Defexpo 2022 to showcase might of domestic defence industry
As part of its make for the world programme govt would like to encourage manufacturing some of the products intl companies are offering and export to the world
With its strategy of 'co-creating for a self-reliant India', Defexpo 2022 is supporting, showcasing and forging partnerships for the Indian aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors with Indian as well as global customers. The aim is to showcase the might of the domestic defence industry which is now powering 'make in India, make for the world' resolve of the government and the nation at large.
India's military spending of $76.6 billion ranked third highest in the world. This was up by 0.9 per cent from 2020 and by 33 per cent from 2012. In a push to strengthen the indigenous arms industry, 64 per cent of capital outlays in the military budget of 2021 were earmarked for acquisitions of domestically produced arms.
The capital budget has been increased by app 12.82 per cent which is considerably lower than the 18.75 per cent increase last year. In absolute terms, however, allocation of 1, 52,370 crore, of which 68 per cent is earmarked for procurement from the local sources, should gladden the heart of the Indian industry.
DRDO will showcase several actual products including Border Surveillance System (BOSS), Laser Fence System (LFS), BrahMos Air Version Missile, Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System (ATAGS), Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), Prahar Missile, Rudram III Missile, Quick reaction Surface to Air Missile (QRSAM) and Medium Range Surface to Air Missile (MRSAM) among others.
Some of the major projects planned for execution during 2021-22 by BEL are Long Range Surface to Air Missile System (LRSAM), Coastal Surveillance System (CSS)-Phase II, Kerala Fibre Optic Network (K-FON), Weapon Locating Radar (WLR), Integrated Perimeter Security System, (IPSS), EW Upgrade System, Naval Gun Fire Control System, and Electronic Voting Machines (EVM).
The Mazagon Dock order broadly comprises of the construction of four Visakhapatnam Class Project 15B Stealth Destroyers (one out of four already delivered), four Nilgiri Class Project 17A Stealth Frigates and two Nos Project 75 Scorpene Submarine (four out of six already delivered). Medium Refit and Life Certification (MRLC) of one Submarine in collaboration with German Collaborator M/s tkMS, Germany is also in progress.
As part of its make for the world programme the government would like to encourage manufacturing some of the products international companies are offering and export to the world.
Lockheed Martin have on offer the F-21 aircraft for the Indian Air Force's 114 fighter-jet procurement program. This is the most advanced 4th generation fighter jet that is being offered. The F-21 would serve as a force multiplier for the Indian Air Force (IAF) with an unmatched capability-to-cost ratio compared to the competition. Additionally, the F-21 is equipped with state-of-the-art systems and sensors that would allow the Indian Air Force to detect, track and engage multiple targets in a contested environment.
Boeing is showcasing its capabilities in multi-role fighter aircraft, vertical lift platforms, aerial multi-role tankers, in addition to its services, technologies, and local sustainment capabilities.
Boeing's F/A-18 Super Hornet Block III will be a transformative capability for the Indian Navy (IN). With the Super Hornet, the IN will get the most advanced and lethal platform while benefiting from the tactics, upgrades and knowledge related to the US naval aviation ecosystem.
The Block III configuration is suited to protect India's maritime interests as it's built to meet the broadest range of missions while benefitting from the upgrades and knowledge related to US naval aviation.
Boeing having recently announced a potential economic impact of $3.6 billion over 10 years to the Indian economy with the F/A-18 Super Hornet as India's carrier-based fighter and continued investments in manufacturing, engineering and technology transfer, sustainment, training and skilling and infrastructure. The economic impact would be over and above Boeing's current offset obligations and plans in the country.
IAI's long range artillery weapons systems, the precision strike surface-to-surface missile LORA, is showcasing IAI's strike capabilities. IAI's Zibar family of all-terrain tactical utility vehicles are also on display alongside IAI's cutting-edge future armoured fighting vehicle – the Carmel. The advanced TERRA radar and sensor payloads M19 and MOSP, among other advanced systems. IAI is excited to highlight its technologies and its deep-rooted partnerships with India's defense ecosystem.
BAE Systems' will be demonstrated through the digital representation of the M777 Ultra Lightweight Howitzer (ULH), which is providing Indian Army with unparalleled tactical and strategic mobility alongside reliable fire support in the most hostile environments.
The capability is in service with the Regiment of Artillery and to date, BAE Systems has produced and delivered more than 125 guns to the Indian Army.
Another important digitally represented defence capability will be the APKWS laser-guided rocket, the most cost-effective laser-guided ammunition in its class that transforms an unguided 2.75-inch (70 millimeter) rocket into a precision-guided rocket, giving rotary- and fixed-wing military aircraft a low-cost surgical strike capability.
