Kicking off Asia's biggest aerospace expositionhere, Defence Minister A K Antony today said the focus of the country isachieving self reliance in the defence sector.
Aero India 2013 showcases the latest internationaltechnology in military and civil aircraft, avionics and sub-systems, as well asradars in the defence and aerospace sectors.
"Self reliance in defence area is our focus area,"said Antony in his inaugural address at the biennial event at Yelahanka Airbasehere.
"We want to create a strong defence industrial base inthe country," he said at the event witnessed by a galaxy of officials,industry delegates, exhibitors and representatives from India and abroad.
He stated that India has put in place a road-map in the formof defence production policy and is encouraging the country's public andprivate sector industries to become active partners in such endeavours.
"There are big opportunities for major internationalaerospace companies to enter into new alliances and forge partnerships withIndian industry and set up bases in India", Antony said.
Aero India 2013 will project India's emergence as afast-growing and an attractive market, as well as a key outsourcing hub forglobal aerospace firms, he added.
With the airshow integral to the ceremony, the display beganwith three Mi-8 helicopters trooping the tricolour, IAF ensign and the AeroIndia flag just before the event.
A scintillating display of LCA Tejas flown by Gp Capt SKrishna was applauded by all.
The Tiger Moth aircraft resurrected recently as part of theIAF vintage flight flew for the first time in Aero India 2013.
The 'de Havilland DH82 'Tiger Moth' is a two-seat, singlebay biplane powered by a 145 hp GYPSY MAJOR four cylinder inverted air-cooledengine.It was the primary trainer aircraft for Royal Air Force during theSecond World War and was also the basic trainer aircraft in the IAF right from1940.
"Flying Bulls", considered one of the world'sleading aerobatic display team from the Czech Republic, performed at the airshow, enthralling the audience.
Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, Minister of State forDefence Jitendra Singh, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, Karnataka ChiefMinister Jagadish Shettar, Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, DefenceProduction Secretary R K Mathur, Defence (R&D) Secretary V K Saraswat andFICCI Chief Naina Lal Kidwai were among those present at the inauguralceremony.