New Delhi — The Aero-India 2011 has broken a record of sorts with its current edition of the air show that is taking place at the Yelahanka Air Force Base in Bangalore. Deemed as the biggest air show in India and Asia, the Aero-India 2011 has broken all records in terms of the turnout of international firms, spectators and content. In fact, for some of the international vendors, Aero-India 2011 is bigger in some respect to the Paris Air Show or Central Europe Air Shows.
As per the figures given by the Department of Defence Production (DDP), the online request for registration of general visitors to the air show this year has already exceeded the 175, 000 which is more than twice than the Aero-India 2009. This year, the organisers have increased the gross area to 75,000 square metres which is a 70 percent increase from the last Aero-India in 2009. The international exhibits have also risen from 380 against 303 in the last edition, indicating a 25 per cent hike in the international section.
The Aero-India 2011 has also seen the inclusion of civil aviation in a big way and 55 percent of the exhibition area is dominated by them. More than military aviation, it seems that civil aviation is garnering more business and attention. Apparently, there are 27 aircraft belonging to the civil aviation sector in the air show, marking a 54 percent representation at the show compared to just 46 percent military component. Over a 100 aircraft will be exhibited at the air-show.
However, Aero-India 2011 is a crucial juncture for the top six contenders vying for the multi-medium role combat aircraft (MMRCA) deal and are showcasing their fighter planes to India. In fact, Aero India 2011 was kick-started by a spectacular show with F/A 18 Superhornet, Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, the U.S F-16 and the Swedish Gripen showcasing their worth in the skies. Russian MiG 35, the sixth contender, was not showcased at the show. The top eight countries participating in the Aero-India 2011 includes Belgium, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Russia, the UK and the USA.
According to the Defence Minister AK Anthony who inaugurated the Aero India 2011, the air-show is a major landmark for the fast growing Indian economy and its defence sector. Inviting foreign aviation giants to look towards India for closer participation and cooperation, Mr Antony said the Indian economy was on a fast track which had also led to a bigger market for the companies concerned. In this context, Anthony added that the transparent defence purchase policy initiated by the government had been instrumental in opening the market because it improved the scope for foreign defence products’ manufacturers to set up joint ventures with Indian companies and enhanced avenues for exports in a big way. Even the offset policy of the Indian government has provided a means for globally competitive companies to join hands with Indian firms.
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