LUCKNOW: If you have always been fascinated with the big machines and guns that the armed forces stock their arsenal with, the upcoming Defence Expo will give you a chance to make good on your curiosity.

From tanks to click selfies with to riding bulky battle tanks, there’s lot to see and enjoy. The 11th Defence Expo will be organised from February 4-9 at the 1.5-kilometre stretch from Hanuman Setu to Khatu Shyam Mandir along Gomti.

Other attractions include an air show by Indian Air Force pilots and a live drill by Indian Navy’s marine commandos on combat boats and water scooters.

The exhibition will feature a wide range of weapons, artillery, vehicles and machinery used by the armed forces and developed by 677 defence manufacturing companies — 523 Indian and 154 international.

“Citizens will be allowed to visit the exhibition and events like the air show, live drill by Navy commandos will be organised especially for them,” said district magistrate Abhishek Prakash. The administration will charge an entry fee, but the rides on battle tanks and the air show would be free for all.

A core committee headed by district magistrate — comprising chief development officer, municipal commissioner and other officials — has been constituted to look after arrangements.

Lucknow Municipal Corporation will be the nodal agency for the Defence Expo.

According to the layout proposed by the core committee, visitors will enter the venue through an entrance on Birbal Sahni Road. A grand parade of two T-72 battle tanks will be organised on the 1.5km stretch, while another tank will be put up on display at Laxman Mela Park along with selfie points.

“We will also set up food courts, organise performances by the Army band and a dog show to attract youths and children,” said municipal commissioner Indramani Tripathi.