India’s defence and aerospace sector is on an offensive. In the past four years, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) has signed deals worth approximately $ 24.66 billion with global integrators and deals worth another $ 41.99 billion are in the pipeline.
These are findings of a KPMG report, Unlocking the potential of the Indian Aerospace and Defence Industry, which was released by minister of state for defence MM Pallam Raju recently. The report is an assessment of the global opportunity trigger points and critical success factors for making India a participant in the global aerospace and defence sphere. The recently concluded Aero India 2011 was indicative of India?s strong defence market and its emergence as a major buyer in the region.
Aero India has become more than just a show for displaying aerospace and defence products. Defence experts admit that the run up to the $ 10-billion deal for 126 Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) has been one of the main reasons for the keen participation in Aero India 2011. Besides, MoD officials point out that a lot of procurement is in the pipeline for the armed forces, which includes 197 helicopters, upgradation of Jaguar fighter aircraft and Mirage 2000 and the induction of the Light Combat Aircraft. According to experts, India is expected to spend around $100 billion in the defence sector to modernise its armed forces over the next five years.
For instance, the Western Air Command has been put on the highest priority in terms of air fleet upgradation. Its modernisation programme includes acquisition of assets such as helicopters, transport planes, latest radars and more landing bases along Indo-Pak and the Sino-India borders.
?The Indian defence industry is at a very critical inflection point in its growth and the show presented an opportunity for the industry to come together and contribute to the government?s efforts towards modernisation and indigenisation of its military capabilities,? observed Vivek Lall, vice-president, Boeing Defense, Space & Security, India. He added, ?Apart from F/A-18 Super Hornet and C-17, we also showcased the depth and breadth of our portfolio at Boeing Defense, Space & Security with models of our different products.?
While expressing satisfaction over participating in the region?s biggest air show ever, Matthias Schmidlin, Eurofighter?s campaign director in India, said, ?Two Italian Air Force Eurofighter Typhoons, which enthralled audiences with their display of unrivalled operational capabilities and manoeuvrability, are the most modern aircraft available in the market and received excellent feedback from customers.?
He added, ?We want India to collaborate with the EF consortium, which constitutes Europe?s top defence conglomerates?EADS, BAE and Finmeccanica?to co-develop and co-produce future capabilities for the EF. These capabilities can even be exported to other countries. This will help in the creation of a modern defence and aerospace industry in India. According to 3rd party studies, if India chooses the Eurofighter Typhoon, more than 20,000 high skilled jobs will be created in India.?
Red Bulls, a professional aerobatics team from the Czech Republic, added a new dimension to the show?s glamour quotient. ?Aero India 2011 is one of the best organised festivals we?ve been to. What makes it even better is the incredible crowds that have only grown and grown. As performers, we love entertaining an appreciative audience,? said Radka Machova, team leader of Red Bulls on its maiden participation. Besides, crowds witnessed aerobatics by IAF Surya Kirans and Sarang. A total of 51 aircraft participated in the static and other aerial displays during the show.
According to Wg Cdr MD Singh, joint director, Defence Exhibition Organisation, the nodal agency for conducting all defence exhibitions in the country, ?The five-day exposition had some of the world?s leading aerospace industries displaying some of their flying machines. We issued 3 lakh RFIDs (Radio Frequency Identity Devices) and still could not meet all the demand.?
The number of business visitors was about 75,000, up from 50,000 in the previous event, according to officials. And over 600 exhibitors from across the country and the world showcased their components and technology at the event. Refusing to divulge details, organisers said, ?A lot of MoUs have been inked and joint ventures announced. However, how many of them will actually fructify eventually, only time will tell.?