Herald

Mormugao, May 24:  When nine planes whizzed past in dazzling formations in the skies over Bogmallo, not many were aware that the world-famous ‘Red Arrow Hawks’ were showcasing their breathtaking skills in the State on Tuesday.

It was a unique site and a daring display with the combination of man, machine and brain, as the Royal Air Force acrobatic team ‘The Red Arrows’ in all had 23 air displays, with each display lasting roughly a minute.
 
Among the few people who witnessed the rare spectacle on the beach included Governor S C Jamir and Chief Minister Pratapsing Rane.
Later addressing a press conference, Squadron Leader Dicky Patonus stated that they were very honoured to have been invited to display in Goa.

“The Red Arrows are ambassadors of Royal Air Force and Great Britain and we aim to demonstrate UK excellence wherever we display,” he said.
 
He further stated that their display is a product of highly skilled people in the air and on the ground and a reliable, easy to manure aircraft in the shape of the BAE systems.

He informed that BAE system is a premier trans-atlantic defence and aero-space company delivering a full range of product and service for air, land and naval forces as well as advance electronic information technology solution and customer support service.

Adam Thomas, Assistant Director for Public Relation informed that the UK Government has given permission for companies of the Goa region to supply equipment for armed forces in UK. “The UK has an opportunity to get equipment from Goan companies,” he said.

He stated that 50% of the equipment that is suplied to UK comes from overseas. He added that companies from Goa can register themselves on the ministry of defense website www.dpa.mot.uk, which gives them the opportunity to register themselves and get the defense bulletin and the list which have contracts over the next 2 years.

“The UK is looking for a business from Goa in the insurance sector, garments, electronics and defence system. He said UK could be the most potential market for all this business sectors. He further added that it all depends on the capability and what the companies in UK wants to have a joint-venture,” he said.

The Red Arrows were initially based at Royal Air Force, Fairford, Gloucestershire. This team had performed 65 displays in Britain, France, Italy, Holland, Belgium and Germany and were awarded the Britannia trophy by the Royal Aero Club in recognition of the outstanding contribution in the field of aviation.