DefExpo 2018, the 10th edition of the biennial event that showcases the best in Land, Naval and Internal Homeland Security Systems from some of the best and biggest defence manufacturers from India and abroad, was held in Kanchipuram, near Chennai, from April 11-14, 2018. Leading the participation of private defence manufacturers from India, L&T Defence put up a dazzling display of some of its latest advancements in defence and modern warfare technologies.
The L&T pavilion, located in a prime spot at the venue witnessed a constant stream of high-profile visitors throughout the four days of the exhibition. At the event, L&T Defence showcased its capabilities in missile systems, warfield scenario simulation with working models of K9 Vajra, generic submarine, floating dock, landing platform dock, Coast Guard OPV, interceptor boat, patrol boat, tactical UAV, radars for air defence fire control and 3D air surveillance among other machinery.
An experience zone featuring Anti-submarine Warfare (ASW) Systems and Futuristic Infantry Combat Vehicle (FICV) with armored ground vehicle was also on display and generated plenty of buzz at the exhibit.
Besides L&T Defence, L&T Construction too displayed its Defence Infrastructure capabilities at DefExpo 2018 covering construction of Air bases, Naval facilities, Storage Depots and Warehouse, and Underground structures, etc.
Mr. S. N. Subrahmanyan, CEO & MD, L&T, visited the expo on April 12, 2018, and participated in the inauguration of Make in India pavilion by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. He also held a number of meetings with high ranking officials from the Ministry of Defence and international companies. Besides him, Mr. D.K. Sen, Whole Time Director & Sr. Executive Vice President (Infrastructure), Mr. J.D. Patil, Sr. Executive Vice President & Head - Defence, Mr. S.V. Desai, EVP & Head - Heavy Civil Infrastructure, also attended the expo and bolstered L&T’s presence at the event.
Prominent visitors to L&T’s pavilion included Hon’ble Raksha Rajya Mantri, Dr. Subhash Bhamre, Chief of Naval staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, PVSM, AVSM, ADC, Secretary of Defence Mr. Sanjay Mitra and several high-ranking Defence Officials, Chief Armament Authority of Arab Republic of Egypt, CEO & MD of various Public Sector Undertakings like Goa Shipyard, Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers, BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Ltd.), Delegation from USIBC (US India Business Council) comprising top management officials, Boeing India, Hanwha Corp., MBDA Missile Systems, Dholera Industrial City, international companies like Saab Defence & Security, Thales Group, and Rubin (Russian Defence Industry). The Indian officials who visited L&T pavilion appreciated the Company’s commitment towards developing the nation’s defence capabilities and urged L&T to continue along the path of indigenization of defence technology and self-reliance.
DefExpo 2018 saw close to 700 companies from 27 countries including Russia, US, France, Israel, Germany, South Korea, participate and display their offerings this year.