This Article is From Apr 12, 2018

DefExpo 2018 Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's Speech At Def Expo About "Transformation" Of Defence Sector

Narendra Modi at DefExpo 2018: Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Make in India' pavilion at DefExpo 2018 at 10:20 am today. DefExpo is Asia's biggest international land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibition.

DefExpo 2018 Highlights: PM Narendra Modi's Speech At Def Expo About 'Transformation' Of Defence Sector

DefExpo 2018: PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the 'Make in India' pavilion at Def Expo today

Mahabalipuram: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Mahabalipuram today and inaugurated the DefExpo 2018. He inaugurated the 'Make in India' pavilion at the DefExpo. The exhibition began yesterday with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching the event. Not only is DefExpo India's main defence exhibition, it is Asia's biggest international land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibition. Major global and domestic military firms are showcasing their latest weaponry and platforms at the DefExpo 2018, eyeing a slice of the lucrative military market in India which is the world's biggest arms importer.

This year however, India is looking to focus more on exporting military equipment, keeping in line with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. The NDA government is trying to project the 10th edition of the biennial event (DefExpo) as the first serious attempt to transform India into a hub of military manufacturing and pursue its goal of achieving a turnover of 1,70,000 crore rupees in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry. Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached Mahabalipuram - the venue of the DefExpo - at 10:20 am.
 

Here are the highlights from the DefExpo 2018 and the launch of the 'Make in India' pavilion by Prime Minister Narendra Modi:

 
Apr 12, 2018 18:57 (IST)
Some images from the DefExpo 2018 combat drills

Apr 12, 2018 18:13 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: Boeing Joins Hands With HAL, Mahindra For Manufacturing Of F/A-18 Hornet

Boeing announced a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Mahindra Defence Systems for the manufacturing the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India for its air force.

The US aerospace major said the partnership will also work for joint development of future technologies in India and added that it will transform India's aerospace and defence ecosystem.

Boeing said the partnership will be for production of an affordable, combat-proven fighter platform for India.

"Boeing is excited to team up with India's only company that manufactures combat fighters, HAL, and India's only company that manufactures small commercial airplanes, Mahindra. This partnership brings the best of Indian public and private enterprises together in partnership with the world's largest aerospace company, Boeing, to accelerate a contemporary 21st century ecosystem for aerospace & defence manufacturing in India," said Pratyush Kumar, Boeing India's president.

Last week, India had issued an initial tender or Request For Information for procurement of 110 single and twin seater fighter jets for Indian Air Force in biggest such initiative in recent years globally.
Apr 12, 2018 16:34 (IST)
While the DefExpo carries on, the biggest ever Indian Air Force combat exercise Gagan Shakti was kick-started from Wednesday along the Pakistan and China borders.
Apr 12, 2018 13:38 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: PM Narendra Modi Gets Briefed About Various Defence Equipment

Apr 12, 2018 13:33 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: PM Modi Watches Demonstrations By The 3 Armed Forces

Apr 12, 2018 13:17 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: Apart From F-16 Fighter Jets, Lockheed Martin Also Plans To Manufacture Javelin Missiles In India



With the Indian Air Force beginning the process of buying 110 fighter jets, in a deal that could be worth more than $15 billion, Lockheed Martin has expressed its readiness to shift its F-16 fighter aircraft manufacturing unit to India -- and the US government, according to the manufacturer, will allow it to do that.

That apart, the American global aerospace and defence major is also prepared to transfer the technology of its third generation anti-armour Javelin guided missile system to India for its future manufacture. At least two Lockheed officials at the DefExpo 2018 have told news agency IANS that if the defence procurement deals were signed with the company that is all geared to bid for the world's biggest fighter jet order, it would walk the extra mile and transfer technology to local partners for sophisticated parts of defence products.

"We are offering a deal that is completely compatible with 'Make in India' -- offering a stand-up production line in India," said Randall L Howard, who heads International Business Development for aircraft at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics.

