(Reopens MDS 11)

Aero India 2013 will project India's emergence as a fast growing and an attractive market as well as a key outsourcing hub for global aerospace firms, Antony said. Civil Aviation Minister Ajit Singh, Minister of State for Defence Jitendra Singh, Air Chief Marshal N A K Browne, Karnataka Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Defence Secretary Shashi Kant Sharma, Defence Production Secretary R K Mathur, Defence (R&D) Secretary V K Saraswat and FICCI chief Naina Lal Kidwai were among those present at the inaugural ceremony. This ninth edition of the biennial air show and aviation exhibition is organised by Defence Ministry along with Indian Air Force, Defence Research and Development Organisation, Department of Space and Civil Aviation Ministry, aims at showcasing the range of products and services offered by the Indian defence industry in the international market. It also provides an exposure to Indian Armed Forces, R&D personnel and young engineers, to the latest technologies and advancements in the aviation and aerospace industries. More than 600 companies from India and overseas are participating in the event. Major participants are companies from the US, Israel, Russia, France, the UK, Germany and Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Ukraine, Australia, Belarus, Czech Republic, Japan, Norway, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, Brazil, Canada, Netherlands, Romania, Sweden, the UAE and Singapore. The leader of the Indian representation (DRDO - ADA) with the largest indoor and outdoor area of about 2561 sq m is closely followed by HAL, BEL and TATA. The largest international participation indoor (area-wise) is by the US and outdoor by EADS. The US is followed by Israel and Russia in this category. Maximum participants from any single country is from the US, followed by France, the UK, Russia, Germany, Israel and Belgium. A total of 27 countries are participating with 10 country pavilions namely Belgium, Bulgaria, Italy, Israel, Russia, Germany, France, the US, the UK and Ukraine.