New Technology Is Needed For New Security Challenges: PM Modi Opens The Def Expo 2020

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Def Expo 2020 in Lucknow said, “'Uttar Pradesh will be one of the biggest hubs of defence manufacturing in the coming future.” Our aim is to develop 25 products based on artificial intelligence in the next 5 years, he said on the shift of the security paradigm and the new avatar of asymmetrical warfare. 

He said that ouur target is $5 billion of defence export in next five years. "India is not only a major market globally but a vast opportunity for the world as well, he said, bringing the defence export into the realm of the economic growth, skill development and jobs.

He emphasized the indigenization said: “Be it artillery guns, aircraft carrier, frigates, submarines, light combat aircrafts, combat helicopters many such equipment are being manufactured in India.”

Putting the Indian defence Industry on priority, live Demonstration were conducted for systems which are designed and built in India. Live demonstration of Naval Systems, Aero Systems and Land Systems were held at Def Expo 2020.

Def Expo 2020, a flagship biennial event of the India is one of the largest defence Exhibition is being held for the first time in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh from 5th to 9th February 2020.

The main theme of the DefExpo India 2020 is 'India: The Emerging Defence Manufacturing Hub' and the focus will be on 'Digital Transformation of Defence'.

The number of companies registered for participating in the DefExpo 2020 has reached 1,028. In the DefExpo 2018, held in Chennai, 702 companies had participated. 

The number of participating foreign companies has also increased to 172 from the previous figure of 160. 

Def Expo 2020 has witnessed international collaborations partnering Indian defenece entities including the private sector. ' Bandhan' a ceremony for signing of MoUs, launch of products and major announcements was presided by defence minister Rajnath Singh. Building on the strengths of R&D establishments, academia and MSMEs for Triggering Defence Manufacturing and Exports” and “Game Changers in Aerospace & Defence and preparing from the next gen threat, Def Expo 2020 has put thrust on the fundamentals.  

Ministers from over 40 countries will take part in this edition of DefExpo, making it an important opportunity for countries to further strengthen defence ties with India, Singh has said.