Indian aerospace and IT majors saw a flurry of activity as global majors scouted for outsourcing aerospace and defense products. Aviation analysts feel that engineering and design services being outsourced to India are emerging the main opportunities. These include control system design, embedded development, high level aeronautical system design, simulation, testing devices, cockpit equipment support software, air traffic management systems, and composite structuring.
Reaping the windfall is a wide gamut of homegrown aerospace and IT majors—Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL), Larsen and Toubro (L&T), TCS, Wipro, Infosys and HCL.
Indian advantage is obvious to those re-evaluating their engineering and business processes. A recent report by Research & Consultancy Outsourcing Services (RNCOS) predicts that the Indian aerospace technology outsourcing market, which is currently at $155 million, will reach $1 billion by 2009. And by 2020, India’s offshore engineering services market could go up $3 billion, according to Booz Allen Hamilton analysis.
Not surprising then that aerospace majors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Thales, Pratt & Whitney, Bombardier, Rolls Royce, among others, flocked here, hoping for a piece of the billions of dollars in defence contracts India plans to spend in modernising its armed forces.
Clearly, the buzz in defence sector revolves around the $10 billion contract for 126 fighter aircraft. On the civil aviation front too, the excitement is palpable as India’s aviation industry is likely to buy aircraft worth $75 billion during the next ten years during which the number of aircrafts would increase from the present level of 250 to 1,500 aircraft.
And to ensure that Indian companies gain from the opportunity, the government has made it mandatory for aircraft manufacturers to source 30% of the value of the aircraft from Indian vendors.
Action is hotting up. The $30 billion Northrop Grumman Corp has joined hands with Satyam Computer Services to jointly provide high-end engineering services to the global aerospace and defence industry. HCL Technologies and Crane Aerospace & Electronics inked a deal under which HCL will provide engineering services to support Crane’s product lines in cabin, landing systems, sensing and utility systems and fluid management across several aircraft programs. HCL Technologies is already working on the flight test system of the Dream liner aircraft from Boeing.
On its part, the US aircraft maker roped in HAL as partner for joint exploration of business opportunities in India’s defence sector. The European major in aerospace, defence and related services, EADS, signed an agreement with HAL for long-term cooperation.
After signing an agreement with Indian Airlines to set up an engineering maintenance facility in New Delhi, French technology major Safran is now looking at investing 50 million euros in a ‘smart card’ manufacturing centre here. Thales, an international electronics and systems group, signed an agreement with Rudradev Aviation (P) Ltd to supply training equipment for Airbus and Boeing aircraft in a contract valued at approximately $60 million.
12/02/07 Atreyee Dev Roy/Financial Express

Labels: aero india gl

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Bangalore: Hardcore aviation buffs sat glued to the tarmac as the flying machines lit up the skies one last time as "Aero-India 2007," the sixth edition of the biennial aerospace exposition drew to a close at the Yelahanka Air Base here on Sunday.
What has emerged clearly from the five-day event is the decisive shift towards the U.S. in India's future aviation procurements.
Predictably, competitors for the multi-billion dollar Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircraft contract from the Indian Air Force made most of the noise at the show. From the makers of Gripen with their own exclusive corner structure to the Russians with their MiG-35, the fighter aircraft makers were in full attendance. The Americans had come fully prepared with their F-16 flying falcon and the F/A-18 super hornet to make an impact on the IAF.
Defence majors across the world had pitched tent for five full days, well aware of the huge potential the booming Indian aviation industry holds. Money, marketing muscle and media-savvy promotions were all in top gear. American firms Lockheed Martin and Boeing had high visibility. The message was clear: after the Indo-US nuclear deal, the US is hell-bent on grabbing a big piece of the pie, in this case the Great Indian Defence Billing. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), the State-owned aviation major, had double trouble at the show. The company top brass had to tackle two mishaps, the crash of an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv of the Sarang aerobatic team that killed the co-pilot and severely injured the pilot, and the tyre burst of the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT). Both aircraft were HAL's showpieces of indigenous design and development, and the mishaps could not have been more ill-timed.
But the pall of gloom had a silver lining: The hi-profile flight of business tycoon Ratan Tata on the F-16 and F-18. The flights hogged massive publicity.
Business deals between private firms took on an altogether different hue at the air show in the wake of the country's new offset policy drafted as part of the 2006 Defence Procurement Policy. Foreign firms are required to look out for partnerships worth up to 30 per cent of any contract with billings over Rs. 300 crore. Virtually, every participating defence major used the occasion to either firm up contracts with private Indian firms or exchange notes for future tie-ups.
India has proposed to spend about $35 billion over the next 25 years, of which offset alone will come to about $10 billion. This is a huge outlay, a big advantage that both the foreign and Indian defence majors are not willing to miss.
12/02/07 The Hindu

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Bangalore: Tens of thousands of people watched awesome aerial displays on the final day today of the Aero India show that saw makers of combat jets raise their sales pitch to bag a major Indian contract.
After three days earmarked for business, the sixth edition of Aero India was thrown open to the public yesterday and aviation buffs thronged Yelahanka airbase in droves to see the metal war-birds perform breathtaking manoeuvres.
Organisers had expected nearly two lakh people to visit the show and the response did not fall short of their expectation. Traffic choked the National Highway leading to the Yelahanka air force station.
The show witnessed participation by some 500 companies, including 275 foreign firms. Among the top guns were defence aviation majors Lockheed Martin and Boeing.
With India's planned acquisition of 126 multi-role combat aircraft in its sight, Lockheed Martin raised the pitch for its F-16, Boeing for its F-18 and Gripen International for its new generation JAS-39 fighter.
France's Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon and Russia's MiG-35 are also in the race for the multi-billion dollar deal. Russia's MiG Corporation unveiled its MiG-35 to the world at the airshow. The seventh edition of Aero India will be held here in February 2009.
11/02/07 PTI/The Hindu

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After three days of strutting their stuff to India's defense industry, global aviation players brought the show to the public at Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore this weekend.
Even with some glitches, the public was enthralled with aerial displays, the Surya Kiran aerobatic team, and a vast array of large foreign aircraft (read, F-18, F-16) making an impact in the world of aviation, reported The Hindu.
Local aviation enthusiasts were also taken by the Sukhoi-30MKI, MiG-29K and Gripen Fighter Aircrafts.
Things to work on for next time: According to reports in The Hindu, even air show veterans who left for the Air Base early, were caught in amazing traffic jams, spoiling the morning itinerary for many who had to wait for evening displays.
Children under 15 and their parents were also disappointed, as the young people were barred from part of the show; aerial and static displays were all that they could view.
And with any large event, children were separated from parents, the food courts and soft drink stalls were packed, and the tarmac was full with people squatting, walking, and watching.
12/02/07 Aero-News Network, US

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Bangalore: India is set to spend $ 35 billion on military aviation over the next 20 years as most of its existing fleet needs to be replaced sooner or later. This will put Pakistan at a strategic disadvantage with the country finding it difficult to get sellers to maintain the military balance with India.
Two different reports, released at Aero India show, clearly indicate that buyers, may they be Russian, American or European, were flocking to offer the best in military technology to India and there was immense competition for the Indian Air Force's 126 fighter-jet order, besides other aircraft, to replace an ageing Indian fleet.
In a direct contrast, the reports say, the range of fourth-generation fighter jets being offered to India is not on offer to Pakistan indicating India's rise as a superpower in the region.
According to a report by Mr Gulshan Luthra and Air Marshal Ashok Goel (retd), published in the latest issue of the India Strategic Defence magazine, most of the IAF's planes, including the MIG-21, 23,25 and 27, besides the Jaguars or Mirage 2000, and the IL-76 and AN-32 transport aircraft are either due for replacement or upgradation.
It says after Rajiv Gandhi, there was a paralysis in the acquisition process triggered by a spate of inquiries which blocked even the normal process of replacing outdated equipment.
This is a costly mistake, it says, adding the IAF has only been able to acquire the Sukhoi 30MKI which is presently its mainstay to deliver key missiles.
Another report, which has compared the acquisitions India is likely to go through vis a vis Pakistan, says Pakistan will find it nearly impossible to maintain the military balance in the region. The study, conducted by US-based think-tank Strategic Forecasting Inc (Stratfor), says the Aero India expo is “a reminder of India’s continuing rise as a military power”.
The report says India’s plan to spend $ 30 billion on defence purchases in its eleventh plan was causing concern to Pakistan as this amount was almost half of the country’s GDP.Even if Pakistan can acquire new F-16s from the US, it will help maintain the military balance only for now, it notes. It says the Chinese J-10 fighters can be a substitute “but not quite as good in terms of technology, sensors or accompanying armaments”.
IANS adds: India will be spending a massive $35 billion on military aviation over the next 20-25 years for the simple reason that most of the existing aircraft need replacement sooner or later and there is also a requirement for more aircraft with newer technology.
11/02/07 Jangveer Singh/The Tribune

Labels: aero india gl, Defense, Fighters, India

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As the largest global aircraft manufacturer by revenue and the second-largest defense contractor in the world, Boeing is seeking to make inroads into what is seen by many as the fastest growing aviation marketplace in the world.
Boeing is negotiating a $600 million deal with India's air force helicopter fleet that includes the sale of 12 Chinook CH-47 military transport helicopters, along with support and training, reported the Associated Press.
"We have held unofficial meetings with the Indian air force officials, but haven't got anything in writing," Dean Millsap said. Millsap is the Asia Pacific director of Boeing Integrated Business Development.
Millsap said the company expects the Indian government to ask it for a formal proposal in the second quarter of 2007.
At an Aero India press conference, Tom Cunningham, director for international business development at Boeing Integrated Defence Systems, said the company would take 24-30 months for delivery of the helicopter after getting request for proposal. He hoped that the India Air Force would make a decision in this regard in the next quarter.
The $600 million project will include the cost of the aircraft, support systems, logistics and training programs, Millsap said. "The cost of the aircraft itself is about 18 to 20 percent of the total project cost."
11/02/07 India Defence

