Bangalore: The eighth version of Aero India 2011, kicked off on Wednesday at the Yelahanka Air Force station in Bangalore in a spectacular show with F/A 18 Superhornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, F 16 and the Gripen — five of the six contenders for India’s US$10-billion Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) deal — putting up a grand display of aerial superpower. Mig 35, the sixth contender, was not seen performing.
This edition of Aero India is important in the backdrop of the 126 MMRCA deal and the top six contenders vying for the deal are flexing their muscles going out of the way to ensure that their product is noticed and marketed well to the Indian decision makers.
“This is the biggest show for us this year — even bigger than Paris or Central Europe shows. It is not always that we bring five of our aircraft at a show,†said Joanna Sjolander, in-country director, Saab Gripen, who have for this edition of the show brought three Gripen aircraft along with two commercial planes that include Saab 2000 and 340.
The case is no different with Eurofighter Typhoon who have a delegation of 10 that includes UK defence equipment minister and high commissioner amongst other officials.
10/02/11 Pranav Kulkarni/Indian Express
Eyeing mega deal, contenders spread their wings
Published February 10, 2011 Uncategorized Leave a CommentTags: Defence
0 Responses to “Eyeing mega deal, contenders spread their wings”