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Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Day two of Aero India 2009 held here saw the contenders for India’s multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) contract pitching hard to sell their aircraft.
Representatives from the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) comprising Bernhard Genwert, CEO, EADS, Chiefs of Air Forces from UK, Spain, Italy and Germany, and various ambassadors joined the fray to bid for the multi-billion dollar contract from India.
“The European company, which is competing with five other companies including the United States and Russia which are military allies of India, stands a fighting chance as it has a proven track record,” said Genwert at a press conference.
Joining the pitch, Aloysius Rauen, president and CEO of EADS Military Aircraft said, “The company is a heavyweight in terms of economics as well as reliability.” About 156 Eurofighter Typhoons are in service in five nations including the air forces of Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. The German Air Force Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Klaus Peter Stieglitz, speaking at the conference, said that in the coming years, the Eurofighters will be the backbone of the Luftwaffe.
The Swedish aerospace company SAAB is also in the race with its next generation fighter aircraft Gripen IN. SAAB executives at a press conference here said that it is waiting for the call from India for flying evaluation. It already has aircraft operational in Hungary and the Czech Republic and is looking at bagging deals in various countries including Switzerland, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia.
Experts opine that while Russia’s long standing military alliance with India may give an edge to the Russian MiG 35s, improved relations between the US and India may also help American companies.
Six aircraft are competing for the order - the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG 35 and the American F-16 IN and F/A 18 IN . So far, Mikoyan and Dassault have been regular suppliers of aircraft for the Indian Air Force and in terms of transfers of technology, licensed production in India, personnel training, supply of spare parts, maintenance and upgrading.
13/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Representatives from the European Aeronautic Defence and Space (EADS) comprising Bernhard Genwert, CEO, EADS, Chiefs of Air Forces from UK, Spain, Italy and Germany, and various ambassadors joined the fray to bid for the multi-billion dollar contract from India.
“The European company, which is competing with five other companies including the United States and Russia which are military allies of India, stands a fighting chance as it has a proven track record,” said Genwert at a press conference.
Joining the pitch, Aloysius Rauen, president and CEO of EADS Military Aircraft said, “The company is a heavyweight in terms of economics as well as reliability.” About 156 Eurofighter Typhoons are in service in five nations including the air forces of Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom. The German Air Force Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Klaus Peter Stieglitz, speaking at the conference, said that in the coming years, the Eurofighters will be the backbone of the Luftwaffe.
The Swedish aerospace company SAAB is also in the race with its next generation fighter aircraft Gripen IN. SAAB executives at a press conference here said that it is waiting for the call from India for flying evaluation. It already has aircraft operational in Hungary and the Czech Republic and is looking at bagging deals in various countries including Switzerland, Romania, Croatia, Bulgaria and Slovenia.
Experts opine that while Russia’s long standing military alliance with India may give an edge to the Russian MiG 35s, improved relations between the US and India may also help American companies.
Six aircraft are competing for the order - the Saab Gripen, Eurofighter Typhoon, Dassault Rafale, Mikoyan MiG 35 and the American F-16 IN and F/A 18 IN . So far, Mikoyan and Dassault have been regular suppliers of aircraft for the Indian Air Force and in terms of transfers of technology, licensed production in India, personnel training, supply of spare parts, maintenance and upgrading.
13/02/09 ExpressBuzz
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
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Bangalore: South Asia’s biggest airshow opened here on Wednesday with aerospace firms from 25 countries showcasing their latest hardware, including six aircraft makers pitching for the biggest fighter-jet contract up for grabs in the world.
Despite the global economic slowdown, 592 armament and aerospace companies—half of them Indian, up from 41% in 2007—are taking part in this year’s Aero India event in Bangalore. This year’s edition of the biennial event also features home-grown aerospace component and software firms scouting for international partners and deals.
The level of interest illustrates the significance of India as a market for makers of military hardware. India’s military is forecast to spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on the purchase of 126 fighter jets for which it has floated the world’s largest military tender in recent years.
The contract is estimated to be worth at least Rs42,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Saab AB, Dassault Aviation SA and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their aircraft from April to evaluate their capabilities.
US defence firm Raytheon Co., which last year signed deals with eight local firms to develop military electronics, has offered its Airborne Standoff Radar systems to help India reinforce its coastline defences. India began beefing up offshore security after the November terrorist siege of Mumbai in which the attackers travelled unnoticed by sea.
Besides the 126 fighter jets, transport aircraft and airborne warning and control system, India plans to buy 700 helicopters worth $3.5 billion along with artillery, warships and other hardware.
India also wants the winner to reinvest some of the funds from the deal in developing the country’s aerospace and defence sector by sourcing components and services locally in a requirement known as an offset.
The offset policy has opened up a potential opportunity for firms such as Sigma Electro Systems Ltd, a maker of test equipment for aircraft and aircraft systems based in Nashik, Maharashtra.
V.B. Athmaram, managing director of Varisis Advanced Engineering and Software Technologies India Pvt. Ltd, a Bangalore firm that makes radars and electronic warfare systems, said he is signing joint ventures with firms such as Selex Galileo, a unit of Finmeccanica, for offsets deals.
Most of these small Indian companies are located in clusters in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, to make components and systems for public sector defence units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd, DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Naseeb Chand (AFP)/Bloomberg/Livemint
Despite the global economic slowdown, 592 armament and aerospace companies—half of them Indian, up from 41% in 2007—are taking part in this year’s Aero India event in Bangalore. This year’s edition of the biennial event also features home-grown aerospace component and software firms scouting for international partners and deals.