Labels: boeing, Defense, Helicopter, India, US

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Bangalore: Obscured by the roar of fighter aerobatics at the Aero India 2007 air show in Bangalore from 7-11 February, is the buzz of business being done in a far less glamourous field: civil aviation.
Visitors feast visually on the red-and-white Russian MiG-35 and the American F-18 and F-16 on the display tarmac, but a new generation of moneyed Indian businessmen prefers to inspect the largest display of executive jets ever seen at an air show in India.
The third biggest aircraft company in the world, Canadian manufacturer Bombardier is here, along with US giant, Raytheon, that has brought an unprecedented four executive aircraft to consolidate its 60 per cent hold on the Indian market.
Raytheon vice-president Ted Farid says Raytheon has already sold five jets in three days and the numbers could rise.
Civil aviation is seeing even larger spending than military aviation. Despite last year’s big signings for airliners —- Air India’s $11 bn order for 68 Boeings, Indian Airlines’ purchase of 43 Airbus aircraft for $2.2 billion, and similar purchases by newer airlines like Kingfisher and GoAir —- companies like EADS (the parent company of Airbus) at Aero India eye bigger bucks ahead. EADS pegs India’s demand for airliners at 1100 aircraft, worth $105 billion, over the next 20 years.
These airliners cover just one segment of the market: the metro and inter-city shuttles between 61 airports that are presently connected by scheduled airlines. Flights still do not operate to the majority of India’s 450 airports, 126 of them run by the Airports Authority of India.
11/02/07 Ajai Shukla/Business Standard

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After offering to co-produce the F-18 Super Hornet in this country if it wins an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets, US aerospace major Boeing yesterday upped the ante by committing itself to equipping the aircraft with the latest-generation radar that greatly enhances its capabilities.
And, in keeping with current "Network-centric warfare" doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces, Boeing says the F-18 is more than equipped to put this concept into practice by coordinating operations in the air and on the ground.
"Yes, the aircraft will come with the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array). The radar is in operation and represents the latest generation of radar technology," Rear Admiral Jeffrey A. Wieringa said at the media briefing during the ongoing Aero India air show.
Wieringa wears the twin hats of deputy assistant secretary of the US Navy and director of the navy's international programmes office.
The AESA radar, according to the official, engages targets at very long ranges, continues to search while tracking many targets and can produce high-resolution maps from long stand-off ranges.
11/02/07 India Defence

Labels: boeing, Defense, Radar, US

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Bangalore: The federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) expects to generate revenues in excess of Rs 35 crore from Aero India 2007 - the sixth edition of the international aerospace and defence exhibition. Considering that international aviation majors had to pay more than Rs 50 lakh to the organisers for setting up infrastructure facilities such as exhibition stalls and hospitality chalets alone, the revenue figure of Rs 35 crore appears to be a very conservative figure.
For the first time, an the international aerospace and defence exposition is being organised by private parties such as Ficci and Farnborough International Limited (FIL) in association with Ministry of Defence. “We must note that as per the tender process Ficci also had to pay $3 million as a guarantee or royalty fee to the Ministry of Defence, ” Dr Amit Mitra, Secretary General, Ficci told ET.
According to Ficci, participation levels have gone up by 80%, when compared to the previous edition of the show. More than 450 exhibitors, up from 176 in 1998 are participating at Aero India 2007. The international exhibitors had to pay $480 per sqm (Rs 21,120) for the raw indoor space, $33,000 (Rs 14 lakh) for the basic hospitality chalet and anywhere between $1,500-$10,500 for aircraft display area.
10/02/07 Urvashi Jha & M. Rochan/Economic Times

Labels: aero india gl, FICCI

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Bangalore: With the Indian indigenous Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) Dhruv putting up a sterling display at the ongoing Aero India air show at Yelahanka Airforce Base in Bangalore, many eyes are now starting to look at the ALH’s more warlike cousin, the Light Combat Helicopter, which is at present just a mock-up in the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) pavilion at the show.
The Indian Army needs a helicopter gunship capable of operating at high–altitude.
Now HAL is poised to fill this gap. The Light Combat Helicopter (LCH) is designed to carry a 1,500 kilo weapon load even at very high altitudes. Armed with cluster bombs and air-to-surface missiles, one of the two-man crew will be solely in charge of targeting and firing the weaponry. It has a narrow airframe for stealth and will complement the IAF’s Russian-made Mi–35 gunship, which cannot operate at altitudes.
A mean looking machine, the LCH looks like any advanced chopper gunship.
The LCH weighs 5. 5 tonnes, with a narrow fuselage accommodating a pilot and a gunner/co-pilot in tandem, in an armoured cockpit. It incorporates a number of stealth features such as low visual signature, a low radar cross section and a low IR signature. It has crash-resistant landing gear for better survivability. The Dhruv's current external structure, comprising 67 per cent composites, has been significantly improved.
10/02/07 domain-B

Labels: ALH, Defense, Fighters, HAL, Helicopter, India

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Bangalore: The tactical Mini Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) 'Baaz' developed and produced by the Hyderabad-based Speck Systems will give a functional demonstration to the Indian Army in April this year.
The Indian Army is reportedly satisfied with the performance of 'Searcher-II' and the Israeli 'Heron' UAVs and seems to be eyeing the market for more machines.
The 'Baaz' UAV, with a speed of 18 nautical miles (50-60 kilometre) has already been demonstrated in South Africa, Thailand and Sri Lanka.
Though the army has not floated any tender for new UAVs, the Chief of Army Staff, General J J Singh, has already seen the 'Baaz' in action. The tender is likely to come out in two or three months time.
The day and night and all weather UAV was developed a year back. Competing with Israel's IAI (Israeli Aircraft Industries) models Eye 410, I-View MK50 and Birdeye 2000, and EU's EADS whose model Eurohawk and the 'Golden Eagle' jointly developed by Singapore and Israel, the 'Baaz' is a low cost, low maintenance machine with real time data and video transmission.
Remotely-piloted spy drones as the UAVs are called, are attracting as much attention as the fighter jets at the Sixth edition Aero India Show here.
On display, at the biggest ever Asian air show, are the BAE Systems' fully-autonomous Herti UAV, with a capacity of 24 hours flight at an altitude of up to 20,000 feet, to Israeli Elbit Systems' hand-launched miniature Skylark UAV, designed for counter-terrorism operations and beyond-the-hill surveillance, along with the indigenous 'Baaz'.
Israel's IAI has approached Speck Systems for collaboration for its drone machines. Speck, if it enters into a partnership deal, will provide domestic technical support, assembly and testing facilities, warranty and training. Software development and ground control will however be indigenous.
The Indian Navy and the Air Force (IAF) too have plans of inducting spy drones in the near future.
10/02/07 Suman Sharma/ANI/DailyIndia.com, US

Labels: Defense, Foreign, UAV

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Bangalore: Oboronprom, the Russian aerospace holding company, has announced it will set up a representative office in New Delhi, as part of its plan to expand cooperation with India. The conglomerate owned 51 per cent by the Russian government has a number of subsidiaries active in the field of engineering and high-tech defence production. One of its more important lines of business is a helicopter production group amalgamating the Mi and Ka helicopter developers and producers. Another is an air defence system made by the 'Defence System' JSC.
Oboronprom is exhibiting its Mi-8/17 medium-lift, multi-role helicopter at the ongoing Aero India air show at the Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bangalore. One of the most popular helicopters in the world, it is versatile, reliable and undemanding in operation. Oboronprom is also exhibiting the Mi-26, the world's highest load-carrying helicopter. Other helicopters being displayed include the Mi 38, the Ka-31, the Ka-52 'Alligator' combat helicopter and the Ka-62.
10/02/07 domain-B

Labels: Defense, Russia

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Bangalore: At the Aero India show in Bangalore, which will conclude today, private business jet manufacturers outnumbered military aircraft manufacturers.
Private jets cost anywhere between a few crores and Rs300 crores and house private showers, king-size beds, Internet and satellite phone connections, and even a dedicated service crew.
Leonard Knaapen, a senior executive with Bombardier, says the rising number of High Net Worth Individuals (HNWIs) in India makes it an attractive market.
With India Inc embarking on a global growth path, private jets will not just be symbolic of power and pelf, but will also crunch time. A Bombardier study says that for every 400 hours a businessman flies his jet, he saves almost a month’s time.
While the Indian market has its challenges, the opportunities are immense. “A lot has changed in the last two years. For the first time we have appointed a sales director in India,” says Bombardier regional vice-president (Asia Pacific) David M Dixon.
A senior official with another private plane manufacturer says over 150 private planes would be sold this year. At the top-end of the spectrum are the Airbus Corporate Jet and Boeing Business Jet, both worth around Rs250 crores each.
Many businessmen from Tier II and III towns are also among those enthusiastically looking at these planes.
11/02/07 Praveena Sharma/Josy Joseph/Daily News & Analysis

