By Brig. VK Atray
Yelahanka, Bangalore. 25 February 2019.
“Aero India was an excellent opportunity for UK companies to promote their capabilities in the defence sector and identity potential joint venture partnerships. The significant UK presence from government and industry reflects the importance of the Indian defence market. UK companies are keen to offer niche technologies supported by excellent logistic support and we look forward to continue to work with India in this important sector,” stated Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG , British High Commissioner to India in an exclusive chat with ADU .
The UK delegation of 20 defence and aviation technology companies, to Aero India was led by Air Marshal Stuart Evans . The delegation included Fleur Thomas (Director Export Policy, UK MOD), Air Vice Marshal Nigel Maddox (Senior Military Adviser to DIT DSO) and Sir Dominic Asquith KCMG (British High Commissioner to India).
Speaking at a press interaction Sir Dominic reiterated , “ UK is proud to have a defence partnership with India that benefits both our countries immensely. In the last year, we have worked together in multiple areas: our services have strengthened naval and marine links through Exercises Indradhanush and Konkan and the visit of the Indian Navy to the Queen Elizabeth – the most advanced aircraft carrier of its class in the world – gave us the opportunity to explore potential joint work on naval capabilities.”
He added, “we want this strong relationship to continue. Future defence technologies are increasingly going to be delivered by collaborative programmes, in which India has the potential to take its place. Last year at Farnborough Air Show, the UK launched its Future Combat Air Strategy, which committed £1.9 biilion of Government funding to develop next-generation combat air technologies, including via international partnerships. This week, we look forward to exploring with India the potential for future collaboration, through which we could jointly build knowledge, security and prosperity.”
The UK Pavilion, organised by ADS UK Ltd and the UK Department for International Trade’s Defence and Security attended Aero India in force again this year, reflecting the importance of the UK-India defence relationship. Industry and government representatives will be present to promote some of the world’s most innovative defence and aviation technologies and strengthen relationships with Indian partners.
UK companies present at the show included Aerospace Wales, BAE Systems, Cobham , Collins Aerospace, Cranfield University, Gardner Aerospace, GKN, MBDA UK , Rolls-Royce, Sherborne Sensors, Strongfield Technologies Ltd, Techtest Ltd (HR Smith Group) and Thales UK.
