Goa ready to play host for defence carnival

Goa, March 27: Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar's home state is all set to play host for an exciting Make in India carnival from tomorrow.

The 9th edition of DefExpo-2016 targeting Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems will be inaugurated by Parrikar at Naqueri Quitol, Quepem Taluka, South Goa. Till 2014, this biennial event was held at Pragati Maiden in Delhi.

Ministry of Defence officials confirmed on Sunday that around 950 companies (Indian and international) are taking part at the expo. DefExpo is organised by Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO), under Department of Defence Production of Ministry of Defence.

DEO Director M D Singh told OneIndia that the preparations have all been monitored on an hourly basis to ensure complete success.

"Our team took up the challenge and today you are seeing the results. This DefExpo will set many new benchmarks," says M D Singh.

During the four-day expo, Indian firms would showcase their capabilities in land, naval and security systems. MoD says the event provides a platform for forging alliances and joint ventures in the defence industry.

"With the changes in government policies on defence acquisition and Make in India campaign, considerable impetus is being given to indigenisation in the defence sector," says an MoD spokesperson.

Around 50 countries will be taking part in this year's exhibition set to conclude on March 31.

Bharat Electronics Ltd (BEL) is showcasing its capabilities to design, develop and manufacture state-of-the-art products and systems for the armed forces. BEL is exhibiting a wide portfolio of products and systems which addresses the needs Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force and para-military forces.

Among its display are land and naval radars for surveillance, navigation, weapon location and fire control; state-of-the-art, multi-band tactical radios, ship and airborne tactical data link, IP gateway; a range of communication encryptors supporting different interfaces and speeds and latest generation Radar Warning Receivers to name a few.

OneIndia News