Labels: Bombardier, Foreign, Private Jets

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Bangalore: Displays of more than 40 Russian defence manufacturers have been placed together in an impressive 1,375 sq ft display by Rosoboronexport, the Russian government defence export arm, at the Aero India 2007 Air Show under way at Yelahanka Air Force Base, Bangalore. The display comprises several hundred different types of armaments, military equipment and systems.
The united Rosoboronexport delegation is headed by Viktor M Komardin, deputy director general of Rosoboronexport, while Vyacheslav K Dzirkaln, deputy director of the Federal Service for Military-Technical Cooperation, heads the overall Russian delegation. Russia's strong presence at the show is meant to reinforce the strong ongoing military cooperation between the two countries, especially Indo-Russian joint defence production.
The pride of the Russian exhibition is the MiG-35 multi-role frontline fighter, which is a leading contender for the Indian Air Force's requirement of 126 MRCAs. Its main rivals are Lockheed's F-16, Boeing's FA-18, the Swedish Gripen fighter and the French Rafale. The Russians believe the MiG-35 has overwhelming superiority over its rivals owing to its superior manoeuvrability, thanks - among other things - to its optional thrust vectoring engine.
Also in the fray for orders are the Mi-17, among a range of helicopters.
10/02/07 domain-B

Labels: Defense, Fighters, Russia

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Bangalore: The focus has shifted from fighters to choppers. Not just in the Indian Air Force, which will be headed by a helicopter pilot for the first time, but also at Aero India which wraps up on Sunday.
After Air Chief-Designate Air Marshal Fali Homi Major went for a spin in the American CH-47 Chinook helicopter, Boeing IDS (Integrated Defence Systems) capped off its offerings to the armed forces with a feverish sales pitch for the multi-mission helicopter.
The IAF plans to buy 12 heavy-lift helicopters to buttress its tactical and combat support requirements, in a deal that is estimated to be upwards of $500 million. Tom Cunningham, director, International Business Development, said once the deal goes through, his company would take 24-30 months for deliveries. Sikorsky's CH-53K is also likely to compete for the IAF's helicopter tender. The IAF is yet to release the the request for proposal for the heavy-lift choppers.
During the airshow, Boeing flew several IAF pilots in the Chinook to give them a glimpse of the chopper's "versatility and maneouverability".
10/02/07 Rahul Singh/Hindustan Times

Labels: aero india gl, copter, Fighters

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Hindustan Construction Company (HCC) has ordered a second BA609 tilt rotor aircraft from the US-based Bell Helicopter, it was announced on the margins of the Aero India show Friday.
The BA609 Tiltrotor aircraft is a joint company program between Bell Helicopter, which holds the majority stock, and AgustaWestland of Italy. Interestingly, the aircraft can take off and land like a helicopter, then switch to airplane mode during flight.
HCC is the first Indian company to order a BA609 that has the capability to fly at speeds up to two times that of a conventional helicopter.
09/02/07 India eNews.com

Labels: Bell, India, Rotor Aircraft, US

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Bangalore: At the Aero India show in Bangalore, hectic parleys are on between about a hundred Indian companies, large and small with large international defence suppliers. The companies are hoping to be vendors for the international players, who in turn are urgently looking for Indian companies to complete their offset obligations.
“No contract with the Indian armed forces will be considered complete unless it the offset obligations are fully completed,” says Kiran Chadha, joint secretary defence (exports), who is also the chairperson of Defence Offset Facilitation Agency (DOFA), the apex body set up by the government to co-ordinate offsets. DOFA is now an integral part of every defence contract signed by India.
The scale of the offset contracts is mind boggling. Chief of Air Staff Air chief marshal SP Tyagi estimates that the Indian forces will procure equipment worth $80 billion to $100 billion over the next five years. The clause is applicable to all acquisitions where the tender value exceeds Rs 300 crore. In a deviation from its policies in other sectors, the government has decided that defence PSUs will get no priority on the offset deals. They will have to compete for the contracts with private companies. Of course, after years of regulation, the market for defence systems is dominated by public sector companies such as Hindustan Aeronautics, Bharat Electronics (BEL), Bharat Dynamics, Bharat Earth Movers, Mazgaon Docks and Goa Shipyard. Mid-to-small cap companies produce sub-systems for public sector defence companies or smaller, integrated systems for armed forces like Astra Microwave, Dynamatic Technologies, Zen Technologies, Premier Explosives and Avantel Softech.
Most foreign companies such as Lockheed Martin, Boeing Integrated defence systems and British Aerospace, see the PSUs as ready and reliable sources which can be given offset contracts. The hunt for private sector companies is beginning now and many companies have had vendor meets to identify these firms in the past six months.
09/02/07 Cuckoo Paul/Economic Times

Labels: Defense, Foreign, India

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European helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter has signed a deal to sell two EC120 new generation training helicopters to Apoorva Aviation Academy, a pilot training institute based here.
The deal, the financial details of which were not divulged, was signed on the sidelines of the ongoing Aero India show. The helicopters will be commissioned for training by the second half of this year, officials said.
The EC120 new generation training helicopters have been engineered under a pact between Eurocopter group, which is a division of the European defence and aerospace giant EADS, and ST Aerospace and Catic of China.
09/02/07 India eNews.com

Labels: Foreign, Helicopter, India

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Bangalore: In the backdrop of the deafening roar of military jets in the air and frenzied VIP activity on the ground, quiet discussions are on at Aero India 2007 to clinch deals worth as much as $10 billion each for the global aerospace majors and Indian industry.
This year’s air show has gone past being a mere showcase for state-of-the-art jets and equipment to a busy bazaar where big-ticket international firms and local companies are doing serious business.
Indian companies are hoping to make the best of the Centre’s new offset policy for defence procurement, which could fetch them $10 billion over the next five years.
Orville Prins, vice-president, Business Development (India) of Lockheed Martin (US), calls the air show a “The Indian budget for military acquisition will jump substantially over the next five years and we hope to pitch for a market of $10 billion over the next 10 years”.
Other players like Boeing, Northrop Grumman Corporation (both US companies) and Bombardier Inc of Canada are looking for the same. Dr Dinesh A Keskar, senior vice-president for sales for Boeing Commercial Airplanes, says “We (Boeing) have revised our market projections (made in 2005 for India) from $35 billion over the next 20 years to $72 billion”.
On Friday, Larsen and Toubro Limited and European Aerospace and Defence Group took the first step towards joint exploration of business opportunities in defence and aerospace. MV Kotwal, senior executive vice-president of L&T, and Daniel Baubil, executive vice-president and head of global industrial development of EADS, signed a memorandum of understanding to establish a long-term, profitable and stable relationship to address the requirements of aerospace and defence markets in India and abroad.
In a related development, French defence, electronics and aerospace major Thales was chosen by Chennai-based pilot training academy Rudradev Aviation to supply four advanced flight simulators worth $60 million.
09/02/07 BR Srikanth/Hindustan Times

Labels: aero india gl, Defense, Foreign, India

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Bangalore: The draft of the India-Russia multi-billion dollar programme for the PAK-FA fifth generation stealth fighter aircraft is in its final stages and will be concluded by this summer. The US would give a presentation of its fifth generation F-35 aircraft to New Delhi in a couple of months.
The PAK-FA project which stands for Perspective (Future) Aviation Komplex for Frontline Aviation in Russia is a heavy aircraft modeled on BrahMos, which was proposed by Sukhoi to the Russian Defence Ministry in 2002 for the programme, and was officially approved by the ministry in the same year.
Alexsey A Poveshchenko, advisor to Director General of the Sukhoi Aviation Holding Company, today said here that fourth generation fighter aircraft have been in service for around 30 years, so it was expected of the fifth generation fighters to be around for 40-45 years, keeping their capability and heavy tonnage in mind.
The first prototype of the eight ton aircraft designed by the Sukhoi Design Bureau, jointly developed by both countries will fly in 2009.
Poveshchenko further elaborated that it will be a 50-50 partnership between both the nations and the joint venture would include research, development and production, though it is still not clear, who will do what and how much.
09/02/07 Suman Sharma/DailyIndia.com, US

Labels: aero india gl, Defense, Fighters, PAK-FA, Russia, US

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Bangalore: It’s not just the airfares that are getting cheaper. With a price tag of as low as Rs 10 lakh, now even owning an aircraft is not a very expensive proposition.
And with the aspiration of Indians flying high, it is such lifestyle products that they are seeking. That is what Germany’s light aircraft marker Ikarus found out at the Aero India show. It’s microlight aircraft C42B, priced at Rs 25 lakh (ex-Germany), which was demonstrated, received a flood of inquiries from CEOs, VPs and pilots.
Promoter of Bangalore-based light aircraft producer Albatross Flying System Javed Hassan says such a trend is on the rise.
But owning an aircraft is not a simple affair. It needs maintenance, parking bays and a microlite pilot license (MPL) to fly it. You also need to get clearances from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), which takes over a month.
And what is the cost of running them? Hemangi Aviation and Tourism Services Limited COO Vibhooti Singh Deora says with an average mileage of 10 litres (ATF) per hour, it is more economical than some of the cars.
08/02/07 Praveena Sharma/Daily News & Analysis

