Aerospace Diary

Neelam Mathews Jan 21, 2013 Radha Krishna Mathur, Secretary Defense Production who moved last year to the MoD from being Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, seems to have tapped on his experience adeptly. This is apparent in the numerous MSMEs participating in the air show this year. All hoping to get a piece of the offsets pie, we assume. It is clear this year, the 9 th Aero India starting Feb 6, despite brave attempts, is not as dazzling as the previous years given that all the bidders of the MMRCA will not be there to wow the viewers. Add to it, a dithering economy with the defense budget sure to be diced taking away the sheen from future procurements. Also, let’s face it, India hasn’t delivered with the speed it was expected to. We were told at a press conference held today the show would be "bigger and better" than the previous ones. However, with a fortnight left, aircraft confirmed for participation this year are 52 as against 63 i...