More than 1,000 companies have so far registered for the 11th edition of the biennial mega defence exhibition, DefExpo 2020, to be held at Uttar Pradesh Capital Lucknow from February 5-9 this year. In the DefExpo 2018, held in Chennai, 702 companies had participated. Thus, it has become by far the biggest ever DefExpo to be held in India, Defence Ministry officials said here on Monday.
They also said the number of participating foreign companies has also increased to 165 from the previous figure of 160. The booked exhibition space by exhibitors for DefExpo 2020 has gone up by 60 per cent to over 42,800 square metres, compared to around 26,774 during the last edition.
Moreover, Defence Ministers and Service Chiefs of 35 countries have confirmed their participation for the DefExpo. A substantial number of Memoranda of Undertaking (MoUs) are expected to be inked during the Expo, resulting in forging of new business collaborations.
The theme of the Expo is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub'. The aim is to bring the leading technologies in the defence sector under one roof and provide a myriad of opportunities for the Government, private manufactures and startups.
The event will cover the entire spectrum of the country's aerospace, defence and security interests. The 'India Pavilion' will exclusively showcase the jointness between the public and private sector, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)/Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and innovation eco-system, which is the key to the way forward.
There will be a sizeable Uttar Pradesh Pavilion at the DefExpo venue. Apart from displaying industrial prowess and huge potential for the investors, the UP Government will organise several cultural programmes showcasing rich cultural heritage of the northern state.
A unique experience for the visitors is planned at the Tent City, which is being especially erected at the venue.
The DefExpo 2020 is expected to see participation from over 70 countries and will be in line with the biggest of the international defence exhibitions.