Labels: Albatross, Germany, Ikarus, Microlight

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Bangalore: National carrier Indian will be inducting two wide-body airbus A330 aircraft into its fleet later this year, becoming the first airline in the country to induct the aircraft powered by Pratt and Whitney PW4000-100 engines.
A document to this effect was inked by Indian's Chairman and Managing Director Vishwapati Trivedi and Jame Masotti, Vice-President Commercial Engines and Services for Asia Pacific of Pratt and Whitney at the Aero India 2007 being held here.
Reflecting on the MoU, which is continuation of Indian's 50 year-old association with Pratt and Whitney, Trivedi said, induction of A330 would enable Indian to raise its performance standards.
Indian has a fleet of 74 aircraft including 48 Airbus A320s, 6 A319s, and 11 B737 aircraft operated by subsidiary Alliance Air. The airline operates over 300 flights every day to 54 destinations within India and 18 abroad carrying nearly 30,000 passengers a day.
09/02/07 Times of India

Labels: Airbus, India, Indian

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Bangalore: After offering to co-produce the F-18 Super Hornet in this country if it wins an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets, US aerospace major Boeing Thursday upped the ante by committing itself to equipping the aircraft with the latest generation radar that greatly enhances its capabilities.
And, in keeping with current 'Network-centric warfare' doctrine of the Indian Armed Forces, Boeing says the F-18 is more than equipped to put this concept into practice by coordinating operations in the air and on the ground.
'Yes, the aircraft will come with the AESA (Active Electronically Scanned Array). The radar is in operation and represents the latest generation of radar technology,' Rear Admiral Jeffrey A. Wieringa said at the media briefing during the ongoing Aero India air show.
The AESA radar, according to the official, engages targets at very long ranges, continues to search while tracking many targets and can produce high-resolution maps from long stand-off ranges.
08/02/07 Indo Asian News Service/Earthtimes.org

Labels: AESA, boeing, IAF, Radar

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BANGALORE: Officials of Northrop Grumman Corporation and Dynamatic Technologies Limited, Bangalore, today signed a memorandum of understanding, establishing a collaborative relationship for exploring joint new business opportunities related to India's national defense requirements.
"We look forward to working closely with Dynamatic Technologies to help meet the advanced technology aerospace and defense product and service needs identified by the Indian ministry of defense," said Brian J. Morra, sector vice president of business development and strategic planning for Northrop Grumman's Electronic Systems sector, a world-leading provider of advanced military radar, electronic warfare and other avionics systems.
"Given the growing requirements developing in the Indian forces, we are delighted to be working with Northrop Grumman to identify and pursue opportunities to serve India's defense needs," said Udayant Malhoutra, CEO and managing director of Dynamatic Technologies Limited.
The formal agreement was signed in ceremonies at the Aero India air show and exposition, which is taking place through Feb. 11 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore.
08/02/07 Primenewswire (press release), US

Labels: avionics systems, Dynamatic Technologies, India, Northrop Grumman

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Aero India offered Air chief-designate Air Marshal Fali Homi Major the toothsome opportunity of flying the American CH-47 advanced multi-mission helicopter and he decided to go for it.
Shortly before his flight on Thursday, Air Marshal Major told Hindustan Times: "I am looking forward to it. I have never flown the Chinook before".
The Boeing Chinook is a tandem rotor, heavy-lift helicopter that meets the tactical and combat support requirements of military forces aroundthe world.
The peculiar looking helicopter is involved in logistics supply and ferrying troops in Afghanistan and Iraq for the allied forces.
Aerospace and defence firms are in Yelahanka for the airshow are offering demonstration flights to senior officers in their frontline fighters.
The Chinook is one of the contenders for the 40 heavy-lift helicopters that the IAF is seeking to acquire in the near future.
When Major takes over as the air chief on March 31, he will become the first helicopter pilot to lead the air force.
08/02/07 Rahul Singh/Hindustan Times

Labels: Chinook, Helicopter, IAF, India, US

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The government is on the verge of inking a $1.6 billion deal with Russia for the supply of 40 Sukhoi-30 MKI fighters. The air superiority fighters will be inducted into the Indian Air Force's combat fleet "in about three years".
Air Chief SP Tyagi, who is in Yelahanka for Aero India 2007, revealed on Thursday that the contract would be signed before the current financial year ends.
This means the deal will be sealed before Tyagi retires on March 31. The government has invoked the fast-track procedure to buy the Su-30s.
The IAF will also be inducting, in the short-term, 80 medium-lift helicopters, 12 VIP choppers, advanced light helicopters, 10 Cheetahs and Israeli Phalcon AWACS (airborne warning and control systems).
Then there are the 126 multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) that the air force seeks to acquire and the request for proposal (RFP) for which is likely to be released anytime now.
The IAF is also planning to acquire six C-130 J Hercules aircraft from the US for special forces. This year the IAF will also receive the first of the 66 Hawk AJT (advanced jet trainer) being bought from the UK.
08/02/07 Rahul Singh/Hindustan Times

Labels: Fighters, India, Russia, Sukhoi-30

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Bangalore: As major contenders for a multi billion aircraft order by the Air Force, the Americans were out in full force at the air show in Bangalore.
Giving company to all the hi tech fire power were the leading guns of the Indian industry who could well be future partners for many international defence majors planning to enter India.
The Russians were unwilling to leave their turf so easily. Even the Swedes jumped into the fray, making this edition of Aero India the largest in terms of foreign participation.
But that has not taken the shine out of India's own aerospace giant, HAL. The Indian government's insistence on 30 per cent offset clause will not only generate huge business for PSU giants but also create a new opportunity for corporate India.
07/02/07 Sunanda Jayseelan, Arijit Banerjee/ NDTV.com

Labels: aero india gl

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Bangalore: India may permit higher levels of foreign equity in some softer segments of civil aviation, including aircraft maintenance facilities and chopper operations, Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said on Thursday.
"The softer side of civil aviation has not reached the full potential in India yet," Patel told a conference on the margins of the Aero India Show, organised by the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry.
"We have a 49 per cent limit on foreign equity in civil aviation. We want to have more foreign equity in the softer side," the minister said, making a distinction between scheduled airline operations and other areas of the aviation industry.
According to the minister, while India is witnessing unprecedented growth in scheduled airline operations, some other segments in the industry have only begun to look up.
The minister said talks were also on with some countries and the International Civil Aviation Organisation to revamp the regulatory framework for the industry, a task currently being performed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.
08/02/07 Indo-Asian News Service

Labels: aero india gl

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Bharat Electronics Ltd has announced that on February 07, 2007, the Company signed an MoU with Elbit Systems Electro Optics ELOP Ltd, Israel, for selling up a Joint Venture Company (JVC) for co-operation in the development, production and marketing of Thermal Imaging Cameras and Forward Looking Infra Red (FLIRs) for the Indian and global markets. The JVC will develop and market products. The products will be manufactured by the Company and ELOP.
Also, the Company gave a Letter of Intent to Elbit for manufacture of Tactical Computers and Elbit gave Supply Order worth approximately US $ 0.45 million to the Company for Gun Display Unit and other accessories required for Ireland.
The Company also signed an MoU with Northrop Grumman Corporation on February 07, 2007 to explore business opportunities on potential co-production opportunities in support of the Indian government’s current and future aerospace and defence electronics requirements as well as Northrop Grumman’s international market requirements.
The MoUs were signed in ceremonies at the Aero India 2007 air show and exposition, which is taking place from February 7 to 11 at the Yelahanka Air Force Station in Bangalore.
08/02/07 Equity Bulls

Labels: Bharat Electronics, India

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Raytheon Company will have a major presence at the 2007 Aero India trade show in Bangalore, India, Feb. 7 - 11. As a global technology leader, Raytheon offers a variety of products and services to meet India's military and commercial needs.
"Our portfolio is broad, and it fits nicely with India's long-term plans for updating its defense capabilities," said Walt Doran, Asia regional executive for Raytheon International, Inc. "India is a key emerging market for us in Asia, and we believe our advanced technology capabilities can be tailored to support India's unique needs over the coming years."According to Doran, a long-term partnership approach in India with private and public-sector companies would be preferable to a buyer-seller relationship.
During the Aero India show, Raytheon will display a number of products and services. Raytheon representatives will also provide information about the company's desire to build a long-term relationship with India through Raytheon's commitment to Mission Support, Mission Assurance and customer focus.Visitors to the Raytheon booth during Aero India will find a number of products on display including:AMRAAM ,AIM-9M,Paveway,JSOW, Maverick.HARM,AESA,Patriotc,SL-AMRAAM, AMHS
08/02/07 Epicos.com (press release), Switzerland

Labels: Raytheon

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Bangalore: Normal display flying resumed at the Aero India `07 an hour after the indigenously built intermediate trainer (IJT) suffered a mishap while taking off from the Yelahanka airfield here on Thursday afternoon. While the slightly crumpled plane lay on the side of the runway, Grippen fighter aircraft from Sweden took to the air at 4.15 p.m. to perform acrobatics in the sky. It was followed by breathtaking acrobatics by a formation of nine `Suryakiran' aircraft from the Indian Air Force. Eyewitnesses heard a blast as the plane was rolling down the runway forcing the pilot to abort the take-off. The plane skidded to the side amidst a clould of dust even as spectators began running to the crash site. A posse of security personnel rushed around coralling TV camerapersons and escorting them away from the flying area. Soon six fire brigades reached the site and doused any signs of smoke.
The plane lay tilted to the side where a suspected tyre burst had rendered it incapable. A kilometre away lay the wreckage of the Dhruv helicopter which had crashed last week during practice, killing the co-pilot and seriosuly injuring the pilot. Around the tarmac, stood flying crew of aircraft on display, noncahalantly going about their tasks even as crowds milled trying to get a vantage view of the IJT lying askew with its canopy open.
08/02/07 Sandeep Dikshit/The Hindu

