Posted on 02/11/2009 8:05:32 AM PST by MyTwoCopperCoins
India firmly ruled out cut in defence spending despite economic downturn, as top aviation companies vying to secure the prized deal to supply 126 fighter aircraft to IAF, showcased their products at the 'Aero India 2009' which got off to a flying start in Bangalore on Wednesday. Keeping in mind the country's security interests, the government will not slash defence expenditure despite economic recession, Defence Minister A K Antony said inaugurating the five-day biennial event in which 26 countries are participating. Text: PTI Image: Surya Kiran, the aerobatic team of the Indian Air Force mesmerises the crowds at the Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
"Our defence expenditure at present is about 2.5 per cent of the GDP. Despite economic recession there is no question of scaling down our defence expenditure or compromising with our acquisition programmes," Antony said.
Asserting that India was keen on strengthening its military prowess and ensure that it had the best, he said the show would showcase country's emergence as an attractive market and a key outsourcing hub for global aerospace firms.
Image: The awe-inspiring F-A18 at Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
Underlining the government's focus on public-private partnership in the defence sector, he said, "Our defence industry is now open up to 100 per cent Indian private sector participation, while FDI is permissible up to 26 per cent."
The air show, the biggest in Asia, is taking place as India is technically evaluating bids from different companies to buy 126 modern fighter jets for IAF.
Image: The fantastic Surya Kiran team in a breathtaking flying formation. | Photograph: KPN Photos
India being a key market with immense potential and an ideal export hub for international firms, Antony said, "It fulfills all the pre-requisites --low cost, skilled engineers, good organisations, software and technology."
Image: The Sarang aerobatic team at Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
The inaugural show had some interesting moments as India and some of the countries from abroad participated in a mesmerising flying display.
The sunlit sky witnessed the prowess of Indian aircraft like NAL's indigenously developed Saras, Light Combat Aircraft, Jaguars, Surya Kirans and the much applauded Sarang's acrobatic team.
Image: A parajumping display at Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
As providing an impressive display for its unmatched strength was EADS Eurofighter Typhoons, the Russians with MIG 35 and the US with the Lockheed Martin products, the F16 and F-A18, all vying competitively for a share in Indian market.
Image: Jets flying in formation at the aero show. | Photograph: KPN Photos
The manoeuvring by MIG 35, its horizontal roll and soaring into the sky till it disappeared for a moment and descending skillfully down the horizon stole the hearts of those watching the aerial ballet. The Lockheed Martin's F-16 agility came in for applause as the astounding fighter demonstrated a split manoeuvre and a slow speed past.
Defying all laws of aerodynamics was the Sukhoi 30 as it displayed its low speed run and the 'tumbled loop'.
Image: The Tejas showing its manoeuvrability. | Photograph: KPN Photos
After showcasing the 'Saras' and Tejas (ALH), India's Surya Kiran made its mark as it signed its signature manoeuvre with a 'bomb burst formation.'
The six Surya Kiran aircraft descended down with each taking its own route. The Surya Kirans lit up the sky with some brilliant aerial display sketching a tri-colour ribbon across the sky as they flew with rhythmic beats of 'Vande Maataram,' looped and demonstrated synchronised manoeuvres.
Image: Five Tejas Light Combat Aircraft flying in formation at Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
The Sarang acrobatic helicopter team did a tango as it broke into an inverted wine glass formation in the sky.
A total of 529 firms from 26 countries are participating in the event, which offered 599 business meeting opportunities for the aviation sector with many eying big orders from the Indian defence sphere and also exploring it as an export hub.
Image: The Eurofighter. | Photograph: KPN Photos
The exhibitors have stalls spread across 44,000 sq mts to showcase their products and technology.
Image: A man stands on the tarmac beside aircraft during the inauguration ceremony of the Aero India 2009 at Yelahanka Air Force Station on the outskirts of Bangalore.
Photograph: Vijay Mathur
Making a bid to woo aviation companies, Karnataka Chief Minister B S Yeddyurappa asked them to make Bangalore a cargo hub for the regions of South East Asia, West Asia and Africa, promising all help from his government.
Image: IAF choppers fly past at Aero India 2009 in Bangalore. | Photograph: KPN Photos
He requested the firms to make optimum utilisation of the '11 acre cargo village' that is getting ready at the Bengaluru International Airport.
Image: An F16 takes to the skies at Aero India 2009. | Photograph: KPN Photos
I love air shows.
Great pics.
The aviation workers, (mostly UAW), will get downsized but fortunately there will be plenty of shovels and wheel barrels so they can fill potholes!
Ford isn't taking any bail out money so we can hope they can fill our aviation needs with...
"Franklin Roosevelt flew aboard a Ford Trimotor in 1932 during his presidential campaign."
Maybe we can send Air Force One to the boneyard because it is so expensive to operate and we can provide Obomber with a "Tin Goose"
,
Here is the Pilot who will "goose him", (using his hat!)
OK, be honest. How many of you opened this thread up hoping to see pictures of “Awesome Asian Beauties”?
Oh, you meant aircraft....
I believe those pictures are from when India participated in Red Flag in Nevada
An airshow just isn’t right without an F-22 there showing everybody else their fighters are obsolete.
I guess so. I pulled them off an online forum.
Is that the F-22 Dead Albatross?
Not guilty!
Oh, not those kind of beauties.
I was just thinking, what's the deal with all these airplane pictures?
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