SHOW REPORT DEFEXPO ’08
WHO SAID WHAT
“India relies on its time-tested relationship with Russia” Rao Inderjit Singh, Minister of State for Defence Production To what extent is Defexpo a platform to bridge gaps in defence technology? Defexpo showcases what the world has to offer to India and vice versa. What is India’s policy on defence export? India’s policy of non-align-
ment does not permit export of arms to a country where there is a conflict. However, export of indigenous arms is permissible under JVs. Numerous bottlenecks discourage private sector participation in defence
production. The private sector has to invest in infrastructure development. Bottomline is to encourage the sector to enter into partnership arrangements of up to 26 per cent, which can be increased to 50 per cent
with Cabinet approval. Foreign companies are reportedly finding it difficult to implement the offset clause. The companies are well versed with the offset clause and quite capable of complying with it. SP
“India and Boeing make for win-win relations” Jim Albaugh, President & CEO, Boeing Integrated Defense Systems What is the extent, structure, size of Boeing IDS’s representation in India? Boeing has a Delhi office led by Dr Ian Thomas. Currently, Boeing has 30 employees in India. Which are the Indian companies with whom
Boeing has entered into strategic partnership? For IDS, Boeing signed an MoU in 2007 with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). At 2007 Aero India, we entered into an MoU with L&T. What is the status of the
proposal for India’s acquisition of Chinook? We understand an RFP may be released in 2008. What are your chances of bagging the MMRCA deal? I’d say our chances are good. The Super Hornet is the most capable, combat-
proven, multi-role fighter in the world today. The response to the RFP is expected by March 2008. Will Boeing submit the response in time? Boeing anticipates filing its proposal by March 3 or before. SP
“We want to gain cost advantages by increasing our local capabilities” Yves Guillaume, CEO, EADS India What is your long term strategy in India? We want to be seen as a company with an Indian citizenship and at the same time gain cost advantages by increasing our local capabilities. To what extent is EADS
participating in India’s space programme? Astrium and ISRO have long lasting ties starting with the delivery of satellite components, followed by testing equipment for satellite antennas. Can you give a glimpse
of some of the success stories of EADS and its subsidiaries in India? EADS is a major supplier to the booming Indian commercial aviation sector. Most of the fast-growing private airlines and the state-owned Air India
have selected Airbus and ATR to develop their fleet. In the past two years, Airbus and ATR have received orders from Air India, Air Deccan, Kingfisher, IndiGo, Jet Airways, GoAir and Flyington Freighters. SP
“We’ll work with the Indian industry to add value to our product lines” Richard T. Kirkland, President, Lockheed Martin for South Asia Have you established any strategic ties with Indian IT companies? We partnered with Wipro Technologies to establish Ambar Jyoti. This lab will develop, demonstrate and experiment with emerging network-enabled capabili-
ties and applications. What are your chances of bagging the MMRCA deal? Lockheed Martin is offering India the F-16 Fighting Falcon. The company’s approach is to provide an advanced configuration that is tailored
to all the Indian MMRCA requirements at the lowest possible procurement and operating costs. Will the F-22 Raptor be offered to India in future? That is a policy question that should be directed to the US government.
The response to the RFP for MMRCA is to be submitted by March 3. Is Lockheed Martin on schedule or are you contemplating filing for extension of deadline? Lockheed Martin intends to file on schedule. SP
“Fire Scout an affordable platform for Indian Navy” John Brooks, President, Northrop Grumman International Inc. What is Northrop Grumman’s involvement in the MMRCA deal? Northrop Grumman is very active in India’s new fighter acquisition drive. Our Integrated Systems Sector is a major partner with Boeing on the F/A-18 30
SP’S AVIATION
Issue 2 • 2008
E/F and will build 40 per cent of the aircraft. What is the status of the E-2 Hawkeye programme? The US Navy has provided technical briefs to the Indian Navy since November 2005. Dialogue
on a potential AEW&C capability acquisition by India continues between the US Navy, Northrop Grumman and the Indian Navy. How will the Indian Navy benefit by inducting Fire Scout UAV?
It will provide the Indian Navy and Army with a proven platform at an affordable cost. The Fire Scout UAV provides continuous C4ISR, Engagement Capability and Quick Delivery to Operational and Tactical Forces. SP