8th
Defence Expo was organized at Pragati Maidan in New Delhi from 6
February 2014 to 9 February 2014.
The DefExpo was Organised by the Department
of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence. The Federation of Indian Chambers
of Commerce and Industry (FICCI) was the event manager of the DefExpo 2014.
The
four-day DefExpo showcased emergence of India as an attractive destination for
investment in the Defence Sector and provides a platform for alliances and
joint ventures in the Defence Industry. The exhibition was dedicated to global
Land, Naval and Internal Security Systems business activity from Suppliers to
Manufacturers and Technology
providers to Services. It was the largest exhibition for the defence companies
of world to display their land, sea and air capabilities at a single
exhibition.
A
total of 624 companies from 30 countries displayed weapon systems for the Army,
Navy and Internal Security during the DefExpo. There were 12 country pavilions
from France, Germany, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Norway, Poland, Russia, South
Africa, South Korea, UK and USA.
Major
participants are from Russia, France and Israel besides Australia, Austria,
Belarus, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Germany, Hungary, India, Italy, Japan,
Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Serbia, Singapore, Slovak Republic, South Korea,
Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, South Africa, Turkey, UAE, Ukraine, UK and USA.
Background
The
DefExpo was conceptualised in 1998 with an objective to promote defence exports
from India and exhibit the capabilities of Indian Defence R&D and
production. The first exhibition was held in 1999 and subsequently in
2002, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2010 and 2012. While a modest 197 exhibitors
participated in the first DefExpo, the biennial event featured 624
exhibitors in its 8th edition in 2014. Russia is the biggest participating
country in terms of indoor and outdoor space occupied. Russia is also
represented with the maximum number of 37 companies.