Article Posted on : - Apr 11, 2018

CHENNAI (PTI): The four-day DefExpo, which will project India's defence manufacturing capabilities, is all set to kick off near Chennai on Wednesday.

The biennial event will be held at Thiruvudanthai in the neighbouring Kancheepuram district, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi slated to formally inaugurate the expo on April 12.

DefExpo 2018 will help brand India as an exporter of defence systems and components.

While showcasing strengths of India's substantial public sector, it will also uncover the country's growing private industry and spreading MSME base for components and sub-systems, the organisers said.

Indigenously developed military helicopters, aircraft, missiles and rockets, capabilities to manufacture submarines, frigates and corvettes would be showcased at the event.

More than 50 countries have confirmed their participation in the expo and around 700 exhibitors have confirmed their participation, making it the highest ever registered one.

Indian participation include private and public sector giants like Tata, L&T, Kalyani, Bharat Forge, Mahindra, DRDO, HAL, BrahMos Aerospace, Ordnance Factories, and many others.

Major international companies that will participate include Lockheed Martin, Boeing (USA), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Rafael (France), Rosoboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems (UK), Sibat (Israel), Wartsila (Finland), Rhode and Schwarz (Germany).

Described as the "largest" to be conducted so far, the 10th edition of DefExpo is being organised over 2.90 lakh square feet at Thiruvidanthai, located on the scenic East Coast Road (ECR).

Live demonstration of large platforms, flying displays by HAL and IAF and various business sessions have been scheduled.

Further, Indian Navy ships will be available for onboard viewing on Chennai harbour on April 13 and 15, according to officials.