It is an unusual line-up, not very easily seen elsewhere in the world. The majestic Russian Sukhoi-30, the highly advanced French war-plane Rafale, and the American warhorse F-16, all streaking across the sky, with an occasional sonic boom signalling their friendly banter over Bengaluru.
Every two years, in February, most of the global manufacturers in the aerospace industry assemble in the south Indian city to parade their finest products. Their aim — to entice one of the world’s biggest military spenders, which is also home to several dozen rich who count private aircraft and helicopters among necessities of life. This year’s show, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, was significantly focussed on indigenous platforms — it was also a fait accompli because of the dull global interests compared to the previous years. India’s first indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), called Netra and mounted on a Brazilian Embraer 145 jet, was handed over to the Indian Air Force, and the Light Utility Helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was on display for the first time. However, the real attractions were the aerobatics teams. The Indian Air Force’s ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team made a comeback after six years, for the first time flying Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT). Yakovlev aerobatic team, Skycats, from the UK, and the Sarang helicopter display team also put up impressive shows.
Started in 1996, AeroIndia is among the world’s biggest aerospace shows. This year’s was the 11th edition, featuring 549 exhibitors compared with 644 companies in 2015. The exhibition began on a low key, but as India opened up its purse strings after the Kargil conflict to become a major buyer in the global arms bazaar, companies began to flock to Bangalore for Aero India and to New Delhi, where Defexpo showcases land and naval systems.
In the past decade, India has emerged among the world’s biggest importers of arms. According to data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2006-10 and 2011-15, India’s arms imports increased by 90%, and it was the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
19/02/17 The Hindu
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Every two years, in February, most of the global manufacturers in the aerospace industry assemble in the south Indian city to parade their finest products. Their aim — to entice one of the world’s biggest military spenders, which is also home to several dozen rich who count private aircraft and helicopters among necessities of life. This year’s show, at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, was significantly focussed on indigenous platforms — it was also a fait accompli because of the dull global interests compared to the previous years. India’s first indigenous Airborne Early Warning and Control System (AEW&CS), called Netra and mounted on a Brazilian Embraer 145 jet, was handed over to the Indian Air Force, and the Light Utility Helicopter developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited was on display for the first time. However, the real attractions were the aerobatics teams. The Indian Air Force’s ‘Surya Kiran’ aerobatic team made a comeback after six years, for the first time flying Hawk Advanced Jet Trainers (AJT). Yakovlev aerobatic team, Skycats, from the UK, and the Sarang helicopter display team also put up impressive shows.
Started in 1996, AeroIndia is among the world’s biggest aerospace shows. This year’s was the 11th edition, featuring 549 exhibitors compared with 644 companies in 2015. The exhibition began on a low key, but as India opened up its purse strings after the Kargil conflict to become a major buyer in the global arms bazaar, companies began to flock to Bangalore for Aero India and to New Delhi, where Defexpo showcases land and naval systems.
In the past decade, India has emerged among the world’s biggest importers of arms. According to data from Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), between 2006-10 and 2011-15, India’s arms imports increased by 90%, and it was the world’s largest importer of weapons and military equipment in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
19/02/17 The Hindu
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