The level of interest illustrates the significance of India as a market for makers of military hardware. India’s military is forecast to spend at least $30 billion (Rs1.46 trillion) by 2012, a significant portion of it on the purchase of 126 fighter jets for which it has floated the world’s largest military tender in recent years.
The contract is estimated to be worth at least Rs42,000 crore. The Indian Air Force is expected to invite six firms—Lockheed Martin Corp., Boeing Co., European Aeronautic Defence and Space Co., Saab AB, Dassault Aviation SA and Russia’s MiG Corp.—to test their aircraft from April to evaluate their capabilities.
US defence firm Raytheon Co., which last year signed deals with eight local firms to develop military electronics, has offered its Airborne Standoff Radar systems to help India reinforce its coastline defences. India began beefing up offshore security after the November terrorist siege of Mumbai in which the attackers travelled unnoticed by sea.
Besides the 126 fighter jets, transport aircraft and airborne warning and control system, India plans to buy 700 helicopters worth $3.5 billion along with artillery, warships and other hardware.
India also wants the winner to reinvest some of the funds from the deal in developing the country’s aerospace and defence sector by sourcing components and services locally in a requirement known as an offset.
The offset policy has opened up a potential opportunity for firms such as Sigma Electro Systems Ltd, a maker of test equipment for aircraft and aircraft systems based in Nashik, Maharashtra.
V.B. Athmaram, managing director of Varisis Advanced Engineering and Software Technologies India Pvt. Ltd, a Bangalore firm that makes radars and electronic warfare systems, said he is signing joint ventures with firms such as Selex Galileo, a unit of Finmeccanica, for offsets deals.
Most of these small Indian companies are located in clusters in Bangalore, Chennai, Hyderabad and Pune, to make components and systems for public sector defence units such as Bharat Electronics Ltd, DRDO and Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd.
11/02/09 K. Raghu/Naseeb Chand (AFP)/Bloomberg/Livemint
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
To read the news in full | PermaLink
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: 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: 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
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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
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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: 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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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: Riding high on the winds of change in India-U.S. ties since the signing of the civilian nuclear deal, American aerospace prowess will be at full throttle during the Aero India-2009 international air show beginning here on Wednesday.
"The U.S. will be the largest participant at Aero India 2009 in terms of space taken up to showcase an array of military and civilian aircraft for static and flying displays. With a huge contingent, our presence will be larger than at any previous Indian air show," a U.S. consulate official told IANS.
Though the number of U.S. firms participating in the five-day biannual event at 22 is lower than that of other countries, the presence of its aerospace majors such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Bell Helicopter with their fleet of fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, hi-tech equipment and products will be a major attraction and show of strength.
"Our participation in a big way highlights the U.S. administration's commitment to increase defence cooperation with India and the importance it places in international defence arena. Besides top military leaders and defence department officials, top officials of aerospace firms will be present at the event," the official said, requesting anonymity.
Owing to security and operational reasons, detailed information on the products and technologies being showcased and marketed by the participating firms have not been made public.
Lockheed's F-16 and Boeing's F/A-18F Super Hornet are in a hot race to win the Indian Air Force (IAF) contract for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). Both have flown in a couple of the combat-proven strike fighters for static and aerial demos with a full weapons payload involving breath-taking maneouvres twice a day at the Yelahanka air force station, 20 km from the city.
Vying with F-16 and F-18 in displaying air power will be Eurofighter Typhoon of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space), Gripen of Saab, French Rafale of Dassault and Russian MiG-35 of MiG for the lucrative IAF order, estimated at about Rs 50,000 crore ($10 billion).
09/02/09 IANS/The Hindu
"The U.S. will be the largest participant at Aero India 2009 in terms of space taken up to showcase an array of military and civilian aircraft for static and flying displays. With a huge contingent, our presence will be larger than at any previous Indian air show," a U.S. consulate official told IANS.
Though the number of U.S. firms participating in the five-day biannual event at 22 is lower than that of other countries, the presence of its aerospace majors such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics and Bell Helicopter with their fleet of fighter jets, transport planes, helicopters, hi-tech equipment and products will be a major attraction and show of strength.
"Our participation in a big way highlights the U.S. administration's commitment to increase defence cooperation with India and the importance it places in international defence arena. Besides top military leaders and defence department officials, top officials of aerospace firms will be present at the event," the official said, requesting anonymity.
Owing to security and operational reasons, detailed information on the products and technologies being showcased and marketed by the participating firms have not been made public.
Lockheed's F-16 and Boeing's F/A-18F Super Hornet are in a hot race to win the Indian Air Force (IAF) contract for 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA). Both have flown in a couple of the combat-proven strike fighters for static and aerial demos with a full weapons payload involving breath-taking maneouvres twice a day at the Yelahanka air force station, 20 km from the city.
Vying with F-16 and F-18 in displaying air power will be Eurofighter Typhoon of EADS (European Aeronautic Defence and Space), Gripen of Saab, French Rafale of Dassault and Russian MiG-35 of MiG for the lucrative IAF order, estimated at about Rs 50,000 crore ($10 billion).
09/02/09 IANS/The Hindu
Labels: General: Participants, USA
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New Delhi: Eyeing India's over $ 30 billion defence market, 592 global and Indian defence companies will showcase their aircraft and weapon systems at the seventh edition of Aero India starting in Bangalore from Wednesday.
Of these exhibitors from 25 countries, 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The major participant countries include the US, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Israel. This is the largest foreign and Indian participation at the show.
At the moment, India's long defence shopping list includes big ticket items such as the 126 multirole combat aircraft, 197 light utility helicopters, various reconnaissance aircraft and choppers and types of artillery systems, radars and sensors for its three services.
