Global defence and security focuses on DSEI

With just under two weeks to go Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), the world-leading integrated event for the display of aerospace, land, maritime and security capabilities, is set to provide a unique global business development platform. Between 15 – 18 September 1,500 exhibitors representing over 50 countries will engage with 32,000 visitors from around the world in the halls of ExCeL London.

The event's ever growing strength across the spectrum of defence and security is evidenced by the anticipated attendance of 150 programmed official delegations and more than 2,800 VIPs. Drawn from responsible nations from all four continents, they include top-level figures from the procurement and operational communities, as well as government representatives.

UK Government defence Ministers and the four Service Chiefs will be using DSEI to communicate key messages, while all three branches of the nation's Armed Forces will be presenting their capabilities. Other major military powers are also fielding prominent speakers. In total there will be over 300 keynote speeches and presentations as DSEI stamps its mark as one of the industry's most influential platforms for the discussion of agenda-topping issues.

The exhibitor line-up is a Who's Who of the prime contractor sector, featuring such industry giants as Airbus Defence & Space, BAE Systems, Bell Helicopters, Boeing, CAE, Finmeccanica, General Dynamics, L3, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Northrop Grumman, Rafael, Rolls-Royce, SAAB and Thales. DSEI is also a crucially important sales arena for SMEs, who will be there in record numbers this year.

A matchmaking scheme helps SMEs access the primes' supply chains, while visitor and exhibitors alike can benefit from free workshops on how to do business in major markets, both mature and emerging.

Abundance of platforms

Aerospace platforms on display include Apache, Chinook, Merlin, Puma 2, Sea King and Wildcat helicopters; Eurofighter Typhoon, multi-role combat aircraft; and ScanEagle and Watchkeeper UAVs. Moored in the dock adjacent to the exhibition halls will be eight outstanding examples of maritime capability.

The UK Royal Navy is represented by the Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke, Hunter Class MCMV HMS Hurworth and River Class HMS Tyne. The other vessels are the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax Class frigate HMCS Winnipeg; Belgian Navy coastal patrol vessel BNS Castor; German Navy K130 Class corvette FGS Ludwigshaffen; Indian Navy Talwar Class frigate INS Trikand and from France, the Sea Owl Naval Training Ship VN Partisan. The dock will also host the renowned waterborne demonstrations by Special Forces small craft.

DSEI 2015 will see the largest Land Zone to date. One of the traditional great strengths of DSEI, this focus area has evolved to feature even more suppliers, content and diversity, while an increased number of exhibitors are displaying land systems capabilities across the halls.

Land domain exhibitors include such leading players as BAE Systems, General Dynamics, Esterline, Jankel Armouring, JCB Government & Defence, Land Rover, Patria Oyj, Rheinmetall, Streit and Supacat. A powerful new feature is the Future Soldier Showcase highlighting innovation in this important area.

Security and Special Forces

Security is another growth area with the Security Zone incorporating the highest ever number of first time exhibitors and providing a broad spectrum of security and counter terrorism products, equipment and technologies for police and paramilitary organisations. Cyber defence features prominently and the newly launched Security & Special Forces Theatre will host a series of presentations with eminent speakers from leading security organisations discussing significant technological developments and the rapidly evolving challenges within the cyber domain.

DSEI's policy of having specialist zones dedicated to key areas of capability helps visitors make the most of their time spent at the event. The four core components – aerospace, land, maritime and security – have now been joined by zones focused on important newer areas, such as unmanned systems and military medical innovation.

The vital contribution that military medicine is making to human welfare will be highlighted by a DSEI Strategic Conference which will take place on 15 September at ExCeL London. The event, which is entitled 'Ebola Learning Exploitation', will be addressed by Air Marshal Paul Evans, Surgeon General of the UK Defence Medical Services.

DSEI Event Director, Duncan Reid, said, "It is no exaggeration to say that between September 15 and 18 DSEI will be the point of focus for the global defence and security communities. We are both delighted and excited by the response of senior procurement and operational decision makers from nations around the world. This unparalleled level of interest will obviously be beneficial for our record number of exhibitors".