FARNBOROUGH AIR SHOW 2004: Defence Industry Looks to Lucrative Asia-Pacific Market-Part Ⅰ

摘要

Cutbacks in European defence spending and the continuing downturn in the global commercial aviation industry combined to produce one of the "quietest" Farnborough International Air Shows (FIAS) on record. FIAS, held during July 19-25, is among the world's largest air shows but the stagnation of both military and commercial aviation business activities will trigger changes to the format of future shows. Although several lucrative deals were announced during the show, namely the ￡1.5 billion UK Watchkeeper programme won by Thales, it was apparent that the defence industry has turned its attention to the Asia-Pacific region where lucrative force modernisation programs are back on track. With the defence industry eyeing lucrative contracts for UAVs, helicopters, combat aircraft, warships, and missiles in Australia, South Korea, Singapore and other countries in the region, the organisers of FIAS have announced plans to change the format of the world's biggest air show.