Labels: accident, HAL, IAF, IJT, India, Security

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A consortium of French defence and aerospace companies led by Thales has put in a formal bid for upgrading the Mirage 2000 fighters of the Indian Air Force (IAF).A team from Thales met with defence ministry officials last week to discuss the finer points of the proposed upgrade and also submitted a formal proposal to increase the life of the aircraft, inducted by the IAF in the 1980s, by around 20-25 years, officials said.'If we are given the go ahead today, we should be able to retrofit the first set of two aircraft in two years,' a senior Thales official, here for the Aero India show, told IANS. 'Then one can look at two-three aircraft a month.The IAF has 52 Mirage 2000s in three squadrons.The French consortium for Mirage upgrade includes Dassault, which shut down the production line for Mirage 2000s some five years ago. The French company is also in the race for selling 126 multi-role combat aircraft, Renault, to the IAF for replacing the ageing MiG-21 fleet.
08/02/07 India eNews.com

Labels: Fighters, France, Mirage 2000, Thales

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Bangalore: Ever seen a combat aircraft fly in the reverse gear? In a breathtaking display of aerobatics, fighter pilots of the Indian Air Force (IAF) performed this feat and many more awesome manoeuvres at the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India show here Wednesday.
From daredevil formations by the Jaguars and Sukhois to aerial ballet by the Suryakiran aerobatic team, visitors to this inauguration event, including Defence Minister A.K. Antony, were treated to a scintillating display of precision flying by some of IAF's sharpest pilots.The women especially had a special treat during the hour-long show when smoke-emitting Suryakirans painted the rich blue skies above the Yelahanka air force base with a heart, pierced by a cupid's arrow in a tantalising manoeuvre.T
he hour-long show in the skies also featured formations like Dhruv, Small Boy, Albatross and Stallion with aircraft and choppers, including the IJTs, TU-142 Tanker, IL-78 Mirage 2000.Also seen enjoying the feat were Kingfisher airline's flamboyant chairman Vijay Mallya, and Tata Sons chairman Ratan Tata, who is set to fly an F-16 combat aircraft Thursday.
07/02/07 Andhra Cafe

Labels: aero india gl, Fighters

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Bangalore: Tata Group Chairman Ratan Tata on Thursday soared to new heights literally when he took off in a multi-role combat aircraft F-16 at the airshow here. Tata, 69, undertook the flight in co-pilot's seat which was commandeered by Paul Hattendorf, the test pilot of Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the aircraft. The jet belongs to Bloc 50 of the US Air Force. F-16, also known as Fighting Falcon, is in the race for Indian Air Force's mega plans of acquiring 126 multi-role combat aircraft. Lockheed has been lobbying hard to sell its jet to India. With this, Tata has now become the oldest Indian to fly the American-made aircraft. Tata, who holds a pilot's licence, had said the thought of the F-16 flight "excites me very much."
08/02/07 Times of India

Labels: F16, Lockheed Martin, Tata, US

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Bangalore: The Aero India show was marred when a jet trainer of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) veered off the runway while taking off for a flight display.
The prototype version of the intermediate jet trainer (IJT) piloted by Wing Commander Baldev Singh went into a grassy patch of land near the runway at Yelahanka airbase, the venue for the air show, throwing up clouds of dust.
Indian Air Force and HAL sources said preliminary information indicated that one of the IJT's tyres burst while it was taking off.
Fire tenders had reached the spot and Singh, a HAL test pilot, was reported safe.
The runway was closed for some time after the accident, the second mishap involving a HAL-built aircraft in less than a week.
On February 2, a Dhruv advanced light helicopter of the IAF's Sarang aerobatic team plummeted to the ground while participating in practice ahead of the air show, killing co-pilot Squadron Leader Priye Sharma and seriously injuring pilot Wing Commander V Jetley.
08/02/07 NDTV.com

Labels: accident, HAL, IAF, IJT, Security

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Bangalore: U.S. aircraft manufacturers -- Boeing and Lockheed -- have apparently decided to lock horns with each other at the ongoing Aero India show here, and the target they are gunning for is Ratan Tata, the Chairman of the Tata group of companies.
With Lockheed having belled Tata first, by getting him to fly in its F-16 aircraft today, Boeing sources announced that they might get the Tata honcho to fly their F-18 aircraft from the Yelahanka Air Force base here tomorrow.
Boeing sources, however, were unwilling to confirm the report, saying that Tata may or may not fly the aircraft.
The F/A-18 "Hornet" is a single- and two-seat, twin engine, multi-mission fighter/attack aircraft that can operate from either aircraft carriers or land bases.
The F/A-18 fills a variety of roles: air superiority, fighter escort, suppression of enemy air defenses, reconnaissance, forward air control, close and deep air support, and day and night strike missions. The F/A-18 Hornet replaced the F-4 Phantom II fighter and A-7 Corsair II light attack jet, and also replaced the A-6 Intruder as these aircraft were retired during the 1990s.
08/02/07 Suman Sharma/DailyIndia.com, US

Labels: boeing, Fighters, Lockheed Martin, US

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Approximately 500 aircraft manufacturers have come to the Aero India 2007 in hopes of making deals with the country's booming aviation industry.
The event is held at Yelhanka air base in Bangalore.
The 5-day event showcases both civilian and military aircrafts.
India is on its way to acquiring a new fleet of aircrafts -126 fighter jets to be exact - to replace its retiring MIG-21s.
With more and more Indians taking to the skies, the nation will need about 1,000 new planes over a period of 20 years.
According to a industry projection, air traffic in India is likely to increase two-fold by 2010 to 50 million passenger journeys a year.
More than 35,000 visitors are expected to the air show.
Analysts observed that many firms are in Bangalore to try to get their foot into India's rapidly emerging defense market.
Over a span of five years, the Indian air force is expected to spend close to $10 billion to refurbish military requirements.
And the deal for the 126 fighter jets is the most coveted contract at the show.
08/002/07 Jacob Cherian/All Headline News

Labels: boeing, Defense, Fighters, Lockheed Martin, US

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Bangalore: Birds of different kinds have flown in from across the world to India's silicon hub to flaunt their air power at Aero India, the international aviation exposition being held at the Yelahanka base of the Indian Air Force (IAF) here.
Billed as the largest air show in South Asia, the biennial five-day event has come of age to become a strategic platform for global aerospace majors from the US, Russia, France, Britain, Germany, Sweden and Israel to pitch for the growing pie of the Indian military and civil aviation requirements, driven by a burgeoning economy.
'Unlike in the previous editions, we have seen a huge demand for space from overseas as well as Indian aerospace firms, resulting in 100 percent jump in participation this time. About 500 firms are showcasing their aircraft and aviation products and technologies through flying display, static display and exhibition,' a top military official told IANS here.
Lockheed Martin from the US, Russian Aircraft Corp (RAC) from Russia, Saab Gripen from Sweden and Dassault Aviation from France have flown in their magnificent flying machines to woo the Indian military establishment, scouting for 126 multi-role combat aircraft to replace the ageing MiG-21 fleet of IAF.
Apart from a variety of military and civilian aircraft, helicopters and transport planes taking to the skies at the air-show, F-16 of Lockheed, F/A-18 of Boeing, MiG-35 of MiG, GAS 39 of Saab and Rafael of Dassault are stealing the thunder with their breathtaking manoeuvres and air power.
After the inaugural show Wednesday, Boeing's chief test pilot Ricardo Traven was seen waving the Indian tricolour as he readied the F/A-18 Super Hornet for takeoff to demonstrate its multi-role capability with leading-edge weapon, radar and avionics systems even as F-16 and GAS 39 were waiting in the wings for their turn to roar into the sky.Not to be left behind, MiG-35, flying for the first time outside Russia, dazzled thousands of spectators with its might, powered by the most advanced aero-engine (RD-330VT) whose nozzles can move in any direction and manoeuvre more than the Russian-built Sukhoi-30 MKI, the world's first fighter jet with up-and-down thrust vectoring engines.
08/02/07 India PRwire (Press Release)

Labels: aero india gl

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BANGALORE: Russian Aircraft Corporation-MiG on Wednesday unveiled its newest MiG-35 fighter jet to the world at the Aero India show here with an eye on New Delhi's plans to purchase 126 multi-role combat aircraft.
The jet made awe-inspiring manoeuvres in the skies over Bangalore soon after the inauguration of the sixth edition of Aero India, South Asia's biggest aerospace show that has attracted major civil and defence aircraft makers.
The test prototype of MiG-35 was on display at MAKKS Airshow in Russia in 2005 and at Faranborough in Britain in 2006. The MiG-35 is considered Russia's serious answer to its Western competitors.
Russia is in the race to sell India 126 jets, pitting itself against the F-16 and F-18 of the US, Sweden's Gripen, Eurofighter and France's Rafael.

