#DefExpo2018 opens up marching ahead to catalyze ‘Make in India’ in Defense
Chennai, April 11: The most awaited grandeur DefExpo2018 was unveiled today which aims to catalyze the ‘defense potential’ of India. DefExpo2018 looks forward to positioning the country as a credible manufacturer and exporter of certain military inventory items.
9th International Conference on Aerospace & Defence was opened up at DefExpo2018 which was graced by Army General Bipin Rawat, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Admiral Sunil Lanba Chief of Naval Staff.
While addressing the 9th International Conference on Aerospace & Defence, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said that this year we will highlight India as a manufacturer of defence products & country's export potential. Defence Expo is being held in Chennai as we are also planning defence corridor in Tamil Nadu. The region also has the strong presence of defence manufacturers.
"You are sitting in a historic location. Huge ships of Chola kingdom had gone to South East Asia from here. I urge everyone to visit Mahabalipuram," added Nirmala Sitharaman. "The Ministry of Defence has to take care of Indian Armed Forces as well as India's defence production. The parliamentary standing committee report has also said the certain quantity of bulletproof jackets is already delivered. An Indian company has also been given an order to make bull proof jackets,” she added further.
Addressing the conference, General Bipin Rawat said #IndianArmy will always act as a catalyst for indigenization & will inspire swift modernization.
Amidst conference, Defense Minister released "Creating a level playing field to facilitate Make in India in Defence" report prepared by ASSOCHAM.
On 12th April, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the 10th edition of DefExpo in Chennai.
DefExpo18 focuses on export as opposed to importing military hardware marks a conceptual shift in Indian defence policy. DefExpo will play a perfect stage to unfold the might of India’s shipbuilding capabilities. DefExpo hopes to position the country as a credible manufacturer and exporter of certain military inventory items. India will unveil its 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun (ATAG) in DefExpo. This is the first time that India has its own ATAG which has been designed and developed by DRDO in partnership with Kalyani Group, Tata Power and OFBs. DefExpo 2018 will also uncover India’s growing private industry and spreading MSME base for components and sub-systems.