The 2016 Defence Expo, the 9th edition of the biennial event conducted by Defence Exhibition Organisation of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, has been inaugurated by Defence Minster Mr. Manohar Parrikar. The four-day event on land, naval internal homeland security systems is taking place at Naqueri Quitol, Quepem Taluka, Goa.
This year’s expo is billed as the largest in the history with over 1,000 companies from 47 countries participating. In comparison, the 2014 edition witnessed participation from 624 companies from 30 countries. So naturally, the 2016 Defence Expo is also much bigger in terms of area (40,725 Sq Mt against 27,515 Sq Mt in 2014).
Speaking at the Expo, the Defence Minster stated that the event will provide a push to the government’s ‘Make-in-India’ campaign. He also stated that the government has tweaked the procurement policy to address the concerns of defense manufacturers and suppliers, and to enhance transparency. More importantly, the minister stated that the ‘Startup India’ would find opportunities in the defence sector due to changed policies.
The inauguration ceremony involved live demonstration of India’s various land and naval defence systems such as Main Battle Tank Arjun, Sarang Aerobatic Team and Naval LCA. The expo also hosted the debut of MBT Arjun Mk-II and Wheeled Armoured Vehicle.
On March 29th and 30th, Seminars will be conducted at the venue on the topics of Global Defence Supply Chain, advances in shipbuilding technology, Make-in-India for defence sector, India – Korea Defence Cooperation, Modernisation Programme of Indian Army, and Challenges and opportunities of Defence Offset.
