Covid-19 Curbs Lead to Lukewarm Response for Aero India 2021

Wary of the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, the global defense industry has responded with a lukewarm interest in next month's Aero India, the country's biennial air show. Key foreign players such as the Swedish firm Saab have decided to skip the event, and even top executives of registered exhibitors are expected to stay away.

Reduced Foreign Participation

The official Aero India website reveals that only 75 foreign companies have registered for the event, which will be held from February 3-5 at the Air Force Station, Yelahanka, in Bengaluru. This figure is a significant drop from the over 200 foreign participants who attended the 2019 edition.

The 75 foreign participants include seven entities from the U.S.-based Lockheed Martin and its associate firms. Several other foreign companies, including some Russian firms, are still undecided about their attendance.

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Key Players Opt-Out

Saab, a major contender for the Indian Air Force's 114 fighter jet contract, confirmed it would not be participating in this year's exhibition. The company stated that while Aero India is a crucial event, it had to make the difficult decision to withdraw due to the "current situation and the travel advisories in different countries for the Covid pandemic."

Industry sources indicate that even for those foreign companies that have registered, representation will be minimal, often limited to their senior management based in India.

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Covid-19 Concerns and Precautions

A senior executive from a foreign firm participating in the event voiced a widespread concern, saying, "Covid is a serious concern. We had thought the Aero India will be postponed to May or something." The pandemic has led to many companies either staying away or having a reduced presence to avoid upsetting the Indian government.

In a bid to mitigate risks, this year's show will be a business-focused event with no public days, a significant departure from previous years. The focus for exhibitors will be on displaying models rather than actual systems and platforms.

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Strict Guidelines for Attendees

The organizers have put in place strict health and safety protocols, which include mandatory Covid-19 testing for attendees staying in Karnataka for more than 48 hours. Those with a negative RT-PCR test report from within 96 hours of departure are exempt.

Additionally, international delegates are required to adhere to the Karnataka state government's guidelines, which mandate a seven-day self-quarantine for all international arrivals. These quarantine measures are another major factor contributing to the low turnout.