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Indo-French aerospace meet focusses on closer contacts

Our Bureau

BANGALORE, Sept. 13

A TWO-DAY interaction between the Society of Indian Aerospace Technologies (SIATI) and French Aerospace Industries Association (GIFAS) opened here on Wednesday to explore the possibility of further strengthenging co-operation between the two companies in aerospace, aeronautics and radars.

Nearly 30 companies falling under the umbrella of GIFAS are here to interact with organisations in aeronautics, electronics, information technology and space science sectors on furthering collaborations for mutual benefit. While GIFAS has 200 members, SI ATI has nearly 300 members.

Mr Bernard de Montferrand, Ambassador of France, acknowledged the importance of Bangalore for Indo-French relations and said that the symposium was an illustration of the close relationship built between the French aeronautical sector, Hindustan Aeronaut ics Ltd (HAL) and SIATI members.

Waiting in the wings is the ATR 42-500 production programme with HAL for Indian Airlines and on the defence side, co-operation between Dassault, Sextant and Thomson CSF.

The Ambassador stressed the importance of European presence in aviation with 50 per cent market share and 60 per cent in satellite launches and felt that the Indian aeronautical industry could develop an enduring relationship. He added that an Indo-Frenc h seminar on water treatment would be held here in November.

Dr K.G. Krishnadas Nair, Chairman of HAL and President of SIATI, said the interaction was looking at sub-contracts, joint venture and co-production programmes to make it mutually attractive to both SIATI and GIFAS members.

Dr Nair said the civil version of the advanced light helicopter (ALH) and the flying ambulance would participate in the coming airshow. He said the light combat aircraft (LCA) would fly soon and that high speed taxi trials were going on. He added that th e intermediate jet trainer (IJT) programme was expected to produce several aircraft.

Mr Guy Rupied, Managing Director of GIFAS, called the interaction meeting ``a major showcase to demonstrate our co-operation''. He said that France was a key player in bilateral and multilateral aerospace programmes and that GIFAS was looking at developi ng long-term co-operation with Indian companies. Stating that there was plenty of room for joint ventures, he added that there was an impetus for improving both Indian and French market shares in these areas.