DefExpo 2010, inaugurated in New Delhi on Monday, saw global players in the defence market showcasing their products in a bid to garner a slice of the $31-billion market in India.

Arms manufactures, including Boeing, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, Raytheon, BAE Systems, Finmeccanica, Rosoboronexport State Corporation, Israeli Aerospace Industries and European Aeronautics Defence and Space Company (EADS) are all present at the event. The Indian participation is spearheaded by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) and the Tatas?the largest exhibitor from the private sector.

The DefExpo now serves as a pointer to changing times as India seeks to diversify its arms purchases to upgrade its industrial base, both in the public and private sectors, by simultaneously acquiring technology in its drive towards indigenisation of its defence sector. A special stall on low-intensity conflict technologies has also been set up, apart from the regular stalls on the clusters? activities like electronic & computer sciences, naval systems/aero, missiles, armaments, life sciences & NBC, and combat vehicles & engineering.

Meanwhile, Ashok Leyland on Monday announced the signing of principles of cooperation with the Paramount Group, South Africa for the development and manufacture of mine-protected vehicles in India. The vehicles will be based on Ashok Leyland?s proven Stallion aggregates. The principles of cooperation will soon translate into an operating agreement for the manufacture of mine-protected vehicles in India.

The FH77 B05 towed howitzer from UK-based BAE Systems is expected to undergo army trials. The FH77 B05 will be manufactured and marketed in India by Defense Land Systems India, BAE?s joint venture with Mahindra & Mahindra Ltd. BAE Systems on Monday also unveiled a mine protected vehicle at DefExpo 2010.

European helicopter manufacturer Eurocopter showed a significant presence with the AS550 C3, participating in the ongoing trials for the reconnaissance and surveillance helicopter requirements of the Indian armed forces. ?By participating in the key requests for proposals with our best products, we hope to continue to support India in acquiring the right mission equipment and developing a strengthened aerospace industry,? said Norbert Ducrot, Eurocopter?s senior vice-president, sales & marketing, Asia. Also on display were the mock-up models of the EC 725 and the Panther.

American company Northrop Grumman highlighted its range of capabilities in airborne early warning and control systems for maritime reconnaissance, fire control radars, unmanned aircraft systems, coastal surveillance and marine navigation and ships. NOVA Integrated Systems Limited, a TATA company, has teamed up with TAMAM to evaluate opportunities to manufacture, integrate and maintain the MINIPOP Electro Optic system and to integrate the off-the shelf ADNAV lightweight navigation system in India.