New Delhi: The countdown has begun for mega defence event, DefExpo 2022. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on February 18, launched an interactive mobile app, which will help and support the exhibitors, attendees and the media.
The new app is user -friendly interface for all matters related to the DefExpo 2022. The event is going to be in hybrid mode and it has been extended by a day by the defence minister as the show has generated a lot of interest. The show will now conclude on March 14, 2022, an official statement issued by the Ministry of Defence stated.
Strict COVID protocols will be in place including: masking up, non-contact interactions, respiratory hygiene and more. The app can help in getting all information related to the exhibitors, venue maps, speakers, driving directions, notifications for visitors and exhibitors. There is an added feature which will help in sharing feedback, including delegate hospitality management and cleanliness issues.
While reviewing the preparations being made for the show, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh made the decision to extend the event which has been christened, ‘Path to Pride’. He was briefed about virtual attendees who could participate in seminars; Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings; product details; interact with the exhibitors & representatives and supporting videos.
DefExpo 2022, spread over 1 lakh sq. m., will the largest since its inception in 1996 and is being held in Gujarat for the first time. According to defence officials, over 100 foreign companies from 55 plus countries have confirmed their participation so far.
The inaugural function will take place at Mahatma Mandir Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) on March 10 and will be hosting several seminars related to Defence Manufacturing etc. The theme of the 12th edition of the DefExpo is “India-The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”. Under “Bandhan ceremony” a number of MoUs are expected to be signed. And, the event is expected to showcase, country’s resolve to be first among firsts, for the first time.
There will be exhibition at the Helipad Exhibition Centre (HEC); Events and Seminars at the Mahatma Mandir Convention Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and live demonstration for the general public at Sabarmati Riverfront.
According to the MoD official statement, till date 930 exhibitors have registered and the numbers are expected to go up to 1000. Participants from 70 countries are expected to be present. Over 50 defence ministers or Service chief-led delegations are expected at the show.
According to reports, the US will have a strong presence with companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, etc. These companies have already marked their space. France, UK, Israel too will have a sizeable presence. Airbus, Rafael Advanced Defence Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd, have spots at the helipad grounds. EDGE Group, UAE will make its debut at the DefExpo 2022 as three entities– CARACAL, AL TARIQ and HALCON from the group will showcase their products.
The DefExpo 2022 will have hybrid exhibitions — stands in both physical and virtual format in order to enable greater engagement as all the exhibitors will be in a position to cater to virtual and physical attendees.
Another attraction will be the second edition of India-Africa Defence Ministers Conclave with the broad theme ‘India – Africa: Adopting Strategy for Synergizing and Strengthening Defence and Security Cooperation’. The focus of the conclave will be on strengthening defence cooperation between India and the African continent as well as defence exports. Both sides will also discuss at bilateral and multilateral level the possibility of joint ventures, security solutions, spare parts, maintenance, and maritime security. Invitations have been extended to 52 African countries, and so far 27 African countries have confirmed their participation.
Keeping in mind the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, and focus on indigenous defence manufacturing sector, the indigenous technological and logistic strength of the defence industry will be at the forefront. The event will help the industry, MSMEs, and startups and provide them a platform to establish partnerships with the Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEMs). To boost start-ups, venture capitalists were being invited to the expo to identify prospective projects for investment.
The Expo will have a India Pavilion and Gujarat Pavilion and companies from the defence sector like: Larsen & Toubro Ltd, Mahindra Defence Systems Ltd, Ashok Leyland Ltd, Tata Advanced Systems Ltd, Adani Defence System and Technologies Ltd, Kalyani Group, etc. will be present and displaying their products there. 63 companies from Gujarat will be participating under the Gujarat pavilion
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), BrahMos Aerospace, Armoured Vehicles Nigam Ltd Avadi, Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Ltd, Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Ltd, Cochin Shipyard, Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force will also be present there.