Additions to the existing list were made after the 26/11 terror strikes with armed forces going in for fast-track acquisition for their urgent needs.
To witness the mega event, Defence Ministers from eight countries including France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives will be at the show, besides high level delegations from 40 countries.
Germany and France with 31, 26 Companies from Britain, Russia with 24, Italy with 20 and Israel with 11 companies would be the major participants at the seventh edition of the show. China would participate in the show for the first time with a 10-member delegation led its Deputy Air Chief.
US will be the largest participant at the event in terms of the space occupied at the venue. 22 of its companies will showcase their different civilian and military aircraft as part of flight and static displays.
The major attraction of the show would be the flight displays by the four foreign fighter aircraft vying for IAF's 126 multi-role combat aircraft deal.
This includes the American F-16 and F/A-18, Russian MiG 35 and the European Eurofighter Typhoon. The other two contenders Gripen and Rafale have not brought their aircraft for the show.
Rivalry of the US contenders to fly Indian VIPs in their fighter jets will continue during this edition also with Lockheed Martin flying Indian Olympic-star Abhinav Bindra in its 'Fighting Falcon' and Boeing planning to fly two aviation personalities in its 'Super Hornet.'
09/02/09 PTI/MSN.com
Of these exhibitors from 25 countries, 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The major participant countries include the US, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Israel. This is the largest foreign and Indian participation at the show.
At the moment, India's long defence shopping list includes big ticket items such as the 126 multirole combat aircraft, 197 light utility helicopters, various reconnaissance aircraft and choppers and types of artillery systems, radars and sensors for its three services.
Additions to the existing list were made after the 26/11 terror strikes with armed forces going in for fast-track acquisition for their urgent needs.
To witness the mega event, Defence Ministers from eight countries including France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives will be at the show, besides high level delegations from 40 countries.
Germany and France with 31, 26 Companies from Britain, Russia with 24, Italy with 20 and Israel with 11 companies would be the major participants at the seventh edition of the show. China would participate in the show for the first time with a 10-member delegation led its Deputy Air Chief.
US will be the largest participant at the event in terms of the space occupied at the venue. 22 of its companies will showcase their different civilian and military aircraft as part of flight and static displays.
The major attraction of the show would be the flight displays by the four foreign fighter aircraft vying for IAF's 126 multi-role combat aircraft deal.
This includes the American F-16 and F/A-18, Russian MiG 35 and the European Eurofighter Typhoon. The other two contenders Gripen and Rafale have not brought their aircraft for the show.
Rivalry of the US contenders to fly Indian VIPs in their fighter jets will continue during this edition also with Lockheed Martin flying Indian Olympic-star Abhinav Bindra in its 'Fighting Falcon' and Boeing planning to fly two aviation personalities in its 'Super Hornet.'
09/02/09 PTI/MSN.com
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
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With just two days left for Aero India 2009, the Air Force Station (AFS) Yelahanka, the venue for the country’s biggest aerospace and defence exposition, was abuzz with activity on Sunday both on ground and in air as well.
All fourteen aircraft including those which have flown in from abroad, were seen rehearsing at AFS.
Lockheed Martin’s F-16 which has already got India’s sole gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to co-pilot the aircraft as a guest was the main attraction on Sunday.
A few guests which included officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and reporters got a chance to test a lethal fighter jet which is among the contenders for the 126 multimedium role combat aircraft which IAF plans to acquire.
Along with the US Air Force’s F-18, which has arrived in Bangalore, is the Russian Military Federation’s MiG 35 D.
The Russian aircraft with the national flag on and seen rehearsing in the blue skies gave a glimpse of the treat they will give to the audience between February 11 to 14.
The Luftwaffe - German Air Force, was also seen rehearsing as the four Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft which will be making its India debut performed a few aerobatic stunts.
The IAF was not far behind as the display teams of the Sarang and Suryakiran performed stunts they are best known for.
BAE Systems will have its biggest-ever presence at Aero India 09. It will be unveiling its Mantis for the first time during the show.
Mantis, a new autonomous Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) being developed by BAE Systems, will be making its international debut. A full-size Mantis and Herti will grace the area outside the BAE Systems pavilion. The UAVs were shipped from the UK.
Final touches were given to the exhibition areas as well and the chalets were being readied.
In total 592 exhibitors will be displaying their products which include 303 international and 289 national exhibitors.
Life-saving seating BAE Systems brings lifesaving aircraft seating to Aero India for the first time.
09/02/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
All fourteen aircraft including those which have flown in from abroad, were seen rehearsing at AFS.
Lockheed Martin’s F-16 which has already got India’s sole gold medalist Abhinav Bindra to co-pilot the aircraft as a guest was the main attraction on Sunday.
A few guests which included officials from the Indian Air Force (IAF) and reporters got a chance to test a lethal fighter jet which is among the contenders for the 126 multimedium role combat aircraft which IAF plans to acquire.
Along with the US Air Force’s F-18, which has arrived in Bangalore, is the Russian Military Federation’s MiG 35 D.
The Russian aircraft with the national flag on and seen rehearsing in the blue skies gave a glimpse of the treat they will give to the audience between February 11 to 14.
The Luftwaffe - German Air Force, was also seen rehearsing as the four Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft which will be making its India debut performed a few aerobatic stunts.
The IAF was not far behind as the display teams of the Sarang and Suryakiran performed stunts they are best known for.
BAE Systems will have its biggest-ever presence at Aero India 09. It will be unveiling its Mantis for the first time during the show.
Mantis, a new autonomous Unmanned Air Vehicle (UAV) being developed by BAE Systems, will be making its international debut. A full-size Mantis and Herti will grace the area outside the BAE Systems pavilion. The UAVs were shipped from the UK.
