India’s private defense contractors are jumping into the space that the government has opened for them. Many have experience, but not always enough. And the biggest projects look too risky for them.

The event marks the growth of India’s indigenous navy LCA program, aimed at achieving an aircraft carrier compatibility technology demonstration.

India’s state-run aircraft maker Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd. has won a $176 million contract to supply 14 Dornier-228 aircraft to the Indian air force.