Boeing flies in high

Now, Defexpo may be a land and maritime trade event, but who says aerospace isn't part of the immediate defence firmament. But while the world's largest weapons firm Lockheed-Martin is surprisingly absent from the show this year, arch rival Boeing is here showcasing its comprehensive portfolio of products and services, including the C-17 Globemaster III, P-8I Neptune (An attraction at the Boeing exhibit is a demonstration of a P-8 Mission Console), AH-64D Apache, CH-47F Chinook, V-22 Osprey, ScanEagle and 737 Airborne Early Warning & Control - all products either ordered, in competition, or on offer to the Indian armed forces.

"India is a significant market for Boeing and we are committed to working closely with the defence ministry, armed forces and indigenous industry to meet India's defense and security needs," says Dennis Swanson, vice president, International Business Development, Boeing Defense, Space & Security in India. "In 2012, we will continue to strengthen our relationships in India through delivering on our promises on our existing P-8I and C-17 contracts; expanding our partnerships with the Indian aerospace industry; and demonstrating how the CH-47 and AH-64 are the right choices to meet India's heavy-lift and attack helicopter requirements." Decisions on the Indian Air Force's heavy lift and attack helicopter procurement efforts are expected later this year.