Final touches were given to the exhibition areas as well and the chalets were being readied.
In total 592 exhibitors will be displaying their products which include 303 international and 289 national exhibitors.
Life-saving seating BAE Systems brings lifesaving aircraft seating to Aero India for the first time.
09/02/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
Labels: General: Arrangements, General: Participants
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New Delhi: Eyeing India's over USD 30 billion defence market, 592 global and Indian defence companies will showcase their aircraft and weapon systems at the seventh edition of Aero India starting in Bangalore from Wednesday.
Of these exhibitors from 25 countries, 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The major participant countries include the US, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Israel. This is the largest foreign and Indian participation at the show.
At the moment, India's long defence shopping list includes big ticket items such as the 126 multirole combat aircraft, 197 light utility helicopters, various reconnaissance aircraft and choppers and types of artillery systems, radars and sensors for its three services.
Additions to the existing list were made after the 26/11 terror strikes with armed forces going in for fast-track acquisition for their urgent needs.
To witness the mega event, Defence Ministers from eight countries including France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives will be at the show, besides high level delegations from 40 countries. Germany and France with 31, 26 Companies from Britain, Russia with 24, Italy with 20 and Israel with 11 companies would be the major participants at the seventh edition of the show. China would participate in the show for the first time with a 10-member delegation led its Deputy Air Chief. US will be the largest participant at the event in terms of the space occupied at the venue. 22 of its companies will showcase their different civilian and military aircraft as part of flight and static displays.
The major attraction of the show would be the flight displays by the four foreign fighter aircraft vying for IAF's 126 multi-role combat aircraft deal.
This includes the American F-16 and F/A-18, Russian MiG 35 and the European Eurofighter Typhoon. The other two contenders Gripen and Rafale have not brought their aircraft for the show.
Rivalry of the US contenders to fly Indian VIPs in their fighter jets will continue during this edition also with Lockheed Martin flying Indian Olympic-star Abhinav Bindra in its 'Fighting Falcon' and Boeing planning to fly two aviation personalities in its 'Super Hornet.'
In the 6th edition of the show, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata was flown by both the companies in their aircraft. India's indigenously developed platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft, ALH Dhruv and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would also fly at the show.
IAF's Su-30s, Mirages and the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) will also form part of the daily flight displays over the venue.
A number of other aircraft including Hawk AJT, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet, Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo, K-135 Stratotanker and A-310 MRTT will also be there on static display. PTI AJD ETB The participation of companies at the show has increased after India allowed procurement of weapon systems and equipment from the US for the modernisation of its armed forces.
Opening up of the defence sector to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and new opportunities in the civil aviation sector have also drawn global players to the show.
To offer maximum business opportunities to participants, structured business to business meetings venue has been earmarked at the show.
Indian space prowess will be showcased at the ISRO pavilion set up with the Human Resource pavilion displaying aerospace projects undertaken by various IITs and engineering colleges.
Impact of 26/11 terror strikes would be seen in the security arrangements as 140 CCTV cameras have been installed at the venue to keep a close eye on the developments at the show and IAF's Special troops 'Garuds' will carry out patrolling inside the venue.
08/02/09 PTI/The Hindu
Of these exhibitors from 25 countries, 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The major participant countries include the US, Britain, France, Italy, Germany, Russia and Israel. This is the largest foreign and Indian participation at the show.
At the moment, India's long defence shopping list includes big ticket items such as the 126 multirole combat aircraft, 197 light utility helicopters, various reconnaissance aircraft and choppers and types of artillery systems, radars and sensors for its three services.
Additions to the existing list were made after the 26/11 terror strikes with armed forces going in for fast-track acquisition for their urgent needs.
To witness the mega event, Defence Ministers from eight countries including France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives will be at the show, besides high level delegations from 40 countries. Germany and France with 31, 26 Companies from Britain, Russia with 24, Italy with 20 and Israel with 11 companies would be the major participants at the seventh edition of the show. China would participate in the show for the first time with a 10-member delegation led its Deputy Air Chief. US will be the largest participant at the event in terms of the space occupied at the venue. 22 of its companies will showcase their different civilian and military aircraft as part of flight and static displays.
The major attraction of the show would be the flight displays by the four foreign fighter aircraft vying for IAF's 126 multi-role combat aircraft deal.
This includes the American F-16 and F/A-18, Russian MiG 35 and the European Eurofighter Typhoon. The other two contenders Gripen and Rafale have not brought their aircraft for the show.
Rivalry of the US contenders to fly Indian VIPs in their fighter jets will continue during this edition also with Lockheed Martin flying Indian Olympic-star Abhinav Bindra in its 'Fighting Falcon' and Boeing planning to fly two aviation personalities in its 'Super Hornet.'
In the 6th edition of the show, Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata was flown by both the companies in their aircraft. India's indigenously developed platforms such as the Light Combat Aircraft, ALH Dhruv and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) would also fly at the show.
IAF's Su-30s, Mirages and the Surya Kiran Aerobatics Team (SKAT) will also form part of the daily flight displays over the venue.
A number of other aircraft including Hawk AJT, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet, Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo, K-135 Stratotanker and A-310 MRTT will also be there on static display. PTI AJD ETB The participation of companies at the show has increased after India allowed procurement of weapon systems and equipment from the US for the modernisation of its armed forces.
Opening up of the defence sector to Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and new opportunities in the civil aviation sector have also drawn global players to the show.
To offer maximum business opportunities to participants, structured business to business meetings venue has been earmarked at the show.
