Big contracts likely at show

As reported earlier by ThePrint, Aero India is likely to witness some big contracts
being inked, including one between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the state-owned
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) for 83 Light Combat Aircraft (LCA). There is
also a possibility that the deal for the indigenous Light Combat Helicopter will
also be finalised.

Indian defence firms, both government and private, will also showcase their
products and capabilities.

“India is not a pure buyer market anymore. A number of foreign delegations will be
participating, eyeing the defence products that India can offer,” a second defence
ministry official said. “For us, ‘atmanirbhar’ is not just about making for India,
but also for the world.”

ThePrint had, in August last year, reported that the Narendra Modi government is
looking at countries in the IOR and Africa to push its indigenous defence systems.