Bengaluru, Feb 18 (PTI): A breathtaking display of air power and brilliant aerobatics by fighter jets and helicopters today enthralled the audience at the 10th Aero India show where famed international aerobatic teams left the crowd awestruck with their death-defying stunts.

First to hit the sky was a tiny Tiger Moth, the vintage aircraft that was once used as primary trainer aircraft for the Royal Air Force during World War II and was also the basic trainer aircraft in the IAF initially.

It was followed by India's Light Combat Aircraft Tejas which pulled off some stunts.

Another Indian product that amazed all was the Light Combat Helicopter made by state-run HAL.

Its reverse flying, a feature uncommon for conventional helicopters, was much appreciated along with its manoeuvring skills.

Not to be left behind, the wing walkers from Sweden left everyone stunned as two girls did aerobatic feats on board a flying plane.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi could be seen following the stunts of many aircraft closely.

The Rafale, negotiations for which between French firm Dassault and the Indian Ministry of Defence have hit rough weather, also flew.

However, it was forced to delay its take off by a few minutes following bird activity. Many a times, for the audience, the birds looked too close to the planes for comfort.

India's very own Indian aerobatics team 'Sarang' flown by young IAF helicopter pilots was the showstopper.

The IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team has the unique distinction of being one of only two helicopter display teams in the world, the other being 'Blue Eagles' of the British Army.

The Sarang profile did its entry in an inverted wine glass formation. This was followed by various close formations in 'Line Astern' and 'Diamond' formation.

The event slated as one of the largest premium air shows in Asia, will see participation by over 600 firms including 295 Indian and 328 foreign, officials said.

The number of aircraft participating in static and air displays is around 70.

India's very own Indian aerobatics team 'Sarang' flown by young IAF helicopter pilots was the showstopper.

The IAF Sarang Helicopter Display Team has the unique distinction of being one of only two helicopter display teams in the world, the other being 'Blue Eagles' of the British Army.

The Sarang profile did its entry in an inverted wine glass formation. This was followed by various close formations in 'Line Astern' and 'Diamond' formation.

The event slated as one of the largest premium air shows in Asia, will see participation by over 600 firms including 295 Indian and 328 foreign, officials said.

Modi wants foreign firms to be India's partners

Bengaluru, Feb 18 (IANS): Foreign firms must turn into strategic partners from being merely sellers of defence equipment as India wants their technology, skills, systems integration and manufacturing strength, Prime Minister Narendra said here Wednesday.

"From sellers, foreign firms must turn into strategic partners and use India as part of their global supply chain," Modi said at the inaugural ceremony of the Aero India trade expo in this tech hub.

Noting that defence budgets the world over were shrinking, Modi said the country's frugal manufacturing and engineering services sector could help foreign firms reduce costs.

"India can also be a base for export to third countries in view of our growing defence partnerships in Asia and beyond. A strong defence industry, will not only make us more secure, but also more prosperous," Modi told global aerospace firms participating in the five-day air show at the Yelahanka base of the Indian Air Force (IAF) on the city's outskirts.

Admitting that India had the reputation of being the world's largest importer of defence equipment, the prime minister, however, said the country would not like to be in that position though imports were inevitable in the military arena.

"India being the largest importer of defence equipment may be music to the ears of some of you here, but this is one area where we would not like to be number one," Modi said in his brief address to the gathering, which included defence ministers and air chiefs of a dozen countries from the world over.

In view of the security challenges in the region, Modi said there was a need to increase the country's defence preparedness by modernizing the defence forces.

"We have to equip for the needs of the future, where technology will play a major role. As a nation of a billion people, we have huge requirements for managing internal security," Modi said.

Terming the 10th edition of the biennial air show as the largest ever, reflecting the country's new confidence level and global interest in India, Modi said the trade expo was a mega meeting of the global supply chains, with the most advanced technology and equipment.

"For me, this (Aero India) is not just a trade fair for defence equipment, but a platform to launch our defence manufacturing sector. A nation with a strong defence industry can not only be more secure, but also reap rich economic benefits," Modi said, delivering his 20-minute address in English.

Pointing out India was spending tens of billions of dollars on acquisitions from abroad, which accounts for 60 percent of the defence equipment, Modi said even 20-25 percent reduction in imports would create an additional 120,000 skilled jobs in the country.

"If we can raise the percentage of domestic procurement to 70 percent from 40 percent, in the next five years, we will double the output in our defence industry and create thousands of jobs in the manufacturing and services sector," Modi said.

Increasing localisation has also spin off benefits on other sectors in terms of advanced materials and technologies.

"We are focusing on developing our defence industry with a sense of mission with Make in India programme at the heart. We are also reforming our defence procurement policies and procedures, with a clear preference for equipment manufactured in India," Modi added.

64 US companies in Aero India 2015

Bengaluru, Feb 18 (IANS): As many as 64 US companies including Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, and Sikorsky are participating in the Aero India 2015 which commenced here Wednesday.

US Ambassador to India Richard Rahul Verma Wednesday opened the US Pavilion at the Aero India, calling the exhibits "the best of US aviation and defence technology".

"Airshows like Aero India allow us to demonstrate our commitment to the strategic relationship with key international partners. And in 2015, the strategic relationship the United States has with India is one of our most important," Verma said.

The US display at Aero India includes an array of American military platforms and personnel, said a US embassy release.

"Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Honeywell, Esterline, Bell, GE Aviation, and Sikorsky are among the 64 US companies that have set up pavilions at the Aero India show," it added.

The US aircraft on display include F-15C Eagles, F-16C Fighting Falcons, KC-135 tanker, C-17 Globemaster III, and P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft.

The US participation in Aero India provides the US and Indian industry opportunities to strengthen military-to-military relations and invigorate defence cooperation.

According to the release, the continued security cooperation between the US and India will help safeguard against global instability, protect freedom of navigation in the air and sea, combat terrorism and violent extremism and ensure the peaceful resolution of disputes.

The US delegation at the Aero India 2015 includes senior officials from department of defence and department of state including Marcus Jadotte, assistant secretary of commerce for industry and analysis and Vice Admiral Joseph Rixey, director of the Defense Security Cooperation Agency.