DefExpo 2022 opens to public; AK-203, Rafale model on display

Visitors at the stall of the Indo-Russian Rifles at DefExpo 2022 in Gandhinagar on Friday. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)

“We cannot interact. We have been asked not to,” said a one of the Russian executives, while hurriedly packing up at Hall number 11. The counter belonged to the Indo-Russian joint firm that manufactures AK-203 assault rifles — from the Kalashnikov family of rifles — in Amethi district of Uttar Pradesh. This firm has both Kalashnikov and Rosoboronexport producing rifles with Indian Defence public sector undertakings (PSUs). The only other major Russian presence at the DefExpo was Brahmos Aerospace.

A few metres away in Hall number 9, a French Dassault Aviation and Airbus had their stalls in close proximity with British Rolls-Royce. In Hall 8 and 12, Boeing and Lockheed Martin had set up displays of their Indian joint ventures.

Dassault Aircraft Service India Pvt Ltd has exhibited a model of Rafale fighter jets that have been delivered in India recently. “We have also displayed the Rafale M, a single-seat Naval version which we plan to sell to the Indian Navy,” said a French executive at the company’s stall who declined to be identified as he is was not the spokesperson of the company.

The crowd at the Helipad ground venue as the expo opened for public viewing. (Express Photo by Nirmal Harindran)

“We brought these exhibits in March 2022. But we had to ship everything back after the DefExpo was postponed. Now we have brought everything back,” the French executive added about the DefExpo 2022 which was originally scheduled to be held from March 10-14 at the same venue.

The exhibition was postponed by the Government of India, just four days before the scheduled beginning. The outbreak of the Russia-Ukraine war was cited as the reason for postponing the event, which had foreign exhibitors, including Russians, Ukrainians, Americans and British.

The Russia-Ukraine war continues to remain an subject, about which many hesitate to speak about. When asked about the challenges faced by RollsRoyce while attending the DefExpo 2022, an Indian executive representing the company exhibiting Diesel engines for Naval and Coast Guard ships said, “I cannot comment. I am not sure if I can speak on the subject especially when our officials from HR and Brands are not around.”

During the events held alongside the DefExpo, it was only Defence Minister Rajnath Singh who touched up on the Ukraine-Russia war to drive home the point of stability and peace in the Indian Ocean Region to visiting African defence ministers.

Israel was represented by Israel Aerospace India and Astra Rafael Comsys Pvt Ltd, among others.

The DefExpo saw over 1,300 Indian firms participating and most of it was dominated by defence PSUs. A discount of 25 per cent was also offered to space bookings to encourage wider participation of Indian companies.