Indian aviation sector growing at the fastest pace: Antony

A-K-AntonyBangalore, Feb 6 : Defence Minister A K Antony today said the Indian aviation sector is growing at the fastest pace and will evolve into a major hub for aerospace operations and outsourcing in the coming days.

Inaugurating the 9th edition of Aero India-2013, at Air Force Station, Yelhanka, Bangalore, Antony underscored the need to create a strong defence industrial base in the country.

He said in view of immense opportunities available in the aerospace industry the revised Defence Procurement Policy of 2010 has provided for more public-private partnerships model to the industry.

He appealed to all stakeholders of defence industry to take advantage of this policy initiative and develop world-class products and technologies so as to make India a hub in the entire sub-continent.

He hoped that this premier air show of Asia will provide enough avenues for growth of Indian aerospace industry.

On this occasion Antony unveiled Aero Space Policy of Karnataka in the presence of Chief Minister of Karnataka Jagdish Shettar. He also announced that the 10th Aero India will be held at Bangalore from 18-22 February 2015.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Civil Aviation Ajit Singh described Aero India as a ''knowledge platform''.

Giving a brief report card of Indian aviation, he said that since this is one of the fastest growing aviation sectors in the world, concentrated efforts have to be made by all stakeholders to sustain this momentum.

R K Mathur, Secretary, Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, Naina Lal Kidwai, President, FICCI, Jagdish Shettar, Chief Minister of Karnataka also spoke on the occasion.

Marshal of The Air Force Arjan Singh, Minister of State For Defence Jitendra Singh, Chief of Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal N A K Brown, Scientific Advisor to Defence Minister and DG, DRDO Dr V K Saraswat and Defence Secretary Shashikant Sharma were also present.

A magnificent aerobatic show commenced after the inaugural function when visitors were thrilled to see the slow but graceful flight displays of 1930s vintage Tigher Moth aircraft, which made its flight appearance after a gap of 22 years.

Then the much awaited LCA Tejas showed some breath taking loops and vertical charlies in the skies of Yelhanka, which was followed by aerobatic displays of Flying Bulls of Czech Republic. (ANI)