The MiG-35, the company said, is available in single-seat and double-seat versions. At the heart of the MiG family is the MiG-29K/KUB fighter that is being produced for the Indian Navy.
07/02/07 Times of IndiA

Labels: Defense, Fighters, MiG-35, Russia

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Bangalore: India will soon invite bids from combat aircraft makers for the 126 fighter jets the country's air force plans to buy, Defense Minister A.K. Anthony said Wednesday.
The deal is estimated to be worth between $6.5 billion and $10 billion.
"It is in the final stages," said Anthony, without giving a specific timeframe, speaking to reporters at an air show in the southern technology hub of Bangalore.
India also is considering buying nearly 200 army reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Anthony said.
Aviation companies from around the world have flocked to the air show, hoping for a piece of the billions of dollars in defense contracts the South Asian country plans to spend in modernizing its military.
The five-day event at the Yelahanka air base has drawn 500 companies, including 275 foreign companies, more than ever before, Defense Production Secretary K.P. Singh told reporters.
Forty-five foreign delegations and 28 air force chiefs are also attending the biennial show, which comes as India is emerging as one of the biggest buyers of military hardware in the global market.
Inaugurating the air show earlier in the day, Anthony said India's rapid economic expansion in recent years has added to its role in international affairs, which in turn demands that the country also boost its military capabilities.
"India has been called upon to play a more decisive and responsible role in world affairs, particularly in the Asian region. This has led us to rethink our priorities," he said. "We are in the process of acquiring fresh capabilities for all three wings of our armed forces to optimize their operational effectiveness."
The Indian government's decision to allow foreign and private investment has also encouraged many global companies to explore partnerships with local firms to set up manufacturing and research facilities.
07/02/07 Rajesh Mahapatra/Ap/CBS News

Labels: Defense, Fighters, IAF, India

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Thales will be showcasing its expertise in the aerospace sector at the Aero India air show. As an international electronics and systems group serving defence, aerospace and security markets, Thales is a worldwide leader in prime contracting, systems integration and equipment manufacturing. The Group is a world leader in both civil and military applications of aerospace technologies and services including avionics, satellite, radio and data communications, radars, mission planning, air command and control, air traffic management, training and simulation, in-flight entertainment systems (IFE) and electro optic sensors.
The Thales stand features sections on civil aviation, military aviation, aviation services and security as well as a section that tells the story of Thales' involvement in major cooperation projects such as Galileo and Sesar.
Within the military aviation section, along with illustrations of Thales' offer for the Mirage 2000-5 upgrade in India, exhibits on stand include an interactive fully functional TopOwl headset for the MiG 29, which provides all relevant information right in front of the pilot's eyes (symbols, warnings, images) without having to look down at the instrument panel - a key element to ensuring flight safety during tactical missions.
0702/07 The Hindu

Labels: Defense, France, Thales

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Bangalore: India's new offsets policy on defence imports is restrictive and needs to be broad-based, US Ambassador to India David Mulford said here today.
"India's offsets policy is restrictive. I am not saying I would like it to change, but I am sure it is likely to change over time," he said at a press conference here on the eve of Aero India 2007, the country's biggest international air show that opens here Wednesday.
"India's offsets policy is ministry based, like in some other countries. The approach should be such that it benefits the Indian industry," the envoy said.
"We are very comfortable with offsets. American corporates have a genius for technology transfer and this could be the basis for US-India cooperation in the industrial field," Mulford added.
Under India's new offsets policy on defence purchases, 30 percent of all deals valued at over Rs.3 billion (approximately $68 million) has to be reinvested in the country. This has given rise to apprehensions that a slew of big-ticket deals in the pipeline could be delayed as India's policy makers figure out exactly how the policy is to be implemented.
06/02/7 Telugu Portal

Labels: aero india gl, Defense, India, US

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Bangalore: Aviation companies from around the world have flocked to the India air show, hoping for a piece of the billions of dollars in defense contracts the fast-growing South Asian country plans to spend in modernizing its military.India's defense minister told the gathering on Wednesday that India will soon invite bids from combat aircraft makers for up to $10 billion worth of fighter jets."It is in the final stages," Defense Minister A.K. Anthony said Wednesday, without giving a specific timeframe. He was speaking to reporters at the air show in the southern technology hub of Bangalore.The deal for 126 fighter jets the country's air force plans to buy is estimated to be worth between $6.5 billion and $10 billion.India -- whose economy will likely grow 9.2 percent for the fiscal year that ends March 2007, according to government estimates -- also is considering buying nearly 200 army reconnaissance and observation helicopters, Anthony said.The five-day event at the Yelahanka air base has drawn 500 companies, including 275 foreign companies, more than ever before, Defense Production Secretary K.P. Singh told reporters.Forty-five foreign delegations and 28 air force chiefs are also attending the biennial show, which comes as India is emerging as one of the biggest buyers of military hardware in the global market.
07/02/07 RAJESH MAHAPATRA/Business Week

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BANGALORE: Leading US defence aircraft makers, Boeing Co and Lockheed Martin Corp, said on Tuesday they were aiming to get large contracts in India.
Boeing and Lockheed Martin are among a slew of companies seeking to step up sales of defence aircraft to India as New Delhi moves to upgrade its Air Force.
Boeing expects the Indian government to call for proposals for an order of 126 fighter jets by the middle of the year and said it was ready to compete strongly for the deal.
"We have formed a very competitive team to respond to the proposal and we are ready to compete when it does come out," Mark Kronenberg, vice president for business development in Boeing's arms business, told a news conference.
Boeing estimates the Indian defence market to be worth around USD 10 billion to USD 15 billion in the next decade.
Besides F-16, Lockheed Martin also expects India to finalise a deal by December to buy six C-130J Hercules transport aircraft, with an option to buy another six.

"I hope it will happen this year, but there isn't a defined schedule yet," Orville Prins, vice president of Lockheed Martin's India operations, said.
Lockheed, which expects international sales of USD 5-7 billion this year, has also offered to sell P-3C Orion naval spy planes and multi-mission MH60R helicopters to
07/02/07 FinacialExpress

Labels: boeing, Defense, Lockheed Martin, US

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Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is all set to storm the 6th edition of Aero India 2007, with renewed focus on R&D, combat and trainer aircraft, upgrade programmes, diversification and engineering services. Team HAL will also be cementing new partnerships with some of the key aviation giants.
At the show, HAL will roll out from its hangars the Dhruv, IJT and LCA. The Company will also exhibit its advancements in machining, composites and state-of-the-art technological capabilities in aviation and aerospace.
HAL is also set to interact with aviation majors including Boeing, Airbus, GE, Safran, Martin Baker, Elbit, Pratt & Whitney, Dassault, Eurocopter, Honeywell, Bell, EADS, BAe Systems, IAI, GAE, SAAB, Alenia, RUAG, Lockheed Martin, Irkut, Sukhoi Design Bureau, Rosoboronexport, RAC-MiG and NPO Saturn.
HAL is also set to have fruitful discussions with potential customers and interact with some decision-makers for future co-operation and enhancement of exports.
A wide range of products, including the Dhruv, will be on display at the show for customer demonstration. HAL’s top brass have scheduled talks with a few Air Chiefs from abroad, set to land at Yelahanka for the show.
06/02/07 Rotorhub (press release), UK

Labels: aero india gl, HAL

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Bangalore: Just three days after a crash that killed a senior pilot, the Indian Air Force's aerobatic helicopter Squadron, the Sarangs are back in the air.
They will perform at the Aero India event in Bangalore.
The Sarang team uses the Indian built Dhruv helicopter also known as the Advanced Light Helicopter.
Friday's crash was the first ever fatal crash of the indigenous helicopter. The co-pilot of the helicopter, Wing Commander Jaitley who survived is in a critical but stable condition.
Preliminary reports indicate that the Air Force has cleared the helicopter of a technical malfunction. A full investigation into the causes of the crash are still going on.
05/02/07 NDTV.com

Labels: copter, Defense, Dhruv, HAL, India, Sarangs

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Gripen International, the Swedish company responsible for marketing and selling the Gripen new generation multi-role combat fighter worldwide, is proud to be once again supporting the Aero India 2007 International Aerospace and Defence Exhibition, being staged at the Yelahanka Air Base in Bangalore, India between 7-11 February 2007.
This year, the historic 75th anniversary of the Indian Air Force, sees the Gripen team’s biggest ever commitment to India. With the opening of Saab/Gripen offices in New Delhi and Bangalore, three (3) Gripen new generation multi-role combat aircraft taking part in the flying and static displays at the Aero India exhibition, and the full support and attendance of Swedish government officials and Saab/Gripen International’s senior management, Saab/Gripen International has made record investment in the Aero India 2007 exhibition.
Amongst the senior representatives attending the exhibition are Tony Ogilvy, Gripen International’s Director for India, Ingemar Andersson, Saab AB’s Vice President and Deputy CEO and Bengt Johansson, Deputy Trade Commissioner from the Swedish Trade Council, all of whom will be available ahead of, and during the Aero India exhibition.
05/02/07 Newsdesk, Sweden

Labels: Fighters, Gripen, Sweden

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New Delhi: The US today said it was keen to increase its presence in India's aerospace industry and improve bilateral partnership in this area by even considering setting up of manufacturing bases in the country.
"We are looking at increasing strategic partnership with India in not only aero space but across the entire spectrum of its defence sector. We would also like to set up our manufacturing base in India," Former US Secretary of Defence and Chairman and CEO Cohen Group William S Cohen told reporters here.
Cohen is leading the 24-member US-India Business Council Executive Mission (USIBC) to India for the Aero India 2007 starting in Bangalore from February 7.
India's rising security profile has made the country a significant market for aerospace industry and with sanctions imposed on India post-Pokhran nuclear test gone, major US-based defence suppliers are aiming at establishing a base here.
05/02/07 Chennai Online

