Chennai: India is already among the top 15 producers of defence hardware in the world and it hopes to work its way up to be among the top five by 2025.
The DefExpo 2018, which is being held for the first time near Chennai, will showcase government and private players' ability to attract global vendors of military equipment in large numbers.
The expo, to be held from April 11 to 14 at Thiruvidanthai on the East Coast Road (ECR) near here, will also see a breathtaking display of India's military hardware on land, water and air on the sands of Thiruvidanthai, just across the road from the venue of the exhibition on the land belonging to the Sri Nithyakalyana Perumal temple (at Thiruvidanthai in Thiruporur taluk in Kancheepuram district).
The roads have been revamped and saplings have been planted on either side to the expo and workers are giving final touches to the pavilions.
“Indian companies are hidden nuggets. We want to showcase them during the expo. Also, we are looking towards Russian companies enter into a joint venture and start manufacturing in India” says Ajay Kumar, secretary (defence production). An India-Russia military-industry cooperation meeting would be held at the DefExpo venue on April 13 and it is expected that at least three to four agreements will be signed.
“We have structural engagements with 50 countries in defence and bilateral discussions are on with 25 countries at various levels including defence minister and my level. We hope the talks with business delegations from various countries visiting Defexpo will help to take the indigenous production to the next level,” he said. India-South Korea joint commission would be meeting in New Delhi in the run-up to the exhibition on Monday and, for the first time, all three forces will engage in a live demonstration, Mr. Kumar said.
Arjun Main Battle Tanks, Amphibians, Navy warships and IAF will display their prowess on the sands of Thiruvidanthai.
Apart from Indian participation which include majors like Tata, L&T, Kalyani, Bharat Forge, Mahindra, MKU, Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), etc., major international companies including Lockheed Martin, Boeing (USA), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Rafael (France), Rosonboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems (UK), Sibat (Israel), Wartsila (Finland), Rhode and Schwarz (Germany) will be participating in the event.
