- Industry both public & private showcasing cutting-edge defence technology
By Sangeeta Saxena
Parc de Expositions, Paris. 17 June 2024. The Indian Pavilion at Eurosatory 2024 was officially inaugurated by the Indian Ambassador to France, marking a significant milestone in showcasing India’s defence and security capabilities on the global stage. Eurosatory, held biennially in Paris, is one of the world’s leading defence and security international exhibitions, attracting participants from across the globe. India has been traditionally exploring the show for a global reach and an export market.
Indian Ambassador to France and Principality of Monaco HE Jawed Ashraf post inaugurating reiterated the importance of growing defence ties between India and France and emphasized on India’s commitment to enhancing its defence manufacturing capabilities agreeing on the importance of both Atmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India. He noted that the participation in Eurosatory reflects India’s aspirations to be a key player in the global defence sector.
The most pleasant surprise being that he was in no hurry to cut the ribbon , take a whirlwind tour of the DPSU’s displays and rush away. In what was a rarity in my experience as a journalist, he took time in abundance to visit each and every private sector stall in the Indian Pavillion, made an effort to understand their displays and ensured full support in their business expansion and export plans. He continued his visit to Indian booths in locations away from the Indian Pavilion. Not withstanding the fact that it was Eid and he would definitely have had a long evening ahead.
The Indian Pavilion, organized by the Defence Exhibition Organisation (DEO) under the Ministry of Defence, features a wide array of products and technologies developed by Indian defence manufacturers. Key exhibitors included major public sector undertakings (PSUs) like Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), and Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL), Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) as well as private sector companies showcasing cutting-edge innovations.
Highlights of the Pavilion
Advanced Weapon Systems: The pavilion showcases India’s advancements in missile systems, artillery, and small arms.
Aerospace Technologies: HAL displays its latest developments in aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs).
Electronic Warfare and Communication: BEL presents state-of-the-art electronic warfare systems and secure communication solutions.
Defence Innovation: Startups and smaller companies are also featured, highlighting India’s burgeoning defence innovation ecosystem.
Collaboration and Partnerships
One of the key objectives of the Indian Pavilion at Eurosatory 2024 is to foster international collaboration. The event serves as a platform for Indian companies to engage with potential partners and customers from around the world. The Ambassador underscored the importance of such collaborations in driving technological advancements and achieving self-reliance in defence production, in line with the ‘Make in India’ initiative.
The Indian Pavilion at Eurosatory 2024 is testament to India’s growing prominence in the global defence arena. By showcasing its technological advancements and fostering international partnerships, India aims to strengthen its position as a key player in defence manufacturing and innovation. The pavilion not only highlights India’s capabilities but also its commitment to global security and cooperation.
The event is expected to pave the way for new collaborations, investments, and advancements in defence technology, contributing significantly to India’s strategic goals and its vision of self-reliance in defence production.
Defence PSU Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is showcasing its state-of-the-art products and models in the field of Radars, Military Communication, Electro Optics, Avionics, Night Vision equipment, etc, including Weapon Locating Radar, Schilka Upgrade, Battle Field Surveillance Radar, Software Defined Radio (Manpack & Airborne), Radar Warning Receivers, Missile Approach Warning System, Avionics for Light Combat Aircraft, Aviation Goggles, Mini Laser Range Finder, Night Vision Binocular, etc. There will also be visuals showcasing BEL’s strengths in Radar, Communication, Shelters, Tank upgrades, Naval Fire Control Systems and Night Vision products. The entire set of equipment on display will be a force multiplier for any Defence force.
Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is primarily engaged in design and development of numerous state-of-the-art systems and technologies for realising the goals of ‘Make in India and Make for the World’ like Missiles and missile-based Air Defence System, Light Combat Aircraft, Main Battle Tank, Gun Systems, UAVs and Counter UAVs, Multi-barrel Rocket Launcher, Radars, Naval Systems and Life Science related products.It is showcasing eleven of these products like AEW&C, ROV Daksha, LCA Mk1A, Arjun MBT Mk-1A, Pinaka, Helina, Akash, Varunastra, Astra, WhaP and LFDS-X.
Bharat Dynamics Limited is also here at the pavilion and is showcasing its products and joint ventures.
The offshoots of erstwhile Ordnance Factories Board like India Optel Limited, Yantra India Ltd, AWEIL and Gliders India Ltd, were also showcasing their product lines and were trying to create an individual export market for themselves through the platform of the show.
The Indian private sector in defence was also present at Eurosatory, though the strength of representation really left a lot wanting comparing to the other national pavilions which had attracted great numbers of exhibitors. No comparisons to the big pavilions like USA and UK but even the small European nations had larger participation. One wonders why the Indian government and industry bodies like Associated Chambers of Commerce, ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII, SIDM, fail to attract the MSMEs, SMEs and Start Ups to such events?
We did see the big ones like MKU, SMPP, Bharat Forge, Zen Technologies, Precision Electronics Ltd, Jeet Enterprises, BitMapper . Some other companies like Tardid Technologies, Rotary Connectors, Brahmastra Defense Techno Products Ltd, Sanathan Allied Industries LLP, Sandeep Metal Craft, Kusumgar , Futura Automation Pvt Ltd and Mahavir Spin Fab were also there.
Keeping in mind the big burgeoning defence manufacturing and supply chain industry this is a miniscule representation. Probably some more incentives need to be there to attract small but efficient players to such events which will create an opportunity for the industry and enhance India’s visibility on global platforms.
The MoD delegation eventually did not come for reasons unknown. SIDM had a delegation with about twenty members. Government of Telangana was represented by Director Aerospace & Defence and was here in the official capacity.
The two leaders and the governments have created a smooth track for bilateral defence ties. Cooperation in defence and security is crucial to the Indo-French strategic alliance. Adopted during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s 2023 visit to France on the occasion of Bastille Day, it is the first pillar of the Horizon 2047 Roadmap, which lays out the trajectory of the partnership’s following 25 years. The goal of Indo-French defence cooperation is to promote regional peace while bolstering each country’s strategic autonomy and sovereignty.
