The Hindu Business Line : Air Force looking at new partnerships with industry

New Delhi, July 5 The Indian Air Force is looking at new partnerships with the industry to explore the growth in defence aviation, said the Air Chief Marshal FH Major, Chief of the Air Staff.

While speaking at meeting organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry here, he said that aerospace sector is going through historical change and there is an unprecedented growth in civil and defence aviation.

He said that the Indian aviation sector is growing faster at a rate of 7.7 per cent compared with the global growth of 4 per cent but lacks infrastructure and latest technology.

Indian Defence will explore and build partnership with private companies to develop infrastructure but mutual trust will be the key to such tie-ups, said the Chief of Air Staff.

The 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.

“Military aviation is going through unique change and is expected to absorb $150 billion in next five years.

“Twelve companies have so far been recommended by the Defence Force for Raksha Udyog Ratna, which will ensure trust and confidence in the private companies,” according to the Air Chief Marshal.