DefExpo 2018 to Boost Defence Manufacturing in India

DefExpo 2018 or Defence Expo 2018’ held in Chennai at Tiruvidanthal, in Kancheepuram district from 11 to 14 April 2018with its tag line “India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub”to showcase India’s capability in export of defence systems and components hada gathering of defence industry representatives from private and public sector representing some 500 Indian companies and 150 international firmsas more than 80 countries showcased their defence prowess. Prime Minister NarendraModi on April 12 while inaugurating the 10^th edition of DefExpo said Speedy grant of manufacturing licences, simpler FDI rules and two defence industrial corridors were aimed at boosting defence manufacturing in India.One of the goals of the Government is to ensure revenue of Rs1.7 trillion in military goods and services by 2025 by promoting the domestic defence industry. At DefExpo four indigenously built naval warshipsSahyadri, Sumitra, Kamorta and Airavat were docked at the Chennai port on April 13 for public viewing. DefExpocame to a spectacular end on April 14, 2018 – the dayopen to the public with free entry saw emergence of a sea of humanity with approximately three lakh persons witnessing live demonstrations by defence forces. The crowds erupted in joy, as the Indian Air Force’s Saarang helicopter team displayed their manoeuvres and left a large heart-shaped smoke trail that hung in the air for a while.

Defence Minister NirmalaSitharamanwho is a native of Trichy in Tamil Nadu said, “Till 2016, all defence expos had been held only in New Delhi. When ManoharParikkar was defence minister, it was held in Goa (in 2017). Now, after I took charge as defence minister, the expo is being held here”.

Prime Minister NarendraModi on April 12 said that India is a land of peace but it is the state’s responsibility to protect its citizens and the government will take all steps needed to equip India’s armed forces including through the establishment of a strategically independent defence industrial complex. He further said:

• Our dream is to develop the ecosystem to foster an environment of new and creative entrepreneurship in the defence manufacturing sector.
• Today, we live in an inter-connected world. The efficiency of supply chains is a key factor in any manufacturing enterprise. Therefore, the strategic imperative to Make in India, to Make for India, and to Supply to the World from India is stronger than ever before.
• Our commitment to peace is just as strong as our commitment to protect our people and our territory.And for this, we are ready to take all steps required to equip our Armed Forces, including through the establishment of a strategically independent defence industrial complex.
• 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.
• Today, we have launched the ‘Innovation for Defence Excellence’ It will set up Defence Innovation Hubs throughout the country to provide necessary incubation and infrastructure support to the start-ups in defence area.
• Private venture capital into the defence sector, especially for start-ups will also be encouraged.
• New and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Robotics are perhaps the most important determinants/ of defensive and offensive capabilities for any defence force in the future. India, with its leadership in Information Technology domain, would strive to use this technology tilt to its advantage.

India’s defence production has increased from Rs 43746 crore in 2013-14 to Rs 55894 crore in 2016-17, according to defence ministry figures.Two Defence Industrial Production Corridors: one in Bundelkhand, straddling Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and the second in linking Chennai in Tamil Nadu and Bengaluru in Karnataka, passing through Coimbatore, aimed at bringing to fruition the plan of employment to millions of Indians entering the workforce each year as well as boost economic growth in Asia’s third largest economy; were announced in the Annual 2018-19 Budget. Governmenthas begun in April 2018 the process of acquisition of 110 fighter jets for the Indian Air Force in a bid to shore up its fast-depleting squadron strength.Government in September 2016 signed a euro 7.87 billion (approx Rs 59000 crore) deal with the French government for the purchase of 36 Rafale twin-engine fighter jets.