If the Singapore Airshow reflects the leading edge of the aerospace & defense marketplace in southeast Asia, the U.S. contingent at this year’s show leaves no doubt that America intends to expand its role as one of the region’s leading A&D suppliers.
With more than 150 companies signed up to exhibit, 14 military aircraft on display and a slew of high-ranking government, military and industry leaders walking the aisles of the Changi Airport show site February 11-16, the United States for the third edition in a row will present more on the floor than any country outside of Singapore.
“The perennially strong American showing at this event is a clear indication of how important the Indo-Pacific region is to the U.S. aerospace and defense industry, and that countries across the region are looking to the United States for innovative, competitive solutions and partners,” said Tom Kallman, President and CEO of Kallman Worldwide Inc. The company has represented the Singapore Airshow in the United States since 2008.
Rafik Mansour, Chargé d’Affaires, U.S. Embassy Singapore, said the prominent participation of U.S. industry in the show this week amplifies America’s year-round presence and purpose there.
“As the Indo-Pacific emerges as a key global market for aerospace and defense, Singapore’s focus on research and development, intellectual property protection and a skilled workforce continue to make the country an invaluable strategic partner,” he said.
The Singapore Airshow is the region’s largest and most diversified aerospace and defense business gathering. It typically draws more than 50,000 trade visitors and 1,000 exhibitors from more than 140 countries.
America’s headquarters on-site is the USA Partnership Pavilion, organized by Kallman in coordination with numerous government agencies, including the departments of Commerce, Defense, State and Transportation. It’s an efficient location for buyers to meet more U.S. suppliers, a professional business center for U.S. exhibitors to maximize their exposure and impact on-site and a forum for all to share ideas and insights.
This year’s Pavilion roster lists 110 exhibitors including 29 that are new to the show. A total of 28 states are represented, including six stand-alone state pavilions — Arizona, North Carolina, Idaho, Oregon, Utah, and West Virginia — within the larger U.S. space.
“Now more than ever, success in international trade comes from partnership and teamwork. The USA Partnership Pavilion sharpens our focus on helping advance America’s national interests and security by building stronger relationships with our international customers,” said Kallman. “Many of our exhibitors — from publicly traded stalwarts such as L3Harris, Northrop Grumman and Raytheon to small and medium-sized enterprises with fewer than 500 employees — already have significant partnerships and operations in the Indo-Pacific region. In the years to come, many more will.”
First-time Singapore exhibitor Jackie Osborne, Marketing Manager and Trade Compliance Specialist for CIRCOR Aerospace (Booth T72) shares Kallman’s view. The company focuses on the design, development, and manufacture of specialty fluid and motion control products for demanding aerospace and defense applications.
“Exhibiting in the USA Partnership Pavilion helps us leverage the collective strength of U.S. manufacturing and innovation to reinforce our own brand and worldwide footprint,” said Osborne.
Lorie Symon, CEO/President of Aerometals (Booth R97), said the company is returning to Singapore for a second edition because, “it is a great venue for meeting with all of our customers and representatives within the Asian Market.” She is exhibiting for the first time in the USA Partnership Pavilion to amplify the company’s American manufacturing, design and testing quality.
“We’re a small northern California company that is growing by expanding into international markets, particularly with our Inlet Barrier Filter products,” said Symon. “We chose to exhibit in the Pavilion this year because we want to be identified as a U.S. company and have the camaraderie and support of other U.S. exhibitors.”
