Telecom and IT companies will be showcasing their products and services for the first time in the DEFEXPO 2008, Shri Pradeep Kumar, Secretary, Defence Production, said here today. Addressing a press conference ahead of the four-day Exposition, Shri Kumar said 273 companies from over 30 countries would display weapon systems for army and navy.
The United States with 46 exhibitors is the largest participant while 43 exhibitors will represent France. Major participants include Russia and UK, besides Israel, South Africa, Germany, Italy, Czech Republic, Poland, Ukraine, Sweden and South Korea.
The Defence Minister Shri A K Antony will inaugurate the 5th DefExpo-2008 at Pragati Maidan on Saturday, February 16th. Organised by the Department of Defence Production, the exhibition will continue till February 19th. The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is its event manager.
Reflecting the increased role of private sector in defence industry, the Defence Production Secretary said over 200 Indian private sector companies besides defence undertakings would participate in the exhibition. Dedicated to global land and naval systems business activity – from suppliers to manufacturers, technology providers to services – the DefExpo also offers an opportunity to the international defence industry to promote and showcase their products and services. As many as 90 products would be launched by domestic and foreign companies during the DefExpo, Shri Pradeep Kumar said.
Shri Kumar said the DefExpo would project the emergence of India as an attractive market as well as an investment destination for joint ventures in defence industry. The exhibition has generated attention globally and has carved a niche amongst major defence exhibitions around the world, he added.
The DefExpo 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 and 2006. While a modest 197 exhibitors participated in the first DefExpo, the biennial event will feature 475 companies in its 5th edition this year. Delegations from 47 countries including Afghanistan would attend the deliberations.
For the first time, the CII will be hosting a Golf Tournament for the participants, coinciding with the DefExpo.