Labels: Aerospace, Defense, US

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Bangalore: Preparations are in full swing at the Yelahanka air base for the Aero-India show — both in the air and on the ground. Pilots from the US Air Force, Gripen, Sweden, Russia and India went on breathtaking sorties for almost 45 minutes to one hour each. The deadly F-18 Super Hornet of the USAF was in full force and did, like the Russian MiGs, the roll, spin, loop, vertical flying-up and swing down in what were death-defying gestures of flying.
All the gravity manoeuvres that are executed in actual flight were on display during the rehearsals on the Sukhoi, Gripen and the F-18s. More aircraft are arriving by February 6 morning and will amount to about 80-odd aircraft, of which 47 are foreign aircraft, a 100% jump in representation compared with the last air show in India.
On the ground Almost 2,000 workers, technicians, engineers and project managers are working round-the-clock to give finishing touches to the exhibition stalls, chalets, and media area. All work is going on both in the exhibition area as well as static display area covering an estimated 25,000 sq metres, a significant rise compared with Aero-India 2005.
Work is also going on in the outdoor area spread over 10,000 sq metres and 52 chalets within which business offers will be made and negotiated.
FICCI,which has organised the show along with Farnborough International, has made seating arrangements for nearly 16,000 people; this, apart from the standing area.
04/02/07 Prashanth G N/Times of India

Labels: aero india gl

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Mumbai: With global media attention at Aero India 2007, airlines, aircraft and equipment manufacturers as well as IT companies have lined up announcements worth millions of dollars on deals, mostly from deals that have been in the pipeline for some time.
No major defence contracts will be awarded though sources said HAL will announce collaborations with Russian aerospace companies on new programmes. On the commercial aviation front GoAir, Kingfisher Airlines and Air Deccan are expected to come up with some contracts in the aircraft, helicopter and aviation infrastructure space.
Like its larger global counterparts at Farnborough, Le Bourget and Dubai, Aero India, a biennial event, has evolved to be a meeting ground for buyers and sellers in defence and civil aviation in south Asia.
Much of the jousting among the participants, will be directed towards the 126 aircraft multi-role combat aircraft (MRCA) deal, for which the Indian Air Force is expected to announce requests for proposal later this year.
Boeing IDS (integrated defence systems), Lockheed Martin, Saab, the Russian MIG, and Eurofighter are among the top contenders for the order.
While Boeing IDS has the F-18, the C-17 and the Chinook heavy lift helicopter that senior IAF officers can try out, rival US company Lockheed-Martin is bringing out the F-16 fighter and the C-130J.
Vendors who could not bring in aircraft, like the European fighter jet maker Eurofighter, will have cockpit demonstrators at their stands.
05/02/07 Cuckoo Paul/Economic Times

Labels: aero india gl

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Bangalore: The stage is set for the inaugural here Wednesday of India's biggest international air show that will see the participation of over 400 companies, including global aviation majors from 28 nations.
About 100 civilian and military aircraft, including frontline F-16 and F-18 combat jets, will feature at the sixth edition of the five-day Aero India international aerospace and defence exhibition that concludes Feb 11.
Not unexpectedly, the focus is likely to be on the two US fighters as their manufacturers Lockheed Martin and Boeing aggressively position the planes for an IAF order for 126 aircraft to ramp up its depleting force levels.
This is not to detract from the other 418 participants - 252 from abroad and 166 from India - who will be showcasing an array of aircraft, weaponry and equipment catering to both military and civilian markets.
Given the fact that 70 percent of India's military hardware has been acquired from Russia, it is not surprising that the maximum foreign participation is from that country with 47 companies, including giants like Sukhoi, MiG, Kamov, FGUP NPP and Rosoboron Export to name just a few.
The 43 French participants constitute the second largest foreign block.Be it GIFAS, Thales, Snecma, Dassault, or Arienaspace, the represent the creme del a creme of the French civilian and military aircraft industry.
With 30, the US will also have a major presence at the show - backed by the Department of Defence.
The focus of the Indian participation will, undoubtedly be on state-owned aircraft major Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd -, which will showcase a full scale mock up of a light combat helicopter - it is designing, along with the previously displayed Tejas Light Combat Aircraft -, the Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopter - and the Intermediate Jet trainer -.
Of the military aircraft on display, eight foreign manufacturers will showcase 34 machines and Indian companies another 22.
04/02/07 RxPG NEWS, US

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Bangalore: From a modest beginning as a defence exposition in 1996, Aero India 2007, slated for February 7-11, the sixth edition of the biennial event, has matured beyond recognition, drawing attention from all the global aviation biggies.
The fact that Farnborough International Ltd (FIL), the organiser of the Farnborough Air Show, has joined the Ministry of Defence and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (Ficci) as co-organisers, underlines the growing importance of the show.
In all, 450 firms are expected to participate in Aero India 2007, up from 380 in Aero India 2005. The number of foreign firms among the air show participants will be 275, against 232 in the last event. The number of visitors at the mega event is expected to be about 35,000, including 4,000 international visitors.
Companies like Boeing IDS, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon Missile Systems, BAE Systems, Embraer, Bombardier and Bell Helicopter, who are bidding for various defence deals are among the most active participants in the event.
Aero India this year will also see participation by a range of IT majors like TCS, Wipro, Infosys, HCL and IBM, and engineering product designing and development solutions providers like CADES and Quest.
Hindusthan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) is also full of enthusiasm for the event. The company has twin objectives--to showcase its products, and also its engineering and manufacturing excellence.
05/02/07 Bibhu Ranjan Mishra & Aravind Gowda/Business Standard

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New Delhi: After sealing the $12-billion jumbo deal to buy Anglo-Dutch steel-maker Corus, Tata group chairman Ratan Tata is set to pull off another surprise by flying a fighter jet at the Aero India Show in Bangalore Feb 7-11.
The 69-year-old trained pilot will fly Lockheed Martin's F-16 multi-role combat aircraft during the show that the Bethesda, Maryland-based defence and aerospace major will feature. It proposes to sell 126 of them to the Indian Air Force.
'Lockheed Martin officials are handling this matter. The finer details of when, where and what is being finalised,' a Tata official told IANS, confirming the proposed sortie on an F-16 by the group's chairperson who enjoys flying.
'I don't get much spare time, but what little spare time I have is spent flying. I am a trained pilot for both planes and helicopters,' Tata has been quoted as saying in an interview posted on the group's Web site
According to defence industry sources, Lockheed Martin has also been in talks with the Tatas and the state-run Hindustan Aeronautics to outsource components manufacture for the aircraft.
04/02/07 India PRwire (Press Release)

Labels: Defense, F16, Fighters, Lockheed Martin, Tata, US

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Bangalore: A traffic nightmare is in the offing for commuters using Bellary Road for five days from February 7. Thousands of visitors are expected to attend the five-day Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station which opens on that day for the public.
On a good day, the traffic on this arterial road is anything but orderly. And if past experience is anything to go by, traffic-stressed Bangaloreans can expect additional chaos.
As if this were not enough, another event, a Pranayam Dhyan Shibir by Sri Sri Ravishankar of the Art of Living (AoL) Foundation from February 5 to 8 on Palace Grounds skirting Bellary Road, is likely to add to the traffic volume.
Aero India, which started here in 1993, has become a mega event for Defence and civil aviation sectors. It also attracts the public fascinated by air display. While businesspersons visit the show in the mornings, the general public is allowed in the evenings, which is when the city's traffic management is put to test. Bellary Road is the only road from the city to the venue.
Traffic used to get severely affected during the earlier editions of the Aero India also what with the heavy movement of VIPs and visitors.
04/02/07 Anil Kumar Sastry/The Hindu

Labels: roads, traffic

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The state government, at Patna Airport on Saturday, accorded the guard of honor to the Indian Air Force Squadron Leader Priye Sharma whose body was brought to Patna in a special aircraft following his tragic death at the Yelahanka Air Force base in Bangalore on Friday.
The 32-year-old Air Force ace was killed when the advanced light helicopter Dhruv crashed near the runway after developing technical difficulties.
Sharma's body that was kept in a casket was later taken to his ancestral village in Maranchi where he was cremated amidst the presence of his family members, friends, and other grieving citizens.
Sharma, the elder of the two sons of Radheshyam Sharma, is survived by his wife Reena, an ex-airline stewardess, and his 8-year old daughter Sunishka, besides other family members.
03/02/07 Patna Daily

Labels: accident, Defense, Dhruv, IAF

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The race for an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets just got hotter, with US aerospace major Boeing offering to jointly produce the frontline F-18 Super Hornet in India if it wins the contract.
'In the F-18, we have arguably the most advanced fighter in the world. If we win the contract, we offer the opportunity of entering into a joint production arrangement with an Indian defence contractor,' Said Chris Chadwik, Boeing Vice President and General Manager, Global Strike Systems.
'Clearly, there is very strong competition but we believe we are positioned very strongly,' he added.
Should the deal come through, India will be the first country outside the US where the F-18 is produced.
03/02/07 India Defence

Labels: boeing, Defense, F18, US

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In the run-up to the upcoming international air show next week, the Indian Air Force (IAF) suffered a setback Friday when one of its choppers crashed, killing its co-pilot and injuring the pilot commanding it during an aerobatic rehearsal near here.
An IAF spokesman said that co-pilot Squadron Leader Priye Sharma succumbed to severe injuries at the air force command hospital in the city, while lead pilot Wing Commander V. Jetley is still in the hospital under observation for head injuries.
The tragic incident took place at Yelahanka base, about 20km from here, around 10 am, when an Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH), constituting the Sarang team, crashed while on an exercise over the western part of the runaway with the other three in a formation.
According to eye witnesses in the vicinity, the incident occurred when the ill-fated copter veered off its course while performing a 'scissors' exercise, which involves two aircraft crossing over each other at a close distance from the opposite direction.
The Sarang team, which participates in major air shows held in India and overseas, showcases the prowess of Dhruv, designed, developed and manufactured by the state-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL).
02/02/07 India eNews.com

