The current financial meltdown will not affect the modernization of the Indian armed forces or other defence programmes, according to the government.
Addressing a press conference ahead of the Aero-India 2009, Pradeep Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, said that, ?there is no constraint of fund availability for the modernization of the armed forces, and these will go ahead as planned and as per the requirements of the forces.? The International Aerospace Exhibition is to be held in Bengaluru from February 11?15.
According to him, ?the modernisation of armed forces have not been scaled down in wake of the financial crisis and response for Aero India 2009 show is better is better this time with high level of interest shown by foreign as well as domestic companies.?
The seventh edition of Aero India, Asia?s premier air show, will be held in Bengaluru. In size and number this is going to be the biggest air show hosted by India, so far, he pointed out.
The defence production secretary said that, ?Aero India 2009 will provide an ideal window of opportunity for companies to not only network with the Indian Industry but also to benefit from the sharing of expertise in the fields of research and development production and product support with other global players.?
A number of aircraft, including F-16, F-18, MiG-35D, Eurofighter, IJT, Dhruv, Hawk, C-17, Embraer 135 business jet Legacy 600, C-130J, Citation XLS,G 550, AN-12 Cargo and A-310 MRTT will be on display.