India’s largest Land, Naval, and Internal Security System’s Exposition, DefExpo India, has become one of the largest events of its kind in the world for the last 10 years. Defense Expo 2018 was a four-day event at the southern city of Chennai, India. The tagline this year was “India: The emerging defense manufacturing hub,” showcasing India’s hopes to brand itself as an exporter of defense systems and components.
Major global and Indian military firms displayed their latest weaponry and platforms hoping to get a slice of India’s $620 billion defense market. International companies that participated at the expo included Lockheed Martin, Boeing (U.S.), Saab (Sweden), Airbus, Rafael (France), Rosonboron Exports, United Shipbuilding (Russia), BAE Systems (U.K.), Sibat (Israel), Wartsila (Finland), and Rhode and Schwarz (Germany).
Some of the partnerships forged:
Chicago headquartered Boeing announced a partnership with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited and Mahindra Defense Systems to manufacture the F/A-18 Super Hornet in India.
Texas-based Rave Gears will collaborate with India’s Adani Group and Punj Lloyd for the design, manufacture, and assembly of high precision gears and transmission systems for rotary platforms.
French firm Plansee Tungsten Alloys announced a strategic partnership with India’s Kalyani Group in the areas of ‘special metallic penetrators’ required for the manufacture of high-end ammunition.
France’s Thales announced two MoUs for strategic co-operation in the development and production of optronic devices and F90 close quarter battle rifles for soldiers, with Kanpur India-based defense company, MKU that manufactures ballistic helmets, armor inserts, bulletproof vests, and electro-optical devices such as night vision binoculars and monoculars.
French Rafael Advanced Systems’ partnerships are with Astra Microwave, Bharat Forge, L&T, BEL and others in which the company will provide the technology.
Guto Bebb, minister of parliament and U.K. minister for defense procurement, who led a delegation to Defexpo, said that about twenty U.K. companies forged partnerships and joint ventures with Indian firms.
Japan-based ShinMaywa Industries Limited signed an MoU with Mahindra Defense to manufacture sea planes for the Indian Navy.
Israel’s Aeronautics Ltd., partnered with Mahindra Defense to manufacture Unmanned Aerial Vehicles.
Israel-based BlueBird Eye System signed a deal with Indian company Cyient Solutions & Systems to provide drones to India’s defense, paramilitary forces, and police services.
Last updated: December 26th, 2025