Labels: accident, ALH, IAF, India, sarang

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Moscow: Russian jet engine maker Salut will showcase a modernized engine for Su-family fighters at an air show in India, the company said Friday.
The company has spent $40 million on developing the AL-31FM1 engine for Su-27, Su-30, Su-33 and other Sukhoi aircraft and successfully completed its tests in October last year.
The modernized version of the famed AL-31F engine features improved thrust characteristics, a 15% increase in combat effectiveness and cycle life, and reduced maintenance costs.
The AL-31FM1 will be initially installed on Su-27SM Flanker fighters in service with the Russian Air Force, but it also has a high export potential, a company official said.
In addition, Salut is planning to conduct talks with the Indian military on the prospects of equipping MiG-27K Flogger fighter bombers from the Indian Air Force with AL-31F engines.
02/02/07 RIA Novosti, Russia

Labels: Fighters, jet engine, Russia, salut, Su

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Bangalore: A full-scale mock-up of a new attack helicopter will be the highlight of the Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) display at the Aero India show here next week, even as India's premier aircraft maker looks to cementing new partnerships with key aviation giants during the five-day show.
HAL has been working on the ALH design for the last one-and-a-half years and is expected to roll out the prototype in 2008.
The LCH is the second rotary wing HAL has designed after the Dhruv advanced light helicopter (ALH).
Apart from the Dhruv, HAL will showcase the indigenously developed Tejas light combat aircraft (LCA) and the Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), as also a fully-functional front section of an Jaguar fighter equipped with the upgraded DARIN-II avionics suite.
The company will also exhibit its advancements in machining, composites and state-of-the-art technological capabilities in aviation and aerospace.
HAL is also set to interact with aviation majors including Boeing, Airbus, GE, Safran, Martin Baker, Elbit, Pratt & Whitney, Dassault, Eurocopter, Honeywell, Bell, EADS, BAe Systems, IAI, GAE, SAAB, Alenia, RUAG, Lockheed Martin, Irkut, Sukhoi Design Bureau, Rosoboronexport, RAC-MiG and NPO Saturn, a company statement said.
02/02/07 Indo Asian News Service/DailyIndia.com, FL

Labels: copter, HAL, India, LCH

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Bangalore: With the Cauvery Waters Dispute Tribunal scheduled to deliver its final verdict on February 5, the Bangalore police are stepping up security to pre-empt trouble.
Commissioner of Police Neelam Achuta Rao told presspersons on Thursday that as the Cauvery waters issue was an "emotional" one, the police have decided to tighten security. The officers are evaluating the situation and a detailed "bandobust" plan is being worked out with focus on sensitive areas and roads. Additional forces are being summoned from other places.
The Commissioner said the police were working in coordination with the Central and State intelligence agencies to ensure that subversive forces do not disrupt the Aero India-2007 scheduled to be held here from February 6.
Although the Central intelligence agencies have not provided any specific inputs on the possible sabotage, they have sounded a general alert. In view of Bangalore being high on the terrorist radar, security has been strengthened for the air show, which will see several foreign companies participate.
02/02/07 The Hindu

Labels: Security

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New Delhi: The race for an Indian Air Force (IAF) order for 126 combat jets just got hotter, with US aerospace major Boeing offering to jointly produce the frontline F-18 Super Hornet in India if it wins the contract.
Should the deal come through, India will be the first country outside the US where the F-18 is produced. It will also be the first time Indian companies will be able to participate in the production of a US fighter.
Toward this end, Boeing would be aggressively positioning the F-18 at the upcoming Aero India 2007 international air show at Bangalore Feb 7-11, with one aircraft performing aerial manoeuvres and another on static display.
This apart, the C-17 Globemaster strategic lift transport and the Chinook CH-47 helicopter troop carrier, as also a large scale model of the P8I maritime reconnaissance aircraft that has been offered to the Indian Navy, will also be on display.
Boeing plans to take aloft select dignitaries on the F-18, the C-17 and the CH-47 during the air show to enable them to experience first hand the capabilities of the aircraft and their cutting edge technologies, Nelson said.
A host of senior Boeing executives from the company's defence and civilian wings would also be attending the show.
'We view this (Aero India) as the start of a journey to establish a real and lasting relationship with (the) Indian (defence) industry to fulfil their requirements,' Chadwik pointed out.
02/02/07 Earthtimes.org

Labels: Defense, F18, US

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New Delhi: US-based defence and aerospace major Raytheon is betting big on India. The company is looking at entering into technology partnership with Indian companies for production of defence equipment here.
The company will display the latest weapon technologies in the forthcoming Aero India Show in Bangalore, including technology solutions that integrate advanced sensor and weapon systems for multi-role fighter aircraft. On display this year will be AMRAAM Missiles, Patriot System, AESA radar capabilities, and SL-AMRAAM air defence system.
Walter F Doran, president of Raytheon Asia for Raytheon International told ET that the group is adopting a long-term partnership approach in India with both private and public-sector companies. “We want to go beyond the buyer-seller relationship,” he added. India is Raytheon’s largest overseas growth market.
02/02/07 Economic Times

Labels: Defense, Raytheon, US

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Washington: The U.S.-India Business Council (USIBC) will launch an Executive Defense Mission to India to participate in Aero India 2007, between February 4 and February 11, 2007 led by William S. Cohen, former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CEO of The Cohen Group, and Ambassador Thomas R. Pickering of The Boeing Company. The Mission seeks to consolidate the momentum of the recent U.S.-India strategic partnership to showcase American excellence in technology superiority, reliability, and long-term partnership.
USIBC Chairman's Circle Members Boeing and Lockheed Martin are represented by senior executives on the mission, and have planned elaborate chalets to entertain their customers and dignitaries. Boeing will showcase the F/A-18f, C-17 transport aircraft, and Chinook heavy-lift chopper, while Lockheed Martin will showcase the F-16, C-130j, and P-3c.
01/02/07 PRNewswire-USNewswire, US

Labels: Defense, Indo-US, US, USIBC

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New Delhi: As India and the US enhance their defence ties, 20-odd American defence behemoths will display their cutting-edge fighter jets and weaponry at India's biggest air show in Bangalore Feb 7.
'There's going to be a major contingent from the US defence industry,' US ambassador to India David C. Mulford told reporters here Thursday.
'There will be more people, more technology and more things on display,' the envoy said while alluding to three F-16s, two F-18s and a PC3 Orion the US defence majors will be displaying at the five-day show at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, on the outskirts of Bangalore.
The show will provide US companies an opportunity to showcase their competitive edge as they compete with Russian, Swedish and French companies for an Indian Air Force tender for 126 fighter aircraft.
Official delegations from over 40 countries, as also business representatives of corporations will be attending.
01/02/07 Monsters and Critics.com, UK

Labels: Defense, F16, F18, Fighters, PC3, US

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Bangalore: Prepare for a battle of the Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) at the international aerospace exposition "Aero India 2007" here on February 7. Making its first international public debut outside the United Kingdom will be HERTI, one of the world's first fully autonomous UAVs developed by BAe Systems. This new generation of UAV is suited for military and civil operations.
HERTI has the ability to take off, complete a full mission and land, all at the click of a computer mouse. It is designed to meet a variety of operational needs with cost efficiency and high levels of reliability. There is no need for an operator or pilot to control the aircraft from the ground. This UAV is from a family of unmanned air vehicles being developed by BAe Systems through its Autonomous Systems and Future Capability, Integrated System Technologies and Australian businesses.
At the Bangalore air show, the HERTI and its unique ground control station will be showcased in its production configuration.
On the air show agenda is a demonstration of HERTI's autonomous mission system capability through a fully operational ground station, which will replay, in real time, missions carried out during the UAV's extensive flight test programme.
01/02/07 Rasheed Kappan/The Hindu

Labels: Defense, HERTI, UAV, UK

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Bangalore: Defence public sector undertaking Bharat Electronics Limited will display several of its products for the export market at the forthcoming Aero India 2007. These include communication equipment, command and control systems, radars and sonars, optoelectronics, thermal imaging products, electronic warfare systems, tank electronics and solar powered systems.
At Aero India 2007, BEL will display products with good export potential, the company said. The communication equipment apart, there will be demonstrations of "build-to-print" and "build-to-spec" solutions for foreign manufacturers seeking Indian partners to meet their offset requirements. Some of BEL's facilities such as electronic and mechanical assembly, vacuum brazing and dip brazing will be highlighted.
31/01/07 The Hindu

Labels: BEL, Defense, India

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New Delhi: The Indian coast guard is busy preparing itself to meet the threat of global terrorism, besides maintaining a vigil along the 7516 kilometres long Indian coastline.
Announcing the ambitious expansion plans on the occasion of the eve of the 30th anniversary of the force, Vice Admiral R F Contractor, Director General, Coast Guard said here today that, "More ways and means will have to found to cater to the expansion plans of the service, like going in for more private shipyards and streamlining of procedures."
For the multi-mission maritime aircraft, the global tender would be floated soon and talks would be held with vendors at the Aero-India show in Bangalore early next month, after witnessing the performance of various aircraft.
31/01/07 ANI/DailyIndia.com, US

Labels: Defense, India, Maritime

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