Article Posted on : - Feb 06, 2013

Defence Minister A K Antony inaugurates Aero India 2013 at the Air Force Station in Yalahanka, Bangalore Wednesday. A Brahmand photo.

YELAHANKA, BANGALORE (BNS): Defence Minister AK Antony on Wednesday inaugurated the ninth edition of Aero India and also launched ‘Brahmand World Defence Update 2013’ during the opening ceremony, at the Air Force Station Yelahanka, in Bangalore.

Brahmand World Defence Update 2013 is a comprehensive compilation of military database of over 100 countries worldwide. The book has focused on listing the defence capabilities, new arms acquisitions and military expenditure of a total of 113 countries alongside their political set-ups and economic strength. It also contains strategic information of 30 countries.

The five-day biennial event aims at promoting products and services being offered by Indian Defence Industry in the international market besides providing exposure to the Armed Forces, R & D personnel to the latest aviation and aerospace industry.

Over 600 companies and 78 overseas delegations are participating in the international event touted as Asia’s premier air show. The largest overseas participation is seen from USA followed by Israel and Russia.

Other major participants this year include France, UK, Germany and Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Ukraine, Australia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, UAE and Singapore.

The air show would see the participation of aerobatic teams – Flying Bulls from Czech Republic, Russian Knights-Russian Air Force aerobatic team and IAF’s Sarang Aerobatic team.

Organised by Defence Ministry in partnership with Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the air show provides a significant platform for Indian and foreign vendors. Several Business to Business meetings are being planned to be held on the sidelines.