Article Posted on : - Feb 04, 2014

NEW DELHI (BNS): With an increased focus on indigenisation and joint partnership in defence production and procurement, India will host the 8th edition of the grand Defexpo-2014 international exhibition on Land, Naval & Internal Homeland Security Systems in New Delhi from February 6.

The four-day mega event, being organized by the Ministry of Defence, will be an attractive hub for the global defence industry showcasing their state-of-the-art military systems and cutting-edge technology for the ever-growing Indian defence market, which has chalked out plans to spend a whopping $100 billion over the next five years on defence procurement to strengthen its armed forces.

While leading defence equipment manufacturers from countries like the US, Russia, Israel, France, Germany, UK and Sweden would be eying to bag a fair share of the big pie, leading Indian defence firms will also participate in a major way and highlight their contribution towards indigenisation.

BrahMos Aerospace, the producer of world-class BRAHMOS Weapon System, will take part in the biennial defence show with a special focus on self-reliance by highlighting the valuable contribution made by India's public and private sector defence firms in making the missile a world-class weapon.

Based on the unique model of 'Missile Industrial Consortium', the BRAHMOS supersonic cruise missile has brought along several public and private firms from both India and Russia that have contributed immensely in making the missile a formidable weapon and a distinct choice for the Indian Armed Forces.

Several key components of the missile made by a number of leading Indian defence firms, including its fire control system, electronic system, guidance system and materials for air frame etc. will be showcased at Defexpo-2014.

Among other participants would be the Russian defence industry led by state arms exporter Rosoboronexport which will take part in the event by promoting a large number of its land and naval platforms, systems and weapons for the Indian Armed Forces. The country will be the largest foreign participant with a total of 37 companies showing their products during the show.

European conglomerate EADS, which has recently re-branded itself as Airbus Group, will also showcase a broad range of cutting-edge products, technologies and services at the show.

Other leading European firms to be present in the exhibition include missile manufacturer MBDA, German weapons manufacturer Diehl Defence, French shipbuilder DCNS and Swedish defence major SAAB among others.

The US defence industry constituting of premier aerospace and defence companies will also have a large-scale presence at Defexpo.

A total of 20 companies from Israel will also be showcasing their products and services during the event.

A two-day seminar on Indigenisation of Defence Procurement: "Global Partnerships towards Joint Development and Indigenisation" will also be organised as part of the exhibition.