Defence Secretary Dr Ajay Kumar today, September 24 comprehensively reviewed the preparations for the forthcoming DefExpo 2022 during the Apex Committee meeting in New Delhi. <br />''<br />''Gujarat Chief Secretary Pankaj Kumar and other senior officers of the State government as well as the Ministry of Defence attended the meeting.<br />''<br />''The 12th edition of DefExpo is scheduled to be held in Gandhinagar, Gujarat from the 18th to 22nd of October 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.<br />'' <br />''During the meeting, the Defence Secretary was briefed on the arrangements by the multiple stakeholders that are being made for the biennial event. Dr Ajay Kumar urged the officials to strive towards making DefExpo22 a grand success with a focus on business and export promotion of indigenous defence platforms and products.<br />''<br />''For DefExpo 2022, Indian companies, Indian subsidiaries of Foreign OEMs, Division of companies registered in India, and Exhibitor having Joint Venture with an Indian company will be considered as Indian participants.<br />''<br />''The theme of DefExpo 2022 is 'Path to Pride' and in semblance with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision to transform India into a strong and self-reliant nation by supporting, showcasing and forging partnerships for the Indian Aerospace and Defence manufacturing sectors with Indian as well as global customers. The aim is to showcase the might of the domestic defence industry which is now powering the 'Make in India, Make for the World' resolve of the Government and the nation at large.<br />''<br />''Keeping with the 'Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav' celebrations, DefExpo 2022 promises to better its previous edition as it is being planned in the largest ever total area of more than one lakh Lakh square metres. <br />''<br />''The inaugural ceremony and seminars will be held at Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Exhibition at Helipad Exhibition Centre, Live Demonstrations on all five days at Sabarmati River Front and ship visits for the public by the Indian Coast Guard at Porbandar. <br />''<br />''<span style="color: #222222;">The biggest drone show by the indigenous IIT Delhi start-up M/s Botlabs has also been organised, which will be another highlight of the mega-event.</span><br />