A rather low-pitch Aero India 2017 took off in Bengaluru on Tuesday with Indian metal birds putting up a strong show over the skies of nearby Yelahanka.
Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar, inaugurating the 11th edition of the two-yearly air show and exhibition, reiterated the government’s policy and financial support to spur Indian defence capabilities in design, development and manufacturing.
Highlighting a few recent norms that encourage indigenous military capabilities through local procurements, as also foreign technology tie-ups where required, Mr. Parrikar said, “I assure you that many more such initiatives will be taken in the coming months. Additional initiatives are also under way to support the private sector in defence manufacturing.”
The five-day air spectacle is taking place at the Yelahanka Air Force Station, about 40 km from the city.
The Minister said defence technology development fund had got an initial contribution from Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. and Bharat Electronics Ltd. It is learnt that the initial corpus of ₹10 crore will be increased as per demand to encourage defence startups.
Mr. Parrikar pointed out that while an enabling environment was being created for defence public enterprises and the private defence industry, foreign direct investments and tie-ups were also necessary to raise local expertise to global standards. FDI and offset norms have been relaxed for this, he said.
Civil Aviation Minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju noted that India was the fastest growing aviation region and this called for synergy with defence segment, in tapping defence airports to strengthen air traffic within the country.
Karnataka Industry Minister R.V. Deshpande pointed out that Karnataka has led Indian aerospace and hosted the air show since 1996.
Minister of State for Defence Subhash Bhamre; the three Services chiefs Air Chief Marshal Birendra Singh Dhanoa of the Indian Air Force, Admiral Sunil Lanba of the Indian Navy, General Bipin Rawat of the Indian Army; Secretaries of Defence and Defence Production; a host of foreign Services chiefs, defence brass and industry officials, with their delegations were present at the air show.
