UK defence industry eyes business deals

BANGALORE: The UK defence industry is upping its ante at the forthcoming Aero India 2009 eyeing business opportunities in the various purchase programmes of the Indian armed forces. Topping the list will be the Eurofighter Typhoon aircraft, which is also one of the contenders for the Indian Air Force���s multi-role combat aircraft purchase programme.

Besides, it is also participating in the various projects like the Jaguar aircraft upgradation, air-to-air refuelling segment and a few helicopter projects. Meanwhile, The Society of British Aerospace Companies (SBAC) also announced its plan to open an office in Bangalore to assist aerospace and advanced engineering companies, in particular SMEs, to gain access in the Indian markets.

SBAC chief Executive Ian Godden said: ���India is a vital, rapidly growing market for UK aerospace businesses that was worth $20 million in 2007 but is expected to grow to $2 billion by 2015���. However, the UK defence industry, especially BAE Systems, has once again favoured raising the FDI cap from 26% to 49%.

Alan Garwood, group business development director, BAE Systems said their ���appetite��� for business would increase if the government increases the FDI cap, though adding that they are comfortable with the current level.