Gujarat: The 12th edition of biennial defence exhibition Def-Expo 2022 will be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from March 10-14, 2022. This mega defence international exhibition will focus on land, air, naval, internal homeland security and electronic systems. The theme is ‘India-The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub’. The event provides a unique opportunity for firms within the defence industry to showcase their capabilities, products & services to the targeted audience of Industry leaders and business decision makers. As on date, 842 exhibitors have registered for the event and around 1,000 exhibitors are expected during the event. Participation of over 70 countries is also expected.
The aim of DefExpo-2022 is to build upon the vision to achieve ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in defence and reach USD five billion defence exports target by 2024. The objective is to make India a major destination of land, naval, air & homeland security systems and defence engineering. Keeping with future warfare in mind, the event aims to recognise the impact of disruptive technologies on conflicts and its consequent impact on the equipment and platforms required. The Government believes that India has tremendous potential to become a leading supplier of complete defence solutions to many of its friendly nations.
The DefExpo-2022 will be organised keeping with the COVID-19 protocols and aims to ensure maximum international and domestic participation. The events planned include:
* The second India-Africa Defence Minister’s Conclave to strengthen the cooperation in the domain of defence industry including through investment, joint ventures in defence equipment, software, digital defence, research and development, provisioning of defence equipment, spares and their maintenance.
* A Bandhan ceremony during which a number of MoUs are expected to be signed.
* A hybrid system for attendees to join the events virtually and participate in seminars, hold B2B meetings, view products and exchange ideas/business propositions, etc.
* Business seminars by both international and Indian industry chambers to capture the intellectual capital of renowned subject matter experts.
* Live demonstrations by the Services, Defence Public Sector Undertakings and industry to showcase land, naval, air and homeland security systems.
* The exhibition will be held at Helipad Exhibition Centre and inaugural/official functions & seminars will be held at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre. The opening ceremony will be held on March 10, 2022, with the first three days being business days. March 13-14, 2022 will be public days. The live demonstrations will be held at the Sabarmati River Front.
