The defenc e mark et not just in India, but elsewhere too is not an easy one, particularly at this moment and the equipment programme for the Indian armed forces have been delayed due to certain weaknesses in the system. Speaking to SP’s Naval Forces at NAMEXPO 2013 in Kochi Jackie Callcut, Chief Executive Officer of AgustaWestland India, said: “There is no denying that it has been a difficult year for us, but we are confident in the Indian system. AgustaWestland will continue to expand its presence in India. We want to bring the best of technologies here and we want to have joint ventures on equitable terms.”

India, she mentions, is transforming itself rapidly in sync with global aspirations, but it needs to liberalise further, particularly its foreign direct investment policy. “To get high-end technologies, the stake has to be better than 26 per cent. We are keen on developing indigenous capabilities, but the market needs to be incentivised.” On AgustaWestland’s footprints in India, she referred to the relationship beginning with Sea King helicopters and now the joint venture with Tatas for civil helicopters. Talking about the potential of the naval market, she said that “the company would continue its support of Sea King helicopters and participate in the tender for 56 naval utility helicopters (NUH) replacement and the multi-role helicopter replacement.

“At the end of the day, we don’t want to be just a supplier, but a partner,” she asserted.