DefExpo-2022

• 20 Oct 2022

For Prelims: Aatmanirbharta in Defence, Make in India, IADD, Indian Ocean Region plus Conclave.

For Mains: DefExpo-2022 its Objectives and Significance.

Why in News?

The 12^th Edition of DefExpo 2022 is being held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• The 11^th edition of DefExpo was held at Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) in 2020.

What is DefExpo 2022?

• About:
  • DefExpo is a flagship biennial event of the Ministry of Defence, showcasing the land, naval, air as well as homeland security systems.
• DefExpo 2022:
  • It is being held in a first ever four-venue format which promises to engage the public and inspire them to join the Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sector; for ‘Aatmanirbharta’ in Defence.
  • The aim is to showcase the might of the domestic defence industry which is now powering ‘Make in India, Make for the World’ resolve of the Government and the nation at large.
  • It is the first-ever edition exclusively for Indian companies.
• Theme: Path to Pride.
• Key Events:
  • It will host the 2^nd edition of the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD), with invites extended to 53 African countries.
    
    • The IADD will explore new areas of convergence for mutual engagement, including in areas like capacity building, training, cyber security, maritime security and counter terrorism.
    • India’s approach towards Africa is guided by the Kampala Principles.
  • A separate Indian Ocean Region plus (IOR+) conclave with participation of approximately 40 countries will see India pitching its military hardware to various countries.
  • It will also mark the celebration of one year of the formation of the seven new defence companies, carved out of the erstwhile Ordnance Factories.
    • All these companies will be participating for the first time at DefExpo.

What are the Defence Sector Reforms Under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan?

• Revision of FDI Limit: The FDI limit in defence manufacturing under automatic route is raised from 49% to 74%.
• Project Management Unit (PMU): The government is expected to begin time-bound defence procurement and faster decision making by setting up a Project Management Unit (for contract management purposes).
• Reduction in Defence Imports: The government will notify a list of weapons/platforms banned for imports and thus such items can only be purchased from the domestic market.
  • Separate budget provision for domestic capital procurement.
• Corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board: It will include a public listing of some units, ensuring a more efficient interface of the manufacturer with the designer and end-user.

Source: TH