Here is why DefExpo2020 is the biggest ever

DefExpo2020 offered a unique opportunity for the Indian Defence Public Sector Units to showcase their technological innovations and new products to the world
Here is why DefExpo2020 is the biggest ever

Lucknow: More than 120 MoUs related to defence manufacturing, the launch of more than a dozen defence products, the participation of defence ministers and defence representatives of more than 70 countries and people's participation like never seen before, that is what DefExpo2020 is all about. The biggest ever such DefExpo to be organised in India was inaugurated by PM Modi on Feb 5th where he had set a target of USD$5 Billion for defence exports to be achieved in the next few years. India with its huge population, democracy cannot remain long dependent on defence imports, he ascertained. The DefExpo2020 is part of Government efforts to make India a net exporter of Defence equipment.

Bandhan ceremony on February 7th witnessed the launch of 13 products including Light Utility Helicopter by HAL, Sharang 155 mm Artillary gun by OFB among others. More than 120 MoUs between DPSUs, private and global defence manufacturing companies were signed (71 MoUs were signed on Feb 6th), making it the most successful such event to be held in India

More than 22 seminars held during the past four days highlighted the technological changes, digital transformation of Defence and the positive policies implemented by the Government – such as relaxation in  FDI investment, encouraging innovation in Defence start-ups, opening up of testing facilities to Private sector and sharing of technology innovations of DRDO at no cost among others– to make India a defence manufacturing hub.

DefExpo2020 has covered a lot of ground in creating an environment where Indian industry forged partnerships through MoUs, ToT agreements for innovation and manufacturing. Bandhan ceremony on February 7th witnessed the launch of 13 products including Light Utility Helicopter by HAL, Sharang 155 mm Arty gun by OFB among others. More than 120 MoUs between DPSUs, private and global defence manufacturing companies were signed (71 MoUs were signed on Feb 6th), making it the most successful such event to be held in India.  Among those MoUs signed, 23 of them were by Uttar Pradesh Government.  These MoUs envisage Rs 50,000 crores investment in the defence corridor set up in the state and generate 3 lakh job opportunities.

Among the Defexpo highlights was India Pavilion which offered a peep into the futuristic technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AR), Augmented Virtual Reality (AVR), Autonomous Systems, Internet of Military Things (IoMT) and Industry 4.0.

Another attraction for people of Uttar Pradesh was Live demonstrations by Indian armed forces at two locations in Lucknow. Demonstrations by Indian Army and Airforce enthralled the audiences at DefExpo site, the Indian Navy and Indian Coast guard demonstrated live performances at the Gomti Riverfront. The acts included Indian Army daredevils performing on their bikes, a flypast by Suryakiran jets, slithering action performed by commandos, horse riding etc captured the attention of spectators.

DefExpo2020 offered a unique opportunity for the Indian Defence Public Sector Units to showcase their technological innovations and new products to the world. Thus DPSUs displayed their strong support to the Armed forces.

A major announcement during DefExpo 2020 was the issuing of Initial Operational Clearance (IOC) certificate of Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) was issued to Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). LUH was designed and developed as a replacement for Cheetah & Chetak helicopters which are being operated by Indian Armed forces.

LUH is a new generation helicopter in the 3-Ton class incorporating the state-of-the-art technology features which will meet the emerging needs in this class of helicopters in the coming decades.

Also, OFB launched "Sharang" the 155mm artillery gun with 36 km range and handed over a model to Chief of Army Staff Gen M M Naravane.

BDL launched Amogha-3 the anti-Tank Guided Missile. It is a man-portable, fire and forgets missile.

BDL also launched Varunastra – the anti-submarine torpedo, manufactured under the technological guidance of DRDO. The DefExpo 2020 shall remain open to the public on 9th Feb 2020.

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