The Defexpo-2008, organized by Confederation of Indian Industry in association with Ministry of Defence witnessed huge response from defence industry, foreign participants and domestic companies. The show which is being held at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi will conclude here on February 19, 2008. 

A diverse consortium of defence manufacturers from countries like the USA, UK, Hungary and Bulgaria participated in the exhibition. Indian companies like Godrej, Tata Advanced Systems, Hindustan Aeronautics Limited, and MNCs like GE, Larsen & Toubro and Amphenol were conspicuously present at the show.  

Personnel from Indian Army, Indian Air-force, and Indian Navy were seen at various stalls getting firsthand information on various products. The companies who participated in the show displayed A to Z of defence capabilities including fighter jets, helicopters, missile system, latest surveillance systems and artillery equipments and weapons.  

The show which was dominated by the US companies also organised seminars and conference as part of the awareness campaigns for defence personnel. 

Most of the exhibitors were seen enthusiastic and optimistic about the outcome of the show. They expressed satisfaction over the positive response they received from the Indian Defence Ministry.  

Lee J. Whitney, Vice President for Strategy & Marketing Communication, Lockheed Martin said, “The Defexpo is a right platform to showcase defence products and meet good number of customers. It has been a stunning experience,” Whitney was visibly satisfied with the kind of response his company received at the show.  

Mark Riley of GE Aviation also seemed to express the same feeling. GE which showcased Turbofan Engine and Marin Gas Turbine received equally good response from the Ministry of Defence and general public.  

John E. Beaulieu of U. S. Navy, a frequent visitor to the show in the past, was overwhelmed with the active cooperation he received from the Defexpo organisers. Northrop’s product – Naval navigation systems – drew immense attention from Navy, Air-force, Army, and Cost-guard.

Yog Raj Batra, Adviser, MEL Systems and Services Ltd., was satisfied with the efforts of CII and MoD. He expressed his eagerness to work on contacts his Company acquired during the grand show.