Aero India 2013 Show Sees Sharp Increase In Exhibitors

Indian defense minister Shri AK Antony will inaugurate the ninth biennial Aero India show at the Yelahanka Air Force Station near Bangalore on Wednesday. The February 6-10 event will once again have a strong bias towards the defense sector, but should also see evidence of Indian companies progressing upwards through the aerospace food chain.

Aero India 2013 has attracted more than 700 exhibiting companies (up from 600 in 2011) from 27 countries and with 10 national pavilions, as well as 78 foreign delegations. Total exhibit space covers a 125,000 square meter area—representing a big increase on the 75,000 square meters occupied at the last show.

Less than two days before the show’s official opening, organizers had still not posted any details of aircraft on display in Bangalore. However, prominent exhibits will include Indian-built models such as the Dhruv and Rudra helicopters.