18 jets will be bought off the shelf, while the rest will be manufactured in India under transfer of technology -- will arrive only by 2012 at the earliest.
11/02/09 Rajat Pandit/Times of India
Labels: General: Participants
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Indian government is evaluating bids by Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co. and four other companies to supply 126 fighter jets worth $11 billion in the largest military contest in play worldwide.
“It’s a complex process, it will take its own time,” Defense Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told reporters in Bangalore today ahead of the Aero India air show. “Technical evaluation is on and trials will be conducted.” He wouldn’t say when the deal may be completed.
India in April got bids from six companies to supply the jets as part of its efforts to modernize the air force and replace its aging Russian-made aircraft. The fighter-plane contest is the largest in 15 years, according to Boeing, and marks the first opportunity for U.S. companies to break into India’s defense market.
Lockheed’s F-16 is competing in the fighter contest against Chicago-based Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet; Russia’s MiG-35; Saab AB’s Gripen; France’s Rafale made by Dassault Aviation SA; and the Eurofighter Typhoon, a joint venture of Airbus SAS, BAE and Italy’s Finmeccanica SpA.
10/02/09 Vipin V. Nair/Bloomberg
“It’s a complex process, it will take its own time,” Defense Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told reporters in Bangalore today ahead of the Aero India air show. “Technical evaluation is on and trials will be conducted.” He wouldn’t say when the deal may be completed.
India in April got bids from six companies to supply the jets as part of its efforts to modernize the air force and replace its aging Russian-made aircraft. The fighter-plane contest is the largest in 15 years, according to Boeing, and marks the first opportunity for U.S. companies to break into India’s defense market.
Lockheed’s F-16 is competing in the fighter contest against Chicago-based Boeing’s F/A-18 E/F Super Hornet; Russia’s MiG-35; Saab AB’s Gripen; France’s Rafale made by Dassault Aviation SA; and the Eurofighter Typhoon, a joint venture of Airbus SAS, BAE and Italy’s Finmeccanica SpA.
10/02/09 Vipin V. Nair/Bloomberg
Labels: Boeing, Defense, Lockheed Martin
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Chennai/Bangalore: US aerospace products giant Honeywell International is raising its pitch to re-engine the Indian Air Force’s Jaguar aircraft with its F125IN turbofan engine.
“Improved propulsion and enhanced safety features in the engine can save the IAF more than Rs 7,000 crore in lifecycle costs compared to the other options being considered,” senior company officials claimed in a meeting with reporters before the Aero India 2009 in Bangalore on Tuesday.
Ahead of an RFP to be issued by the IAF before awarding the Jaguar re-engining contract sometime next year, Honeywell officials took pains to reiterate that the F125N was a clear winner against competitor Rolls Royce’s Adour engine.Honeywell demostrated the engine at the HAL campus in Bangalore in November 2007.
The company runs technology centres out of Bangalore, Hyderabad and Madurai with automation and control systems design for the aviation sector carried out of Gurgaon, Pune and Chennai.
11/02/09 Business Standard
“Improved propulsion and enhanced safety features in the engine can save the IAF more than Rs 7,000 crore in lifecycle costs compared to the other options being considered,” senior company officials claimed in a meeting with reporters before the Aero India 2009 in Bangalore on Tuesday.
Ahead of an RFP to be issued by the IAF before awarding the Jaguar re-engining contract sometime next year, Honeywell officials took pains to reiterate that the F125N was a clear winner against competitor Rolls Royce’s Adour engine.Honeywell demostrated the engine at the HAL campus in Bangalore in November 2007.
The company runs technology centres out of Bangalore, Hyderabad and Madurai with automation and control systems design for the aviation sector carried out of Gurgaon, Pune and Chennai.
11/02/09 Business Standard
Labels: Defense, Engines, F125IN, Honeywell, USA
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New Delhi: Safran SA, Europe’s largest aircraft engine maker by volume and revenues, will set up an aircraft training centre with an investment of up to $20 million, or Rs97.4 crore, at Hyderabad.
