Indian PM's ‘Make in India’ campaign is likely to be the theme of the upcoming Aero India 2015.
In its past editions biennial air show attracts a large number of Indian companies form around the world. This year too, a large number of foreign and domestic firms are expected to participate in the exhibition to be held between February 18 and 22 in Yelahanka Air Force Station.
Mayaskar Deo Singh, director, Defence Exhibition Organisation of the Ministry of Defence said “The response for this edition of the show is very good. It is now a reputed international air-show and many will be surprised by the response this time”
Retired IAF officer Air Marshal SP Singh is said to have commented that ‘Make in India’ would be the central theme of the show, and that is likely to reflect in the MoUs that Indian firms will sign with foreign companies during the show.
John Siddharth, a senior aerospace and defence analyst at research firm MarketsandMarkets, is said to have opined that Aero India 2015 is likely to focus more on component manufacturing this year. He has suggested that for the aerospace and defence sector the 'Make in India'should be rephrased as 'Design, Make and Service in India'”
Air Marshal B K Pandey (Retd) former Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, IAF Training Command feels that investment that comes as a fallout of offset obligation would be be one of the focus areas in the show. As per the offset clause, companies that have signed deals with India are required to source components worth 30 per cent of contract value from Indian suppliers.
IAF has signed several deals in the last few years with foreign firms for trainer aircraft, C17, helicopters and others. Domestic companies interested in investment that comes in the form of offset clause will tie up with foreign firms. The total offset value is approximately USD 5 billion and is expected to double in the next few years, which is spectacular growth.
Only the 'Make in India’ drive that focus on building the base for manufacturing aerospace and defence components, like the proposed Kalashnikov plant in Gujarat will create the required infrastructure to achieve real self sufficiency in India's defence industry.
