Aero India: Lucknow frontrunner in race for new venue

Aero India: Lucknow frontrunner in race for new venue

The sources of the Defense Ministry told that the indian express
 the final decision has not been taken and expected to be an official announcement within one week.

Sources in the ministry said that all stakeholders, including the IAF, were consulted about shifting the venue out of Bengaluru but it faced a lot of opposition as sufficient infrastructure had been created in Yelahanka

The government has delayed the decision of the Central Government to change the Aero India show from Bengaluru for technical reasons even though the government has pressurized Bakshi's pond as the preferred choice for the airbase in Lucknow.

The sources of the Defense Ministry told the Indian Express that the final decision has not been taken and expected to be an official announcement within one week. But Lucknow is being seen as a precursor because private defence firms have been informed about the new location by the government. An official said, "We will make collective decisions with Indian Air Force, Ministry and PMO."

Sources in the ministry said that consultations were taken to transfer the venue from Bangalore to all stakeholders including the IAF, but as a substantial infrastructure in Yelahanka, it had to face considerable opposition. This is the first time since its founding 22 years ago that Aero India will be out of Yelahanka Airbase.

The name suggested by the PMO was Nalia Airbase in Bhuj (Gujarat) and there was no airbase in UP, Ministry sources said that the IAF is being handled favourably by the UP side. Sources said that the IAF said, the proposed Hinden airbase as the first choice for Ghaziabad, followed by Kheriya Airbase in Agra. Airbase did not find the suggestion in Lucknow for the pond of the pond.

Sources in the ministry said that when the name of Lucknow was proposed, the technical objections raised by the IAF "lack of depth in airfield" and "ongoing revival of runway" was taken by the IAF. But sources said that the IAF promised to cooperate with any decision decided by the government and make "Show a big success".

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Saturday asked Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to change the show in Lucknow in Aligarh. For the transfer of the show, the Center is seen as a step by the centre to promote the UP as the defence manufacturing destination, but many observers also see the political motive as the state's 2019 general It is important for BJP's prospects in the elections. The idea that politics is behind the transformation is the fact that the government has decided to advance the show from February 2019, when it was to be held in November this year.

The CEO of the top global defence manufacturing firm told Indian Express, "It can be a problem to organize in November as different companies have a time-table and can opt for their options."

But sources of the ministry say that India is a big market for defence makers, and the fact is that India has opened a competitive proposal to buy 114 fighter jets, which will enable companies to participate. Sources said, "We have crossed our fingers."


Meanwhile, Karnataka Chief Minister HD Kumaraswamy wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday, emphasizing that Bangalore would be the "best option" for the event. In the letter, he said, "Bengaluru is the centre for defence and aviation heads of the country, definitely the best place to hold the show."