Chennai, April 11: The 10th edition of DefExpo begins today at Thiruvidanthai in Chennia. Major global and domestic defence manufacturing companies are participating in the event with the aim of getting defence contracts as a part of India’s military modernisation programme. The theme of this DefExpo is “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub.” In DefExpo 2018 India will showcase its defence manufacturing capability to the world. The Modi government has put in efforts to portray India as manufacturing hub for defence equipment. India is considered as the largest importer of defence products. The exhibition is spread over an area of 2.90 lakh square feet.

As per 13th Five year defence plan (2017 -2022)  Rs 12,88,654 crore has been projected for the capital outlay, while Rs 13,95,271 crore for revenue expenditure. All the major defence manufacturing companies will be eyeing to get maximum chunk. The DefExpo 2018 will be formally be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi tomorrow. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman was present at the curtain raiser of the event in Chennai.  Sitharaman said, "The Ministry of Defence has to take care of Indian Armed Forces as well as India's defence production."

According to Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms, including 154 foreign manufacturers, are participating in the event. . Major international companies, which are participating at the expo include Lockheed Martin, Boeing (US), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Rafael (France), Rosonboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems (UK) and Sibat. The DefExpo 2018 is attended by delegations from 47 countries including US, Russia, United Kingdom, Sweden, Finland, Italy, Nepal and Portugal.

The indigenous developed land, air and naval systems will be displayed at the DefExpo 2018.The two naval ships, INS Sahydari and INS Kamorta will be docked at Chennai port during the exhibition. They will be OPEN to the general public for visiting on13th & 15th of April from 10am to 5pm. INS Sahyadri is indigenous built multi-role frigate with stealth and attack capabilities and INS Kamotra is again indigenous built anti-submarine warfare corvette. Indigenous built Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas will also be displayed during the exhibition. Advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) designed by the DRDO Arjun Mark 2 tank and Dhanush artillery guns would be the main highlight of the exhibition. Nirbhay Missile system, Astra Missile and Arjuna Mark – I tank developed by Defence and Research Organisation (DRDO) would be displayed.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 11, 2018 02:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).