Defense Minister Opened the Israeli Pavilion at Aero India 2015

Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon arrived to India to take part in the large air exhibition, in which dozens of Israeli companies are taking part. "The investment in R&D yields results and is a flower we will continue to protect", said Ya'alon. Special coverage by Amir Rappaport from Bangalore

Defense Minister Opened the Israeli Pavilion at Aero India 2015

The large air show, Aero India 2015, opened in Bangalore, India, with the presence of thousands of visitors from around the world. Hundreds of officials have visited the pavilions of the Israeli industries.

Defense Minister Moshe (Bogie) Ya'alon arrived at the exhibition and officially opened the Israeli pavilion. Over 15 Israeli companies are displaying their products in the largest pavilions at the exhibition. This is an impressive presence of the military defense industry.

Ya'alon said that "The investment in R&D yields results and is a flower we will continue to protect. The relations between India and Israel are growing stronger. I am proud to be the first defense minister who visits here. This is a privilege for the State of Israel. We consider India a true friend of Israel".

Israel's ambassador to India, Daniel Carmon, said at the inauguration of the pavilion that "there is no doubt that the partnership in defense will continue to contribute to the national interest of both states. The face that over 15 companies are here is the result of the hard work of SIBAT and the industries themselves that are at the forefront of technology."

Rafael Chairman, Yitzhak Gat, said on behalf of the industries that the presence of the defense minister in India, for the first time, "will leverage the relationships between the countries to new achievements. India is a superpower that creates an opportunity for defense technology". The company's CEO, Maj. Gen. (ret.) Yedidia Yaari arrived to India and visited the company's booth with Defense Minister Ya'alon

Michel Ben-Baruch, in a debut appearance in an exhibition as head of SIBAT, said, "I am proud to stand here. The relations started at a time of crisis and they have greatly developed, so that today they consist of trust and cooperation in many fields".

Elbit Systems officials also came to the exhibition. President and CEO, Bezalel (Buzi) Machlis and Chairman Mickey Federman hosted Indian officials at Elbit's exhibition booth.

Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, opened the exhibition with a solemn speech to the thousands of participants, and then went on a tour of the pavilions.