DefExpo 2016 to be the largest till date: Defence Ministry

The ninth edition of DefExpo India, a biennial exhibition of Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems, starting tomorrow in Goa, would be the largest one in its history, the Defence Ministry said today.
The exhibition would be inaugurated by Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar.
Over 1,000 companies, both foreign and Indian, are taking part in the exhibition this year. With a total of 510 companies, participation by Indian companies has doubled since 2014 which saw a participation by 256 companies. A total of 490 foreign companies are participating this year against 368 in DefExpo 2014.
"India is among a handful of countries in the world with indigenous capabilities in the defence fields such as multi-level strategic deterrence, ballistic missile defence, nuclear powered submarines, main battle tank, stealth destroyers, aircraft carriers and fourth generation fighter aircraft," an official release said.

"With the changes in government policies on defence acquisition and 'Make in India' campaign, considerable impetus is being given to indigenisation in defence sector," it said.
"The exhibition would be showcasing India's capabilities in Land, Naval and Security Systems as well as its emergence as an attractive destination for investment in Defence sector.

"This year's exhibition will be the largest DefExpo held to date," the ministry said.
In all 47 countries will be taking part in the exhibition against 30 countries last time.
In all,at least 1,000 companies,both Indian and foreign,
are taking part in the exhibition this year, which isover one-and-a-half-times more than that in Defexpo 2014.

With a total of 510 companies,participation by Indian entities has doubled from 2014 when 256 firms had taken part in the event.
A total number of 490 foreign companies are participating this year, up from the 368 in2014.
Around 950 delegations as against 511in 2014 are expected to visit the exhibition this year providing great synergy in business to business (B2B) activities in a short span of four days.
A total of 204 official delegations from 44countries and around 750 non-official business delegations are attending the show.
The net area sold in this edition is 40,725 sqm against 27,515 sqm in 2014.

Thegross areaof exhibition hasincreased over three foldsto 1,50,000 sqm as against 45,000 sqm in 2014.
Till now the exhibition used to be held in Pragati Maidan in Delhi but it has been moved to Goa this time because of lack of space.
Amid protests by some groups against the exhibition being held in Goa, the Defence Ministry statement said, "Care is being taken to preserve the ecology of the site".