Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications
Wednesday, Feb 05, 2003
Financial Daily from THE HINDU group of publications Wednesday, Feb 05, 2003 |
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Logistics
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Airlines UK aerospace industry looking for partners Our Bureau
BANGALORE, Feb. 4 THE British aerospace industry, the second largest after the US, is looking for a role in all possible projects and areas in India ranging from the AJT (advanced jet trainer), the MRTA or the multi-role transport aircraft and the IJT. With an annual export of 17 billion pounds, it is also contending for supplies like the glass cockpit for the ALH (advanced light helicopter), according to Mr Jim Catchpole, First Secretary (Defence Supply) at the British High Commission in New Delhi. Any partnership would be for the long haul and could extend to the Third Country exports too, he said. The UK industry also has its eye on the fourth generation combat aircraft, which JAS39 Gripen, a UK-Swedish venture has to offer. Agusta Westland (RPT AGUSTA) has its EH 101 in the medium helicopter lift for future civil or defence requirements. In the Indo-Russian 100-seater MRTA venture, its interests lie in avionic development and propulsion. But for now, the sale of Hawk advanced jet trainer to the Defence Ministry is its priority. With the $16-million question of who will bag the AJT deal believed to be all but decided, the anticipation in the British camp is high. A majority of the 66 AJTs that will be contracted are to be manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) under licence. HAL is already working in a similar arrangement for the Jaguars. The Hawk, made by BAE Systems, offers excellent solutions to Indian defence and industry; "We are talking about building from raw materials," Mr Catchpole told a news conference he addressed in connection with the Aero India 2003, he said. He said it would also be an ideal trainer for pilots graduating to fly modern fighters like the Sukhoi, which the IAF has inducted. About 18 countries including the US have chosen the Hawk. Some 25 companies under the umbrella of the Society of British Aerospace Companies SBAC are participating in the trade fair and air show, which will be held here from February 5 to 9. The SBAC has 3,500 members and is Europe's biggest in the sector. Its expertise includes avionics, airframes, design, engines, equipment, materials, maintenance/support services and training. BAE Systems, Rolls Royce, Agusta Westland, Smiths Aerospace, Honeywell, Martin Baker and the Defence Export Services Organisation are part of the UK team to Aero India. The British Minister for Defence Procurement, Lord Bach of Lutterworth, is leading the official UK delegation to the Aero India. During his official visit from February 4 to 6, he is expected to meet the Defence Minister, Mr George Fernandes.
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