IAF keen to build partnership with Indian Industry: ACM FH Major

New Delhi: The Indian Air Force is looking at establishing new partnerships with the Indian industry in defence aviation, according to chief of the air staff, Air Chief Marshal, FH Major, PVSM, AVSM, SC, VM, ADC. The chief of the air staff was speaking at a meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) here on Tuesday.

ACM Major said that aerospace sector was going through historical change and there was unprecedented growth in civil and defence aviation.

At the session, ACM FH Major also announced the organization of the second "International Conference on Energising Indian Aerospace Industry," which will be organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Centre for Air Power Studies (CAPS) on October 25 - 26, 2007 in New Delhi.

ACM Major remarked that the Indian aviation sector was growing faster at a rate of 7.7%, as compared to a global growth of 4%, but lacked infrastructure and latest technology. He said that the Indian defence services would explore and build partnerships with private companies to develop infrastructure but mutual trust would be the key to such tie-ups.

Air Chief Marshal Major said, "The development of aviation sector will contribute to national development and government has laid down a comprehensive defence procurement procedure with a possible investment of $50 billion in next 20 years".

This will allow the private and foreign companies to invest in defence infrastructure and technology, he said. "Military aviation is going through unique change and is expected to absorb $ 150 billion in next five years. 12 companies have so far been recommended by the defence forces for Raksha Udyog Ratna, which will ensure trust and confidence in the private companies," added ACM Major.

Atul Kirloskar, chairman, CII national committee on defence and chairman and managing director, Kirloskar Oil Engines Limited said that India had become a significant user of aerospace technology. "In this environment of growth it is important to look forward to new technologies and partnerships. There are immense opportunities for Indian companies to build a partnership with the Indian Air force and contribute to the growth," he said.

India has entered a new era of economical and technological growth and faces new challenges of matching with lobal standards, said Air Cmde Jasjit Singh, AVSM, VrC VM (Retd), director, Centre for Air Power Studies. In the last six years, India was going through re-industrialisation and private companies had become competitive, he said.

India should move beyond 8.5% of GDP spend in Research and Development, said Air Cmde Singh.

CII and Centre for Air Power Studies in association with Indian Air force are organising the "Second International Conference on Energising Indian Aerospace Industry:" The objective of the conference is to explore the challenges, opportunities and strategies for new partnerships to energise Indian aerospace industry in the coming decade.