DefExpo 2022 to mark an important chapter in indigenous Defence manufacturing in India

 

The 12th edition of Defence Expo is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat between Oct 18 - 22, in a first ever four-venue format which promises to engage the visitors and push them to join the Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sector, which in turn will enhance ‘Atmanirbharta’ in Defence.

 

 

 

 

The 'DefExpo 2022' was earlier scheduled from Mar 10 - 14, 2022 and was postponed due to logistical challenges being faced by participants at that stage. The new dates (Oct 18-22, 2022) were announced on Aug 08. The forthcoming edition is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies. According to the official release of the Union Ministry of Defence, for DefExpo 2022, Indian companies, Indian subsidiaries of Foreign OEMs (Original Equipment Managers), Division of company registered in India, Exhibitor having Joint Venture with an Indian company will be considered as Indian participants.

 

 

 

The theme of DefExpo 2022 is ‘Path to Pride’ and in semblance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision to transform India into a strong and self-reliant nation by supporting, showcasing and forging partnerships for the Indian Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sectors with Indian as well as global customers. The aim is to showcase the might of the domestic defence industry which is now powering ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ resolve of the Government and the nation at large.

 

 

 

Keeping with the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations, the DefExpo 2022 is being planned in the largest ever total area of 1+ Lakh sqm; the previous edition being executed in 76,000 sqm. According to the ministry, the inaugural ceremony and seminars will be held at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre (MMCEC), Exhibition at Helipad Exhibition Centre (HEC), Live Demonstrations on all five days at Sabarmati River Front (SRF) and ship visits for public by Indian Coast Guard at Porbandar.

 

 

 

 

 

Besides, the biggest drone show by the indigenous IIT Delhi start-up Botlabs (an iDEX winner) has also been organized, which will be another highlight of the mega-event. The sale of space had commenced from Aug 15, this year and so far, more than a thousand exhibitors have registered. The numbers are anticipated to be the highest-ever recorded during the previous editions of DefExpo.

 

 

 

In the run-up to the event, a nation-wide reach out has been undertaken inviting the States to set-up pavilions and thereby partake in nation building through enhancing indigenous defence manufacturing. Many States have assured of participation as a State pavilion. Additionally, the enhanced number of state pavilions, which is presently eight, would also provide the opportunity for Chief Ministers, Industries Ministers, Chief Secretaries to solicit investment and promote their respective states thus cultivating more centres for indigenous aerospace and defence manufacturing within the country.

 

 

 

 

 

In order to promote, greater participation by start-ups and MSMEs, 50 per cent discount on space charges has also been offered. On the same lines, a National Defence MSME Conclave and Exhibition was successfully held for the first time at Kota, Rajasthan during on Sept 11-12, 2022 with Speaker of Lok Sabha, Om Birla as the Chief Guest and Union MoS for Defence Ajay Bhatt as the Guest of Honour. A static display by the Indian Army displaying indigenous platforms and drone show by Botlabs was well received by the public in Kota.

 

 

 

As per the plan for DefExpo 2022, the India Pavilion - a marque pavilion of Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence - will showcase the maturity of indigenous defence products, start-ups, latest technology, including Artificial Intelligence in defence, and will present India’s vision for 2047. It has been named ‘Path to Pride’.

 

 

 

 

 

DefExpo 2022 will also mark the celebration of one year of the formation of the seven new defence companies, carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factories. All these companies will be participating for the first time at DefExpo.

 

The exhibition will also host the 2nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries. A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries is also on the anvil. Intensive interactions and ideation at seminars, planned at the DefExpo 2022 with eminent panellists from Government, Industry, Industry associations, States, Academia, Think-tanks, will also provide important take-aways and action points for further growth of the defence manufacturing sector.

 

 

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