Russia is a Traditional Participant in AERO INDIA - 2003 Show, Biggest in Asia

Indian Defence Minister George Fernandes has opened AERO INDIA 2003, the 4th traditional international exhibition of aerospace equipment.

The Asian biggest air show, held every two years at the Yelahanka Indian air base, near Bangalore, the capital of the southern state of Karnataka, will run to February 9th.

About 250 Indian and foreign companies are taking part in the show. The Indian government officially invited 52 countries among which are Russia, the USA, Great Britain, France, Italy, Israel, Brazil, Canada, the Czech Republic, Ukraine, Belarus, the Republic of South Africa and others.

Russia is a traditionally important participant. Under the auspices of Rosoboroneksport 12 companies are displaying their production. Among them are OAO Kamov, OAO Corporation Fazotron-NIIR, OAO Rostvertol, GNPP Bazalt, FGUP Engineering Design Bureau, OAO Izhevsk's Kupol electromechanical works, and OAO Aviazapchast.

Moreover, GUP AVPK Sukhoi, OAO Irkutsk production aviation association, OAO OKB named after A.S. Yakovlev, MAPO MIG, VO Aviaexport are represented within the single exposition.

In terms of participants and displays, the air show is the greatest one compared with the previous shows. Taking into account the applications that this year increased by 25%, the organisers set up another hall, the total area of the four halls amounts to 8,500 sq.m.

Alongside the latest samples of the world leading companies, the SU-20MKI Russian multi-purpose fighter added to the arsenal of the Indian Air Force, MIG-29M2, the training MIG-AT, the KA-50 and Black Sharp helicopters, MI-28, and the Brahmos cruise missile, created by Russian and Indian specialists are displayed on the open area of 800 sq. m.

The Development and Strategy of Aerospace Technologies international seminar will be held. The seminar will be opened by the Indian Defence Minister on February 6th.