The centre to be set up by its engine making arm, CFM International, will train airline mechanics and engineers on its engines that power Airbus SAS-made A320 and Boeing Co.’s B737 planes, Safran group chief executive officer Jean-Paul Herteman, told Mint in an interview on the eve of Aero India show in Bangalore on Wednesday.
"I don’t believe there would be big announcements. (But) there are many business discussions going on. In civil aviation we are under way to set up a training centre in engineering that will be located in Hyderabad. That will open next year.
After that we have significant defence business, of course, so there is discussion about MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft). In helicopters we are very active, we have made specific engine for Dhruv with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), the Shakti engine. This has been certified in Europe, which is the first time I think India has participated in development of an engine and had it certified under western (agencies).
Our total business in India today is $500 million—direct and indirect. We have been producing 120 million SIM cards (for mobile phones); we will be at the rate of 300 million end of this year. This is not serving only Indian market but export market—all of Asia, Africa and Middle East", said Jean-Paul Herteman.
11/02/09 Tarun Shukla/Livemint
The centre to be set up by its engine making arm, CFM International, will train airline mechanics and engineers on its engines that power Airbus SAS-made A320 and Boeing Co.’s B737 planes, Safran group chief executive officer Jean-Paul Herteman, told Mint in an interview on the eve of Aero India show in Bangalore on Wednesday.
"I don’t believe there would be big announcements. (But) there are many business discussions going on. In civil aviation we are under way to set up a training centre in engineering that will be located in Hyderabad. That will open next year.
After that we have significant defence business, of course, so there is discussion about MMRCA (medium multi-role combat aircraft). In helicopters we are very active, we have made specific engine for Dhruv with HAL (Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd), the Shakti engine. This has been certified in Europe, which is the first time I think India has participated in development of an engine and had it certified under western (agencies).
Our total business in India today is $500 million—direct and indirect. We have been producing 120 million SIM cards (for mobile phones); we will be at the rate of 300 million end of this year. This is not serving only Indian market but export market—all of Asia, Africa and Middle East", said Jean-Paul Herteman.
11/02/09 Tarun Shukla/Livemint
Labels: Defense, Engines, Europe, Safran
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Rafael is to form a joint company with India's Bharat Electronics to manufacture several of the Israeli company's air-to-air and air-to-surface weapon systems.
Negotiations about the establishment of the venture have reached "advanced stages", said Rafael's vice-president marketing Lova Drori in the lead-up to the 11-15 February Aero India 2009 show near Bangalore. The development is intended to enable Rafael to increase its sales in the Indian market, and to meet technology transfer and offset requirements.
Drori says the full line of aerial weapon systems manufactured by Rafael will be offered for local assembly and production by the joint company, and believes there is "huge" potential demand for the equipment.
10/02/09 Arie Egozi/Flight International
Negotiations about the establishment of the venture have reached "advanced stages", said Rafael's vice-president marketing Lova Drori in the lead-up to the 11-15 February Aero India 2009 show near Bangalore. The development is intended to enable Rafael to increase its sales in the Indian market, and to meet technology transfer and offset requirements.
Drori says the full line of aerial weapon systems manufactured by Rafael will be offered for local assembly and production by the joint company, and believes there is "huge" potential demand for the equipment.
10/02/09 Arie Egozi/Flight International
Labels: Defense, Israel, Rafael
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Instead of consolidating Aero India 2009 as the foremost Asian aerospace show, we reduced its functional importance by taking away two aspects integral to it. The Ministry of Civil Aviation held a separate international civil air power show at Hyderabad, and Bangalore ended up with the first international space exhibition that practically had no visitors.
The uncalled for turf war between different ministries created unwanted segmentation and compartmentalization between space, civil and military air power assets that are technically inter-linked. Besides diluting the holistic structure of Aero India, conduct of three different exhibitions trebled the cost to the Indian taxpayer and the foreign vendor.
To be a dominant Asian power, India requires to consolidate and integrate the genius of the private sector with the existing national assets to build state-of –the-art defence industries that will enhance its military prowess. Unity of purpose will enable New Delhi to defend its expanding economic interests in a globalized environment and permit it to speak from a position of strength in the existing hostile neighbourhood.
