NEW DELHI : Global armament companies were in for a bit of disappointment at the Aero India Show, with India's defence minister warning of budget cuts this year.
Military spending will reportedly go down by about US$2 billion.
Many firms had been hoping to secure multi-billion dollar deals at the Aero India Show, which ended on Sunday.
One of Asia's biggest air shows, the Aero India Show showcased the latest in aerospace, defence and civil aviation, attracting more than 700 exhibitors from 27 countries.
But for armament companies, their trip to Bangalore was to pitch for multi-billion dollar contracts from the world's biggest weapons importer.
A K Antony, India's Defence Minister, said: "There are big opportunities for major international aerospace companies to enter into new alliances and forge partnerships with the Indian industry and set up bases in India."
Makers of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) were at the show.
They are hoping that India would add more surveillance drones to its existing fleet, used mainly to monitor Maoist rebels.
Dale McDowall, director of business development and strategy at Insitu Pacific, said: "In fact, we have achieved more than 675,000 operating hours around the world. Of course, that includes predominantly the operations that occurred in the last decade in Iraq and Afghanistan.
"However, we have other nations around the world, throughout the Asia-Pacific and elsewhere that are operating the UAVs."
The five-day show concluded on Sunday with a spectacular aerobatics display by the Russian Knights.
Another highlight at the show was the Rafale fighter jet from Dassault Aviation.
India wants to buy 126 of them and has yet to finalise the US$10 billion deal with its French makers.
The deal has been put on "highest priority" in India's budget for the upcoming financial year.
N A K Browne, chief of the Indian Air Force, said: "It is not directed against China...It is for every body. We need to have a strong and potent airpower capability in the country, to meet any of the threats or any of the challenges."
The Indian Army also received its first indigenously-developed attack helicopter.
The Rudra is an Advanced Light Helicopter, equipped with state-of-the art weaponry and self-defence systems.
The border rivalry with Pakistan and China has prompted New Delhi to go on a billion-dollar shopping spree to update its ageing military hardware. According to Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, India received 9 per cent of global arms transfers from 2006 to 2010, making it the world's largest importer of weapons.
- CNA/ms
Aero India Show attracts over 700 exhibitors from 27 countries
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Aero India Show attracts over 700 exhibitors from 27 countries