Indian space prowess will be showcased at the ISRO pavilion set up with the Human Resource pavilion displaying aerospace projects undertaken by various IITs and engineering colleges.
Impact of 26/11 terror strikes would be seen in the security arrangements as 140 CCTV cameras have been installed at the venue to keep a close eye on the developments at the show and IAF's Special troops 'Garuds' will carry out patrolling inside the venue.
08/02/09 PTI/The Hindu
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
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Bangalore: Global aerospace majors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing and Dassault have flown in their metal birds to India’s IT hub to showcase their air power at the seventh Aero India 2009 biannual trade expo that takes off Wednesday from the Indian Air Force (IAF) station at Yelahanka.
Billed as Asia’s premier event in the aviation sector, the five-day international trade expo-cum-conference will showcase an array of fighter jets, helicopters, transport and civil aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and a host of products/technologies that form the eco-system of the multi-billion dollar global aerospace industry.
“In the run-up, biggies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, MiG, Dassault, Saab, and BAE Systems have flown in their aircraft for flying and static display at the air show,” Wing Commander M.D. Singh of the defence exhibition organisation told IANS.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) consortium has also brought in for the first time four of its Eurofighters (Typhoon) from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) for the showpiece.
Incidentally, all the six global aerospace majors Lockheed, Boeing, MiG, Dassault, Saab and EADS have pitched in their F-16, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, MiG-35D, French Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contract from the IAF, estimated to cost about $10 billion (Rs.500 billion/Rs.50,000 crore).
Besides military aircraft, civil aircraft from the likes of Boeing, Airbus and Embraer business jet of Brazil and multi-utility copters from Bell and Eurocopter have landed to explore the Indian market unmindful of the downturn in the aviation sector due to slowdown and global recession.
Not to be left behind, state-run behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is in the forefront with its fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi-MKI30, jet trainer Hawk, Jaguar, Mirage, MiGs and the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and its flagship product Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) for flying and static display.
The opening-up of the aerospace industry to the private sector with foreign participation up to 26 percent equity holding bodes well for the state-run HAL and Bharat Electronics and research and development (R&D) institutes such as DRDO, ADA, GTRE, ADE and CABS to pitch for partnerships and joint ventures for leveraging the resources, including skilled manpower.
As a window of opportunity for global firms to network with their Indian counterparts and benefit from the expertise in R&D production, the mega event will provide a perfect backdrop to explore collaborative efforts.
Of the record 592 exhibitors, including 303 from 25 countries and 289 from the Indian sub-continent, 31 firms each are from Germany and France, followed by Britain (26), Russia (24), the US (22), Italy (19), Belgium (17), Israel (11) and Australia (10).
China will be represented for the first time through a token 10-member delegation.
08/02/09 IANS/Thaindian.com, Thailand
Billed as Asia’s premier event in the aviation sector, the five-day international trade expo-cum-conference will showcase an array of fighter jets, helicopters, transport and civil aircraft, unmanned aerial vehicles and a host of products/technologies that form the eco-system of the multi-billion dollar global aerospace industry.
“In the run-up, biggies like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, MiG, Dassault, Saab, and BAE Systems have flown in their aircraft for flying and static display at the air show,” Wing Commander M.D. Singh of the defence exhibition organisation told IANS.
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) consortium has also brought in for the first time four of its Eurofighters (Typhoon) from the German Air Force (Luftwaffe) for the showpiece.
Incidentally, all the six global aerospace majors Lockheed, Boeing, MiG, Dassault, Saab and EADS have pitched in their F-16, F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, MiG-35D, French Rafale, Gripen and Typhoon for the 126 medium multi-role combat aircraft (MMRCA) contract from the IAF, estimated to cost about $10 billion (Rs.500 billion/Rs.50,000 crore).
Besides military aircraft, civil aircraft from the likes of Boeing, Airbus and Embraer business jet of Brazil and multi-utility copters from Bell and Eurocopter have landed to explore the Indian market unmindful of the downturn in the aviation sector due to slowdown and global recession.
Not to be left behind, state-run behemoth Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) is in the forefront with its fighter aircraft such as Sukhoi-MKI30, jet trainer Hawk, Jaguar, Mirage, MiGs and the indigenous Tejas Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT) and its flagship product Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH) for flying and static display.
The opening-up of the aerospace industry to the private sector with foreign participation up to 26 percent equity holding bodes well for the state-run HAL and Bharat Electronics and research and development (R&D) institutes such as DRDO, ADA, GTRE, ADE and CABS to pitch for partnerships and joint ventures for leveraging the resources, including skilled manpower.
As a window of opportunity for global firms to network with their Indian counterparts and benefit from the expertise in R&D production, the mega event will provide a perfect backdrop to explore collaborative efforts.
Of the record 592 exhibitors, including 303 from 25 countries and 289 from the Indian sub-continent, 31 firms each are from Germany and France, followed by Britain (26), Russia (24), the US (22), Italy (19), Belgium (17), Israel (11) and Australia (10).
China will be represented for the first time through a token 10-member delegation.
08/02/09 IANS/Thaindian.com, Thailand
Labels: Boeing, Dassault, Defense, General: Participants, Lockheed Martin
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New Delhi: The world may have been hit by economic recession but India will continue to shop for arms and weapons systems. A top ranking Defence Ministry official on Monday claimed that there were enough funds for modernisation of the Armed Forces and the new acquisitions would continue despite the economic slowdown.
The message would cheer up at least the global military aviation industry which will show up in full strength in Bangalore for the latest edition of Aero India 2009 beginning next week.
Secretary (Defence Production) Pradeep Kumar, who is the chief organiser of the air show, claimed that the country’s military programme will continue as before dispelling any doubts despite economic turmoil.