However, to achieve the twin goals of becoming an economic powerhouse and the ability to militarily defend its riches and democratic values, it is essential that we exploit the favourable international environment for deep military technology transfers. This alone can modernise the defence industries. Therefore cutting edge thinking at the political level is essential too.
10/02/09 Bharat Verma/Sify.com
The uncalled for turf war between different ministries created unwanted segmentation and compartmentalization between space, civil and military air power assets that are technically inter-linked. Besides diluting the holistic structure of Aero India, conduct of three different exhibitions trebled the cost to the Indian taxpayer and the foreign vendor.
To be a dominant Asian power, India requires to consolidate and integrate the genius of the private sector with the existing national assets to build state-of –the-art defence industries that will enhance its military prowess. Unity of purpose will enable New Delhi to defend its expanding economic interests in a globalized environment and permit it to speak from a position of strength in the existing hostile neighbourhood.
However, to achieve the twin goals of becoming an economic powerhouse and the ability to militarily defend its riches and democratic values, it is essential that we exploit the favourable international environment for deep military technology transfers. This alone can modernise the defence industries. Therefore cutting edge thinking at the political level is essential too.
10/02/09 Bharat Verma/Sify.com
Labels: General: Participants
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Bangalore : Students and professors from three IITs and the Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT) will make presentations on aero projects.
According to defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar, IIT-Kanpur students will make presentations on aerofoil and delta-wing aircraft, and present a model of the wing. IIT-Mumbai students and professors will make presentations on miniature aerial vehicles, composites and propulsion systems. Students of IIT-Chennai and VIT will also present some projects.
"We want students to get a first-hand feel of the aero show...," Kumar said.
The aero show will help students generate ideas and discuss them, plus they could get inspired to work on new aircraft structures.
11/02/09 Times of India
According to defence production secretary Pradeep Kumar, IIT-Kanpur students will make presentations on aerofoil and delta-wing aircraft, and present a model of the wing. IIT-Mumbai students and professors will make presentations on miniature aerial vehicles, composites and propulsion systems. Students of IIT-Chennai and VIT will also present some projects.
"We want students to get a first-hand feel of the aero show...," Kumar said.
The aero show will help students generate ideas and discuss them, plus they could get inspired to work on new aircraft structures.
11/02/09 Times of India
Labels: General: Participants
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Bangalore: Government today gave no time-frame to finalise the multi-billion dollar deal to supply 126 fighter jets to IAF, saying the selection is a "very complex process" and would take its own time.
"It's a very complex process", Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told reporters in response to questions on the eve of the biennial air show Aero India.
"Technical evaluation is going on and after that, the trials will be conducted in hot regions and cold regions", he said, adding these trials would take place within India. The finalising would take its own time, he added.
India had received bids from six companies for the contract -- Lockheed Martin and Boeing of the United States, Russia's MiG, which is part of the United Aircraft Corporation, France's Dassault, Sweden's Saab and the EADS consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies.
He said some of the aircraft in contention are participating in the air show but added it has nothing to do with the deal whose estimate he put in the range of Rs 40,000 crore-Rs 45,000 crore.
10/02/09 PTI/Press Trust of India
"It's a very complex process", Defence Production Secretary Pradeep Kumar told reporters in response to questions on the eve of the biennial air show Aero India.
"Technical evaluation is going on and after that, the trials will be conducted in hot regions and cold regions", he said, adding these trials would take place within India. The finalising would take its own time, he added.
India had received bids from six companies for the contract -- Lockheed Martin and Boeing of the United States, Russia's MiG, which is part of the United Aircraft Corporation, France's Dassault, Sweden's Saab and the EADS consortium of British, German, Spanish and Italian companies.
He said some of the aircraft in contention are participating in the air show but added it has nothing to do with the deal whose estimate he put in the range of Rs 40,000 crore-Rs 45,000 crore.
10/02/09 PTI/Press Trust of India
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