Defexpo 2016, the ninth edition of the biennial exhibition on Land, Naval, Airforce and Internal Homeland Security System, was organized by the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, at Naqueri Quitol in South Goa during March 28-31.
The expo tried to showcase India’s capabilities in the defence field such as multi-level strategic deterrence, ballistic missiles, nuclear-powered submarines, main battle tanks, stealth destroyers, aircraft carriers and fourth generational fighter aircraft. With the changes in defence acquisition and the ‘Make in India’ campaign, considerable attention is now being paid to indigenisation in the defence sector.
While the event provided a platform for foreign companies to form alliances and joint ventures in the defence industry, it offered an excellent opportunity to the Indian Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), the private sector and other defence-related SMEs to demonstrate their capabilities to design, develop and deliver a wide range of military and civil products and services.
Over 1,000 Indian and overseas companies of repute, almost double the number of participants in 2014, made Defexpo 2016 the largest-ever show in its history. Compared to 256 Indian companies present in 2014 there were 510 this year. The foreign firms present totalled 490 as against 368 in 2014.
In view of the vigorous focus on the ‘Make in India’ initiative, Defexpo saw greater participation in a bid to chance upon transferring technologies or setting up production lines or buying armoured vehicles and weaponry in India.
We bring to you a detailed report on some of the interesting technologies, weaponries and intelligence systems mounted on a commercial vehicle, particularly on a truck chassis, at the show.