A breathtaking display of air power and brilliant aerobatics by fighter jets and helicopters today enthralled the audience at the 10th Aero India show where famed international aerobatic teams left the crowd awestruck with their death—defying stunts.
Indian Air Force Sarang Team and air display teams from Sweden, UK, Czech Republic and open sky jump by USA Special Forces are among the top draws at the event.
Modi said a nation with the strong defence industry would not only be more secure, it would also reap economic benefits, boost investment, expand manufacturing, support enterprise, raise the technology level and increase economic growth in the
Defence Ministers, senior officials, and hundreds of business leaders from around the world are also in attendance at the largest ever AeroIndia, where Modi government's "Make in India" programme is in the spotlight.
The Prime Minister also told the participating overseas delegations that for too many of them India is a major business opportunity with the reputation as the largest importer of defence equipments in the world. "That may be music to the ears of
Modi said as a nation of one billion people India also has a huge requirement for managing internal security. "We are increasingly integrating technology and systems into it," he said.
Modi also spoke about involving country's scientists soldiers, academia, industry and independent experts more closely in research and development.
Stressing on the need for reducing imports, Modi said, "If we could raise percentage of domestic procurement from 40 percent to 70 percent in next five years, we would double the output in our defence industry". He also said studies have shown that
"We must ensure that our tax system does not discriminate against domestic manufacture in comparison to imports," he said at Asia's premier air show at the IAF Yelahanka air base on the city outskirts. The Prime Minister said India's defence
"We will build an industry that will have room for everyone - public sector, private sector and foreign firms," he said, adding the intention of the government was to develop a dynamic defence industry. Modi said a strong defence industry would not
He said government's focus is to reduce imports and develop domestic defence industry with a sense of mission, which it "is at the heart of our Make in India programme".
Inaugurating 'Aero India' show, the Prime Minister said the country needs to increase its defence preparedness and modernise its forces due to security challenges that were well known and invited foreign firms to become India's strategic partners
Expressing confidence that India would emerge as a major global centre for defence industry, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday promised conducive business environment for domestic as well as foreign players, including a discrimination-free
Prasun Joshi is accompanied by BJP leader Rajiv Pratap Rudy as they make their way to their seat at the aero show.
However, it was forced to delay its take off by a few minutes following bird activity. Many a times, for the audience, the birds looked too close to the planes for comfort.
Industrialist Anil Ambani greets the PM as they watch the Aero show from the stands.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be seen following the stunts of many aircraft closely. The Rafale, negotiations for which between French firm Dassault and the Indian Ministry of Defence have hit rough weather, also flew.
Its reverse flying, a feature uncommon for conventional helicopters, was much appreciated along with its manoeuvring skills. Not to be left behind, the wing walkers from Sweden left everyone stunned as two girls did aerobatic feats on board a flying
It was followed by India’s Light Combat Aircraft Tejas which pulled off some stunts. Another Indian product that amazed all was the Light Combat Helicopter made by state—run HAL.
First to hit the sky was a tiny Tiger Moth, the vintage aircraft that was once used as primary trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force during World War II and was also the basic trainer aircraft in the IAF initially.
Curtains go up at the Aero India show 2015 in Bengaluru