He said more than 4,000 F-16s have been sold to countries across the world. "We are offering to shift the manufacturing base and produce all of our F-16s in India; not just for India, but for the whole world -- across South East Asia, across South America, across the Middle East."

Asked if the Trump administration would allow it to do so, Mr Howard said the company had "full support of the US government". He said the single-engine supersonic multi-role fighter aircraft that has seen action in the Afghanistan and Iraq wars was currently being built around the world, and setting up facilities in India would not impact jobs in the US.

"So whenever we have a situation, we will be able to build the entire aircraft in India. But we will continue to have parts that come from the US. That will continue to create jobs in the US. This absolutely supports American jobs," he said, adding Lockheed was also looking at the possibility of setting up the entire ecosystem, including one with a runway, to produce the fighters in flyaway condition.

Another Lockheed official, Haley Donoho, who is business development head of the shoulder-fired anti-armour Javelin missile, said a possible joint venture for the system "is in good standing with the Indian government".

"Should the Indian government be interested in the third generation missile system, we are ready to sell Javelin under a foreign military sale contract which is the most transparent acquisition contract you can find. You can trace at every step where the money is going."

He said Lockheed has got the US government's nod to transfer its "high-degree" technology to its partners in India for the development of the 22 kg, portable missile system that comes with a combination of "fire and forget" and "man in the loop" capability, with a range of up to four km.

The missile, which automatically guides itself to the target after launch, has been used by US forces in the cold mountains of Afghanistan and in the hot deserts of Iraq. With its arched top-attack profile, Javelin climbs above its target for improved visibility and then strikes where the armour is weakest, he said.

"The US government was ready to transfer high-degree technology under US-India Defence Technology and Trade Initiative (DTTI) when the previous deal was done. The US government has indicated to us, and to the Indian Defence Ministry, that we will continue on the discussion with similar levels of transfer of technology.

"I can speak for the US government, and they are interested in the same type of deal for transfer of high-degree technology, specifically for India. We have done this for no other country."

Asked about the future of India's fledgling indigenous defence-building capabilities, the two officials said it was only a matter of time before the country emerges as one of the major military manufacturers in the world.

"I think it is coming. We will see whether it will take off quickly or slowly. But I think it is coming. This is India. Lots of engineers, lots of researchers, people with lots of capabilities. It is only a matter of time. We see it is coming," Mr Donoho said.

(Source: IANS)

Apr 12, 2018 12:39 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: India Announces Procurement Of 110 Fighter Jets

There is a lot of excitement at the Defence Expo 2018, especially among the global aerospace giants as India announced plans to procure 110 fighter aircraft. "We are very excited about India's announcement to procure 110 fighter jets," says Robert Hewson, Vice President of Saab Group.


Apr 12, 2018 12:31 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: India At The Defence Expo 2018 - Major Push To 'Make In India'

India's indigenously developed land, air and naval systems are also being showcased.

A raft of defence deals including for setting up joint ventures were inked between private industries on the sidelines of the expo.

Engineering major Larsen & Toubro (L&T), India's multinational engineering conglomerate, and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), a leading public sector enterprise in defence electronics and tactical systems, have signed a MoU to cater to the needs of evolving domestic and export markets for defence products and systems.

Adani Group said that it has collaborated with Punj Lloyd and Rave Gears (USA) for the design, manufacture and assembly of high precision gears and transmission systems for rotary platforms.

India's Kalyani Group and French firm Plansee Tungsten Alloys also announced the forming of their strategic partnership in the areas of "special metallic penetrators" required for manufacture of high-end ammunition.

MKU Limited and Thales have announced inking of two MoUs for strategic co-operation in the development and production of optronic devices and F90 close quarter battle (CQB) rifle for soldiers.

The weapons and platforms being displayed included the Tejas fighter jets, advanced towed artillery gun systems (ATAGS) designed by the DRDO Arjun Mark 2 tank, Dhanush artillery guns.

