The sixth edition of Aero India 2007 kicked off on a spectacular note on Wednesday at the Indian Air Force's (IAF) Yelahanka airbase with daredevil aerobatics on display. |
The supersonic Russian Sukhoi-MKI 30, three Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) of the Sarang aerobatic team and nine sub-sonic trainer aircraft Surya Kiran of the IAF's aerobatic team demonstrated the country's air prowess at the hour-long flying display, with some daring aerobatics and rare exercises in solo and formations. |
Two prototype Light Combat Aircraft (LCA), Intermediate Jet Trainer (IJT), five deep-penetration fighter Jaguars, transport planes Tuplov 142N, IL-78 with air-to-air fuelling by two Mirage 2000 jets, AN-32 and the prototype of the 14-seater Sarang aircraft of the National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) were the other aircraft and helicopters that stole the show. |
The biennial aerospace exhibition was inaugurated by Defence Minister A K Antony in the presence of his two deputies, Inderjit Singh and Pallam Raju, Karnataka Chief Minister H D Kumaraswamy and a host of top dignitaries. Business delegations from more than 30 countries, apart from the air chiefs of 28 countries, are participating in the five-day air show. |
Welcoming delegates, participants, exhibitors and other stakeholders, Defence Production Secretary K P Singh told the gathering that the air show had attracted over 500 companies, including 280 global aerospace majors from the UK, Germany, France, Israel, Russia, Sweden and the US. |
Among the Indian participants are a dozen public sector undertakings, including HAL, BEL, NAL, DRDO, ADA, GTRE and BEML and about 200 firms from the private sector. |
"Aero India provides an ideal platform to the Indian aerospace industry to showcase its capabilities to the global audience. It is also an excellent forum to explore business opportunities and facilitate joint ventures and collaborations for mutual benefits," Antony said in his inaugural address. |