The Hindu : National : Air Chief calls for technology roadmap for aerospace industry

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Friday, Oct 26, 2007
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Air Chief calls for technology roadmap for aerospace industry

Special Correspondent

Photo: Sandeep Saxena

Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major at a international aerospace conference in New Delhi on Thursday.

NEW DELHI: The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal F.H. Major, on Thursday sought a technology roadmap for the aerospace industry and a greater role by the private sector in defence design and development to help the industry become a major player in the global market.

He was speaking at a second international conference on “Energising Indian Aerospace Industry: New Partnership, New Opportunities,” organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) in partnership with the Society for Aerospace Studies, the Centre for Airpower Studies and the Indian Air Force here.

The Air Chief said: “As new technologies are altering warfare tactics, it is important for the Indian aerospace industry to have a strong research and development (R&D) infrastructure, backed by quality players with dedication, motivation, spirit of teamwork and world-class education.”

Talking about skilled workforce, he emphasised the need for retaining the talent pool with adequate incentives.

The Air Chief said that as design, development and manufacturing would remain important, the private sector would always find a meaningful role to play.

He called for greater indigenisation and identification of co-technology, especially in metallurgy and avionics. “There is greater need for production support and maintaining the economies of scale.”

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