The DRDO's exhibits include Nirbhay missile system with launcher, autonomous unmanned ground vehicle (AUGV), MBT Arjun Mk-I tank, Astra missile, low level transportable radar (LLTR) system, medium power radar (MPR) system and Varunastra - heavy weight anti submarine electric torpedo.
Apr 12, 2018 12:25 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: A List Of Some Of The Major Defence Companies Participating

Major international companies which are participating at the expo included Lockheed Martin, Boeing (US), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Dassault Aviation (France), Rosonboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems (UK), Sibat (Israel), Wartsila (Finland) and Rhode and Schwarz (Germany).


Apr 12, 2018 12:21 (IST)
DefExpo 2018 Sees Participation By Many Countries, But China Stays Away

According to the Defence Ministry, over 670 defence firms including 154 foreign manufacturers are participating in the exhibition of weapons and military hardware. DefExpo 2018 is being attended by official delegations from over 47 countries including the US, the UK, Russia, Afghanistan and Sweden, Finland, Italy, Madagascar, Myanmar, Nepal, Portugal, Seychelles and Vietnam.

Secretary (Defence Production) Ajay Kumar said China was invited but it has not sent any delegation.

The theme of the Defence Expo 2018 is "India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub".

Apr 12, 2018 12:16 (IST)
The Defence Ministry had last month come out with a draft policy which envisages achieving a turnover of 1,70,000 crore rupees in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry. The policy says the aim is to make India one of the top five manufacturers of defence platforms with active participation of public and private sectors.
Apr 12, 2018 12:10 (IST)
Watch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Full Speech At The Def Expo 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about "transformation" of India's defence sector. Here is the prime minister's full speech at the DefExpo 2018:


Apr 12, 2018 11:31 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: PM Narendra Modi's Message At The Defence Expo 2018

Apr 12, 2018 11:28 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: Highlights Of PM Narendra Modi's Speech At Def Expo 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed international delegates and domestic manufacturers at the DefExpo 2018. India aims to become a major exporter of defence equipment. India currently is the world's largest arms importer. India now has a plan to push exports of defence equipment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship 'Make in India' initiative.

Here are the highlights of PM Narendra Modi's speech at DefExpo 2018:

  • I am delighted & overwhelmed to see an enthusiastic gathering in this historic region of Kanchipuram in the great State of Tamil Nadu.
  • I am very happy to be here in the land of the great Cholas who established India's historical civilization links through trade & education.
  • India is a land of glorious maritime legacy, and Tamil Nadu has been at the forefront of that legacy. This is the land from where India Looked East and Acted East for thousands of years.
  • It is wonderful to see that over 500 Indian companies & over 150 foreign companies are participating in the DefExpo 2018.
  • More than 40 countries have sent their official delegations as well. We are happy to welcome them in India.
  • Our commitment to peace is just as strong as our commitment to protecting our people and our territory. For this we are ready to take all necessary measures to equip our armed forces, including through the establishment of a strategically independent defence industrial complex.
  • We are conscious that defence manufacturing is unique in terms of government involvement. You need the government to grant a license to manufacture arms and ammunition. Since the government is almost the only buyer, you need the government to grant an order. You need the government even to grant permission to export.
  • Over the last few years, we have made a humble beginning. On defence manufacturing licenses, on defence offsets, on defence exports clearances, on Foreign Direct Investment in defence manufacturing, and on reforming our defence procurement, we have taken many steps.
  • The defence procurement procedure has been revised with many specific provisions for stimulating growth of domestic defence industry. We have also de-notified some items earlier made exclusively by Ordnance Factories, so that private sector, especially MSMEs can enter this space.
  • In May 2014, the total number of defence export permission granted stood at 118, for a total value of 577 million dollars. In less than four years, we have issued 794 more export permissions, for a total value of over 1.3 billion dollars.
  • We are committed to establishing 2 defence industrial corridors - One in Tamil Nadu and one in Uttar Pradesh. These will utilize defence manufacturing ecosystems in the regions and further build upon it. The corridors will become engines of economic development and growth of defence industrial base.
  • We have launched the 'Innovation for Defence Excellence' scheme. It will set up defence innovation hubs throughout the country to provide necessary incubation and infrastructure support to the start-ups in defence sector.
  • There was a time when the critical issue of defence preparedness was hampered by policy paralysis. We have seen the damage such laziness, incompetence or perhaps some hidden motives, can cause to the nation. Not now, Not anymore, Never again.
  • You would have seen how the issue of providing bullet proof jackets to Indian soldiers was kept hanging for years. You would have also seen that we have brought the process to a successful conclusion with a contract that will provide a boost to defence manufacturing in India.
  • You would also recall the long-drawn process of procurement of fighter aircraft that never reached any conclusion. We have not only taken bold action to meet our immediate critical requirements, but have also initiated a new process to procure 110 fighter aircraft.

