Article Posted on : - Jan 19, 2014

NEW DELHI (PTI): Helicopters and transport aircraft offered to Indian Armed Forces would be the focus of the European Airbus Group at the four-day Defexpo 2014 starting February 6.

In a statement, Airbus said in its first participation in any defence show under its new brand-name Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, and Airbus Helicopters, that it will highlight its AS550 C3 Fennec and AS565 MBe Panther choppers, which are in race for Indian Army and Navy tenders respectively to replace their light helicopters fleet.

" Defexpo is an important land, naval and homeland security exhibition for us as it provides an excellent platform to interact with customers and potential partners. From January 1, EADS has rebranded and reorganised to Airbus Group. This will be our first international show under the new brand," said Yves Guillaume, President India, Airbus Group.

"We are investing in expanding our industrial and engineering footprint here because we regard India as a strategic resource hub for the Group and not just as a market.

It is this message of partnership that we would like to take to our audience here via the show," he said.

Airbus Group comprises three divisions namely Airbus, Airbus Defence and Space, and Airbus Helicopters. While Airbus focuses on commercial aircraft business, Airbus Helicopters (previously Eurocopter) handles all commercial and military helicopter activities.

The Group will also showcase its C295 tactical transport aircraft, which is being offered by Airbus for IAF's requirement for replacement of the Avro aircraft.

In the unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) section, it will put on display the Tanan 300 as a diesel engine-powered tactical vertical takeoff and landing UAS especially suited for maritime surveillance.