India is making a splash in France at the Eurosatory-2024, a biennial event considered the largest international defence exhibition. With 32 Indian establishments having a strong presence among the over 2,000 participants at Parc des expositions de Paris-Nord Villepinte Convention Centre near the French capital’s Charles de Gaulle Airport. As India is moving full speed ahead on the Aatmanirbharta route in defence, the nation is also showcasing an advanced and varied set of military equipment at the prestigious event that will last for five days, concluding on Friday. This year India has its own pavilion which was inaugurated by Jawed Ashraf, the Indian Ambassador to France.
The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is the biggest Indian exhibitor at Eurosatory-2024. The premier Research and Development (R&D) agency is showcasing equipment such as the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas, Airborne Early Warning & Control System (AEW&C), Main Battle Tank Arjun Mk-1A, Wheeled Armoured Platform (WhAP), Pinaka rocket system and the Akash short range Surface to Air Missile (SAM) system. DRDO is also showcasing weapons such as the Astra Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Air-to-Air Missile (AAM). This missile is already in service with the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Indian Navy. The helicopter launched version of the Nag Anti-Tank Guided Missile (ATGM) the Helina is also on display by DRDO at the event. The Varunastra heavy-weight torpedo is also showcased.
Defence Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited and ammunition producer Yantra India Limited are also taking part in the event. Many private firms such as Bharat Forge, Raphe Mphibr, Zen Technologies, Brahamastra Defense Techno Products Limited and MKU are among the private firms that have a presence at the prestigious exposition.
Eurosatory is a defence technology event that focuses on innovation and insight. The exposition started in 1967 and aims to present developments in the field with the aim of enabling nations to defend themselves. This, as per the organisers, needs to be done in a comprehensive, concrete, innovative and forward-looking manner.
