'Great investment scope in India's helicopter sector'

New Delhi: A great scope for investment exists in the helicopter sector in India but urgent steps are required to rapidly indigenise design and production of choppers, aviation experts from the services and the private sector said on Monday.
There was "large scope of investment" in indigenising imported systems in several areas, especially in communication and navigation systems, spares and parts, Col A K Suri of the Indian Army's Aviation Corps said here.
Addressing a seminar on helicopters at the ongoing DefExpo here, he said Army Aviation, which had an inventory of 250 choppers, was set to double by 2020. "In fact, growth is expected not only in the number of helicopters, but also their ancillary support systems."
Suri said great opportunities existed for the Indian industry as the Army Aviation Corps would need to upgrade fleet, carry out replacements, diversify and expand its support services. Army choppers operate in varied environments in the country -- from the high mountains to jungles and deserts.
18/02/08 PTI/Economic Times

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Categories: Indian Aviation- In General Feb 2008