Aero India 2019: Chief Secy meets HAL, MoD officials

The countdown has begun for 'Aero India 2019,' the biennial international aerospace exhibition scheduled to come alive at the Yelahanka Air Force Station from February 20 to 24.

On Thursday, T M Vijay Bhaskar, the Chief Secretary, held a preparatory meeting with top defence ministry officials and Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) chairman and managing director R Madhavan.

The state government is keen to ensure that the country's premier aerospace exposition, held once in every two years in the city since 1996, is a grand success.

The 2019 show had come under a cloud with talk of the event being shifted to Lucknow. The defence ministry later announced that the show would be held in the city again.

Meanwhile, 95 exhibitors, including 29 international and 65 Indian firms, have registered to participate in the show. Among the foreign exhibitors are Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), Airbus, Boeing, Swedish firm SAAB AB, French missile firm MBDA and other global defence and aerospace companies.

About 500 companies are expected to participate in the airshow.

Exhibitors from 22 countries had taken part in Aero India 2017. Six global companies that have responded to Indian Air Force (IAF)'s Request for Information on 110 multi-role fighter jets, will showcase their aircraft at the show.