‘Defexpo India 2012’, the 7th international Exhibition on Land, Naval and Internal Security Systems, begins on March 29, 2012. The four-day event will be inaugurated by the Defence Minister Shri AK Antony. The largest ever Defence Exposition in Asia will showcase India’s emergence as an attractive destination for investment in the Defence Sector and provides a platform for alliances and joint ventures in the Defence Industry.
A total of 567 companies from 32 countries will display weapon systems for the Army, Navy and Internal Security. Major participants are from Russia, France and Israel besides Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Finland, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Netherlands, Norway, Panama, Poland, Singapore, Slovak Republic, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Turkey, USA and UK.
Organised by the Department of Defence Production, the exhibition is dedicated to global Land, Naval and Internal Security Systems business activity – from Suppliers to Manufacturers and Technology providers to Services. The Def Expo offers an opportunity to the international Defence Industry to promote and showcase their products and services. The exhibition generates attention globally and has carved a niche amongst major defence exhibitions around the world.
The Def Expo was conceptualised in 1998 with an objective to promote defence exports from India and exhibit the capabilities of Indian Defence R&D and production. The first exhibition was held in 1999 and subsequently in 2002, 2004, 2006, 2008 and 2010. While a modest 197 exhibitors participated in the first Def Expo, the biennial event features 567 exhibitors in its 7th edition this year. Israel is the biggest participating country in terms of indoor space occupied (1,293 sq meters) while Russia is represented with the maximum number of 37 companies. In the year 2010 there were 412 exhibitors from 35 countries. The exhibition area has increased from 27,309 sq meters in 2010 to 30,760 sq meters this year.
More than 60 Official Delegations including 14 headed by Defence Ministers are expected to attend the four-day exhibition. Many products are expected to be launched by Indian and Foreign companies during the exhibition. Several business-to-business meetings are planned to be held on the sidelines. The Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) is the event manager of the Defexpo India 2012.
