Mahabalipuram coast to witness naval capacity

DefExpo 2018 will brandish Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd’s (HAL) various flying platforms including domestically designed and manufactured fourth-generation Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) – Tejas next month.

HAL’s exhibits will also include Advanced Light Helicopter – Dhruv which have both civil as well as combat variants; Light Combat Helicopter for which IOC was received recently; Dornier civilian aircraft for which DGCA clearance was received and which is likely to be inducted for regional connectivity purposes.

Apart from HAL’s platforms, the Expo, 11-14 April, will promote domestic private industry and aero-components industry.

As the DefExpo is being held on sea-shore, along the East Coast road enroute Chennai to Mahabalipuram, it provides Indian Navy to brandish its domestic design and manufacturing capabilities.

India will proudly present its Naval designing capabilities in shipbuilding, said a press note.

“India is one of the few countries of the world with capabilities to design a naval vessel from scratch to finish,” it said.

India will also physically showcase, along the shoreline several frigates, corvettes and other ships, unveil India’s capabilities in manufacturing Scorpene class submarine.

Naval shipyards in public sector including Mazagon Docks, GRSE, Goa Shipyards, Hindustan Shipyard and private shipyards will bring to view their capabilities in manufacturing and servicing ships.

DefExpo visitors can easily visit Kattupalli shipyard of L&T which is only 40 km from Chennai.

Indian shipbuilding industry have nearly 90% indigenous components in the ships it builds.

“There is growing demand for Indian built vessels from many countries in South Asia, ASEAN and Africa,” said the note.

DefExpo will be a perfect stage to unfold the might of India’s shipbuilding capabilities, it added.

For land systems, India will unveil its 155mm Advanced Towed Artillery Gun (ATAG) in DefExpo.

This is the first time that India has its own ATAG which has been designed and developed by Defence Research and Development Organization (DRDO) in partnership with Kalyani Group, Tata Power and OFBs.

India also proposes to showcase its tank making capabilities, including MBT Arjun, T90 and T-72, Bridge Laying Tanks (BLTs) with a span of over 70 feet among others.

India will also be showcasing 155mm artillery gun ‘Dhanush’.

DefExpo will also provide an opportunity to showcase India’s plans for putting the country on the global map of small arms manufacturing with its decision to manufacture about 7.5 lakh Assault Rifles, 3.5 lakh Carbines and about 40,000 LMGs.

On display will be Missile and Rocket manufacturing capabilities, including BrahMos missiles available for all kind of attacks including surface-to-air, air-to-air and sea-to-air.

Further Akash Missile system will be a major attraction at DefExpo. Pinaka rockets will also be highlighted during the show.

Given the focus on highlighting India as an emerging defence production hub, DefExpo 2018 has earmarked at least half the space for domestic exhibitors.

This will make DefExpo 2018 the biggest ever opportunity to show their capabilities and integrate with the global supply chain of defence manufacturing, said the note.

“Emphasis is being given to invite delegations from countries which have shown keen interest in India’s weapon systems and platforms so that DefExpo 2018 provides a boost to overall defence manufacturing capabilities in the country and to its export potential,” it said. fii-news.com