Perhaps, this is the reason why the world’s aviation companies have turned up in large numbers at Bangalore making Aero India one of the biggest air shows in this part of the world. This is the 7th show and by far the biggest.All the dominant aviation players will be there as usual but some new grounds have been broken. For the first time China, which has stayed away from previous air shows, has decided to send a 10-member delegation.
There will not be any Chinese aircraft though. China has been making rapid strides in aviation and is even producing its own aircraft specifically targeted for the Third World markets.
One of the obvious attentions during Aero India, starting on February 11, would be on fighter jets.
The process of acquisition of 126 multi-role combat fighters for the Indian Air Force has reached a decisive stage. Those in the fray are going to display their combat jets at the air show.
For the first time, India will have a close look at Eurofighter Typhoon.
A total of 592 companies have registered for the show out of which 303 are foreign. The maximum number of companies will be from Germany and France (31 each) followed by the UK, Russia, the US, Italy, Belgium, Israel and Australia.
The US with 22 companies will occupy the largest space at the show. There will be a lot of flying activities over Bangalore’s air space during the show and organisers were satisfied that there have been no cancellations despite 26/11.
03/02/09 Gautam Datt/ExpressBuzz
The message would cheer up at least the global military aviation industry which will show up in full strength in Bangalore for the latest edition of Aero India 2009 beginning next week.
Secretary (Defence Production) Pradeep Kumar, who is the chief organiser of the air show, claimed that the country’s military programme will continue as before dispelling any doubts despite economic turmoil.
Perhaps, this is the reason why the world’s aviation companies have turned up in large numbers at Bangalore making Aero India one of the biggest air shows in this part of the world. This is the 7th show and by far the biggest.All the dominant aviation players will be there as usual but some new grounds have been broken. For the first time China, which has stayed away from previous air shows, has decided to send a 10-member delegation.
There will not be any Chinese aircraft though. China has been making rapid strides in aviation and is even producing its own aircraft specifically targeted for the Third World markets.
One of the obvious attentions during Aero India, starting on February 11, would be on fighter jets.
The process of acquisition of 126 multi-role combat fighters for the Indian Air Force has reached a decisive stage. Those in the fray are going to display their combat jets at the air show.
For the first time, India will have a close look at Eurofighter Typhoon.
A total of 592 companies have registered for the show out of which 303 are foreign. The maximum number of companies will be from Germany and France (31 each) followed by the UK, Russia, the US, Italy, Belgium, Israel and Australia.
The US with 22 companies will occupy the largest space at the show. There will be a lot of flying activities over Bangalore’s air space during the show and organisers were satisfied that there have been no cancellations despite 26/11.
03/02/09 Gautam Datt/ExpressBuzz
Labels: Defense, General: Participants
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The 7th Edition of Aero India, Asia’s premier Air Show, will be held in Bengaluru from February 11 to 15, 2009. In size and number, this is going to be the biggest air show, hosted by India, so far. Organised by the Ministry of Defence and managed by the Confederation of Indian Industry(CII), the Air Show will be inaugurated by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony on February 11 at Air Force Station Yelahanka, Bengaluru,
Aero India has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with six successful editions organized between 1996 and 2007.The show aims at bringing under one roof, exhibitors from all around the globe to showcase the best in aviation. Aero India includes both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircrafts from leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.
India’s opening up of the defence sector to foreign direct investment, the ongoing modernization plan of its Armed Forces and enormous new opportunities in the civil aviation sector have opened innumerable new avenues for investment. Aero India 2009 will provide an ideal window of opportunity for companies to not only network with the Indian Industry but also to benefit from the sharing of expertise in the fields of R & D production and product support with other global players. Aero India 2009 will showcase the latest in the field of Military and Civil aircrafts, vital components for aircraft engines, avionics systems & sub systems, airfield radars and new age technologies used in the defence sector.
592 exhibitors from 25 countries will participate at the show. Of them 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The participating countries include UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands and Ukraine. China will be participating at this year’s Air Show for the first time.
A number of aircraft including F-16, F-18, MiG-35D, Eurofighter, IJT, Dhruv, Hawk, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo and A-310 MRTT will be on display. Flight displays will be between 1000-1200 hrs and 1430-1630 hrs.
Defence Ministers from as many as eight countries will converge on Bengaluru for the show. The countries are France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives. Besides high level delegations from 40 countries will witness the Show.
There would be some new dimensions to the Aero India 2009. These include business to business meetings and human resource focused activities, apart from a space pavilion. There will be structured business to business meetings to offer maximum business opportunities to participants. To expose Indian human resource potential in Aero Space Sector, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras and also various other engineering colleges will display student based project in Aero Space Sector. Information will be shared, which will focus on giving exposure to students from Class 3 to Class 12 on various aspects of aviation in the form of dummy display and video clippings. About 200 students from Municipal to Corporate schools in Bangalore will be given exposure everyday during the entire duration of the show.
550 sq meter space pavilion is being set up by ISRO, which would be located along with the Human Resource Pavilion in exhibition area. There will be 40,000 Sq Meter of indoor display and another 4,000 Sq Meter outdoor display. To facilitate easy purchase of tickets, 24 locations at SBI outlets and Café Coffee Day have been selected in Bangalore.
02/02/09 Press Information Bureau
Aero India has already carved a niche for itself globally as a premier aerospace exhibition, with six successful editions organized between 1996 and 2007.The show aims at bringing under one roof, exhibitors from all around the globe to showcase the best in aviation. Aero India includes both flight and static displays of a wide range of civil and military aircrafts from leading manufacturers, vendors and suppliers.