(Photo: PM Narendra Modi addresses delegates at the DefExpo 2018)
Apr 12, 2018 11:09 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: PM Narendra Modi's Speech At The Defence Expo 2018

Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses international delegates and domestic manufacturers at the DefExpo 2018. India aims to become a major exporter of defence equipment. India currently is the world's largest arms importer. India now has a plan to push exports of defence equipment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagship 'Make in India' initiative.


(Photo: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses delegates at the Defence Expo 2018)
Apr 12, 2018 11:02 (IST)
Though the four-day-long DefExpo, on the outskirts of Chennai and close to the temple town of Mahabalipuram on the East Coast Road, began yesterday amid protests on the Cauvery issue, it was formally inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi today. Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had launched the exhibition yesterday. When PM Modi reached Chennai this morning to head to the DefExpo near Mahabalipuram, DMK working president MK Stalin asked supporters and residents to show black flags atop their homes in a sign of protest against the Centre's "inaction" on the Cauvery issue.
Apr 12, 2018 10:52 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: India Aims To Be A Major Defence Exporter

India's mega defence exhibition - the Defexpo - began yesterday with major global and domestic military firms showcasing their latest weaponry and platforms, eyeing a slice of the lucrative military market in the country which is the world's biggest arms importer. The NDA government is trying to project the 10th edition of the biennial event as first serious attempt to transform India into a hub of military manufacturing and pursue its goal of achieving turnover of Rs 1,70,000 crore in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry.


(Photo: Armed Force personnel stage a live demo at the DefExpo 2018 near Mahabalipuram)
Apr 12, 2018 10:33 (IST)
DefExpo 2018: PM Narendra Modi Inaugurates The Defence Expo, 'Make In India' Pavilion

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated the DefExpo 2018. He reached Mahabalipuram - the venue of the DefExpo - at 10:20 am. Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the 'Make in India' pavilion. This year, India is showcasing and promoting its domestic defence manufacturing capabilities in a push to becoming a major defence exporter. India is currently the world's largest arms importer.


Apr 12, 2018 10:26 (IST)
This year however, India is looking to focus more on exporting military equipment, keeping in line with Prime Minister Modi's 'Make in India' initiative. The NDA government is trying to project the 10th edition of the biennial event (DefExpo) as the first serious attempt to transform India into a hub of military manufacturing and pursue its goal of achieving a turnover of 1,70,000 crore rupees in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry.
Apr 12, 2018 10:25 (IST)
Major global and domestic military firms are showcasing their latest weaponry and platforms at the DefExpo 2018, eyeing a slice of the lucrative military market in India which is the world's biggest arms importer.
Apr 12, 2018 10:25 (IST)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is in Mahabalipuram today and inaugurated the DefExpo 2018. He inaugurated the 'Make in India' pavilion at the DefExpo. The exhibition began yesterday with Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman launching the event. Not only is DefExpo India's main defence exhibition, it is Asia's biggest international land, naval and internal homeland security systems exhibition.
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