Defence Minister inaugurates 'largest-ever' Defexpo 2016, says display shows India's capabilities

Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar inaugurated the "largest-ever" Defence expo (Defexpo 2016) in Naqueri Quitol, Goa March 28. The exhibition, organised by Defence Exhibition Organisation of the Department of Defence Production, Ministry of Defence, shows India's capabilities in land, naval and security systems.

This year's exhibition is "huge and beyond government's expectation," Parrikar was quoted as saying during the inauguration. He added that the defence procurement procedure (DPP) for 2016 has been uploaded on the website of defence production.

The inaugural event saw an aerial display by the Sarang helicopter team and also the aerial performance of LCA Tejas. India's indigenous MBT Arjun was also seen showcasing its combat skills.

The expo focuses on the county emerging as an attractive destination for investment in the defence sector. It also provides an opportunity for the Indian defence public sector undertakings (DPSUs) to showcase their capabilities. Over 1,000 companies are participating in the exhibition, and the number has doubled since 2014, said a Defence Ministry press release.

Attending the four-day event are about 950 delegations, including 204 official delegations from 44 countries. In all, 47 countries are participating in the show, including the U.S, the U.K, Israel, Russia, France, Germany, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, and Republic of Korea.