India’s opening up of the defence sector to foreign direct investment, the ongoing modernization plan of its Armed Forces and enormous new opportunities in the civil aviation sector have opened innumerable new avenues for investment. Aero India 2009 will provide an ideal window of opportunity for companies to not only network with the Indian Industry but also to benefit from the sharing of expertise in the fields of R & D production and product support with other global players. Aero India 2009 will showcase the latest in the field of Military and Civil aircrafts, vital components for aircraft engines, avionics systems & sub systems, airfield radars and new age technologies used in the defence sector.
592 exhibitors from 25 countries will participate at the show. Of them 303 are from overseas and 289 from home. The participating countries include UK, USA, Canada, Australia, Brazil, Belgium, Czech Republic, France, Germany, India, Italy, Ireland, Israel, Malaysia, Norway, Poland, Romania, Russia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Netherlands and Ukraine. China will be participating at this year’s Air Show for the first time.
A number of aircraft including F-16, F-18, MiG-35D, Eurofighter, IJT, Dhruv, Hawk, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo and A-310 MRTT will be on display. Flight displays will be between 1000-1200 hrs and 1430-1630 hrs.
Defence Ministers from as many as eight countries will converge on Bengaluru for the show. The countries are France, Peru, Bolivia, Surinam, Mongolia, Oman and Maldives. Besides high level delegations from 40 countries will witness the Show.
There would be some new dimensions to the Aero India 2009. These include business to business meetings and human resource focused activities, apart from a space pavilion. There will be structured business to business meetings to offer maximum business opportunities to participants. To expose Indian human resource potential in Aero Space Sector, IIT Bombay, IIT Kanpur and IIT Madras and also various other engineering colleges will display student based project in Aero Space Sector. Information will be shared, which will focus on giving exposure to students from Class 3 to Class 12 on various aspects of aviation in the form of dummy display and video clippings. About 200 students from Municipal to Corporate schools in Bangalore will be given exposure everyday during the entire duration of the show.
550 sq meter space pavilion is being set up by ISRO, which would be located along with the Human Resource Pavilion in exhibition area. There will be 40,000 Sq Meter of indoor display and another 4,000 Sq Meter outdoor display. To facilitate easy purchase of tickets, 24 locations at SBI outlets and Café Coffee Day have been selected in Bangalore.
02/02/09 Press Information Bureau
Labels: General: Arrangements, General: Participants
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These are indeed turbulent times, not just on ground but in the sky as well. Asia’s biggest airshow, the upcoming Aero India 2009 is the latest to be be bitten by the recession bug, as several aerospace and defence companies, including the big players, are feeling the heat of the global economic meltdown. Companies which in the past used to flaunt their products in a big way and some which resorted to massive publicity campaigns have tightened their budgets for the air show which is to be held at the Air Force Station at Yelahanaka, between February 11 and February 15.
The cost cutting measures are not just restricted to clamping down on basic expenses, but also on product displays. “Starting from a cut on travel expenses to publicity campaigns, we have been asked to tighten our budgets. Many HR related activities like training of staff and giving them cultural exposure before a big event like Aero India used to take place earlier, now its all about cost cutting,” an official from European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) told Expresso. During the last Aero India held in 2007, apart from making the affair a predominantly military one, there was mix of leisure as well. On the aircraft display side too, which is the main attraction of any airshow, this time companies are not going all out. Rumour has it that companies like the Sweden’s SAAB, French Dassault and Russia’s MiG Corporation will not be sending their aircraft for flight display.
Defence sources said that it is surprising to see that the SAAB, Dassault and MiG Corporation not flying in their aircraft despite being in the race to bag the contract for the 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MMRC) from the Indian Air Force.
02/02/09 Hemanth C S/ExpressBuzz
The cost cutting measures are not just restricted to clamping down on basic expenses, but also on product displays. “Starting from a cut on travel expenses to publicity campaigns, we have been asked to tighten our budgets. Many HR related activities like training of staff and giving them cultural exposure before a big event like Aero India used to take place earlier, now its all about cost cutting,” an official from European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company (EADS) told Expresso. During the last Aero India held in 2007, apart from making the affair a predominantly military one, there was mix of leisure as well. On the aircraft display side too, which is the main attraction of any airshow, this time companies are not going all out. Rumour has it that companies like the Sweden’s SAAB, French Dassault and Russia’s MiG Corporation will not be sending their aircraft for flight display.
Defence sources said that it is surprising to see that the SAAB, Dassault and MiG Corporation not flying in their aircraft despite being in the race to bag the contract for the 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MMRC) from the Indian Air Force.
02/02/09 Hemanth C S/ExpressBuzz
Labels: General: Arrangements, General: Participants
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Bangalore: Scenes of the world’s best air warriors indulging in dog fights and aerobatic displays will be a common feature during the Aero India 2009.
Locking horns with these fighter and display pilots will be celebrities from India attired in G-suits and co-piloting some of the most lethal fighter jets during the bi-annual aero show to be held from February 11 to 15 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka.
Foreign participants who will be displaying their most potent aircraft are keen on having celebrities in their aircraft cockpits and also taking them on sorties during the aero show.
US aviation major Lockheed Martin which will have the F-16 and the C130J aircraft on the flying display side during Aero India, has said that it is keen to invite a few guests to co-pilot its aircraft.
“We have invites right now to some special people, but have no firm names as of yet,” Lockheed Martin Officials in India confirmed to The Express.
The US Embassy in New Delhi is said to have already sent invites to a few guests to fly the test or co-pilot the aircraft of some of the American companies which will be taking part during Aero India.
While the list of Indian celebrities is awaited, the speculation is that flying enthusiasts and industrialists, including those involved in the aviation industry, will don the G-suits.
Among the companies and aircraft which are keen to have the guest pilots on board are those which are lobbying hard to bag the contract for the 126 multi-role combat aircraft which the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire.
During the last edition of Aero India in 2007, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata co-piloted the F-16 and also Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet. Both the companies are in the race for bagging the contract to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft, as IAF plans to conduct flight trials in March.
29/01/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
Locking horns with these fighter and display pilots will be celebrities from India attired in G-suits and co-piloting some of the most lethal fighter jets during the bi-annual aero show to be held from February 11 to 15 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka.
Foreign participants who will be displaying their most potent aircraft are keen on having celebrities in their aircraft cockpits and also taking them on sorties during the aero show.
US aviation major Lockheed Martin which will have the F-16 and the C130J aircraft on the flying display side during Aero India, has said that it is keen to invite a few guests to co-pilot its aircraft.
“We have invites right now to some special people, but have no firm names as of yet,” Lockheed Martin Officials in India confirmed to The Express.
The US Embassy in New Delhi is said to have already sent invites to a few guests to fly the test or co-pilot the aircraft of some of the American companies which will be taking part during Aero India.
While the list of Indian celebrities is awaited, the speculation is that flying enthusiasts and industrialists, including those involved in the aviation industry, will don the G-suits.
Among the companies and aircraft which are keen to have the guest pilots on board are those which are lobbying hard to bag the contract for the 126 multi-role combat aircraft which the Indian Air Force (IAF) plans to acquire.
During the last edition of Aero India in 2007, Tata Group chairman Ratan Tata co-piloted the F-16 and also Boeing’s F-18 Super Hornet. Both the companies are in the race for bagging the contract to supply 126 multi-role combat aircraft, as IAF plans to conduct flight trials in March.
29/01/09 Hemanth CS/ExpressBuzz
Labels: General: Participants, Special Events
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Bangalore: Nearly a hundred civilian and military aircraft will take part in a five-day international air show at the Indian Air Force station at the Yelahanka airbase on the outskirts of the city.
The seventh edition of the biennial international air show Aero India 2009 from February 11-15, 2009, is billed as Asia's largest. The Indian ministry of defence led show took off for the first time from the same venue in 1996. The event takes place once in two years, becoming now the world's fourth largest such show. The defence ministry, working along a slew of public sector and government bodies, hosts aviation majors from around the globe.
The five-day programme will include flight and static displays of nearly 100 modern range of civil and military aircraft from all over the world. Take your pick: latest fighter jets to maritime surveillance aircraft to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), from Israeli miniature UAVs to giant Russian transport planes that can carry a few trucks inside. Indian airmen will also showcase their skills with their colourful mindblowing aerobatics, a glorious dance in the skies. The February 2009 show will feature about 600 firms from both India and about 50 countries.
14/01/09 Stephen David/India Today
The seventh edition of the biennial international air show Aero India 2009 from February 11-15, 2009, is billed as Asia's largest. The Indian ministry of defence led show took off for the first time from the same venue in 1996. The event takes place once in two years, becoming now the world's fourth largest such show. The defence ministry, working along a slew of public sector and government bodies, hosts aviation majors from around the globe.
The five-day programme will include flight and static displays of nearly 100 modern range of civil and military aircraft from all over the world. Take your pick: latest fighter jets to maritime surveillance aircraft to unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), from Israeli miniature UAVs to giant Russian transport planes that can carry a few trucks inside. Indian airmen will also showcase their skills with their colourful mindblowing aerobatics, a glorious dance in the skies. The February 2009 show will feature about 600 firms from both India and about 50 countries.
14/01/09 Stephen David/India Today
Labels: General: Arrangements, General: Participants
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New Delhi: With India looking to induct a large number of aircraft, helicopters and UAVs (unmanned aerial vehicles) in the coming years, almost 600 armament companies are expected to take part in the Aero India-2009 to be held in Bangalore next February.
"Around 330 companies from 50 countries and 270 firms from India are likely to take part in this 7th edition of the biennial international aerospace exposition," said a defence ministry official on Monday.
"Nearly 100 different types of aircraft, both civil and military, will be on display," he added, after the first meeting of the apex committee for Aero India-2009, which was chaired by defence minister A K Antony.
The Centre will be spending around Rs 20 crore to augment the infrastructure in and around the Yelahanka air force station at Bangalore for the airshow. International aviation majors ranging from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and BAE Systems to Sukhoi, Embraer, Bombardier and SAAB will all be making a beeline for Aero India-2009 to hawk their wares. The mother of all defence contracts is, of course, going to be the purchase of 126 multi-role fighters for IAF at a cost of $10.4 billion.
12/08/08 Times of India
"Around 330 companies from 50 countries and 270 firms from India are likely to take part in this 7th edition of the biennial international aerospace exposition," said a defence ministry official on Monday.
"Nearly 100 different types of aircraft, both civil and military, will be on display," he added, after the first meeting of the apex committee for Aero India-2009, which was chaired by defence minister A K Antony.
The Centre will be spending around Rs 20 crore to augment the infrastructure in and around the Yelahanka air force station at Bangalore for the airshow. International aviation majors ranging from Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Sikorsky and BAE Systems to Sukhoi, Embraer, Bombardier and SAAB will all be making a beeline for Aero India-2009 to hawk their wares. The mother of all defence contracts is, of course, going to be the purchase of 126 multi-role fighters for IAF at a cost of $10.4 billion.
12/08/08 Times of India
Labels: General: Participants
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