The latest in land, sea and air defence and security technology

DSEi (Defence Systems & Equipment International) which takes place at ExCeL in London’s Docklands from 8 – 11 September 2009 is an international showcase for a huge diversity of products and technologies spanning land, sea and air defence and security applications.

More than 1,350 exhibitors from 40 countries will be participating in the event, which is expected to attract around 26,500 visitors from across the world. This year’s event will be 10 per cent bigger than the last DSEi, which was staged in 2007, and for the first time will feature national pavilions mounted by Brazil, Portugal, Croatia and Hungary.

To promote British exports UKTi DSO invites overseas delegations to visit the event. This is a highly successful exercise – DSEi 2007 was attended by 77 official delegations from 50 countries.

Miliary Seminars

DSEi has organised a broad-ranging programme of practical seminars. These cover key topics such as how to sell to UK MoD and how SMEs can approach introducing their new products and innovations into a defence supply chain. Jane’s Information Group will be presenting a review of global mergers and acquisitions activity and in a separate session, an analysis of the future of the European defence industry.

Stephen Radley, Chief Economist at the EEF (Engineering Employers Federation), will be talking about the current economic crisis and assess its implications for the defence industry and for manufacturing as a whole - both in 2009 and beyond. He will evaluate the prospects for rebalancing the UK economy in favour of manufacturing and outline what manufacturers and government must do to achieve this.

For companies who want to learn about the export potential for their defence and security products, the London Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Defence & Security Group is holding a session on ‘Recognising, Financing & Protecting your Export Potential’ featuring speakers from UKTi DSO, The Royal Bank of Scotland and lawyers Ince & Co.

Reporting on the significant and on-going progress that has been made towards drawing up an International Arms Trade Treaty, DSEi will once play host to a session on this topic. The overarching idea is to establish common international standards for the import, export and transfer of conventional defence materiel. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office and EGAD (Export Group for Aerospace and Defence) are organising the session to update delegates on progress made to date and the possible way forward.

Visitor attractions

The maritime display is always a popular feature of DSEi, with warships able to berth right beside the exhibition halls. In addition to the vessels themselves, visitors can see systems and equipment from leading naval suppliers and also witness waterborne demonstrations. This year’s programme will include rigid inflatable boats in action and a demonstration of ship-boarding.

DSEi’s Innovation Showcase also returns, offering an opportunity for small to medium sized defence companies and supply chain contractors to present their new products, services and technologies. These free-to-attend, onfloor sessions proved very popular in 2007.

Krulaks ‘Three Block War’ in the 21st Century

The theme of the British Army Export Support Team’s area considers the UK’s Comprehensive Approach to Operations and uses Krulak’s Three Block War concept as a vehicle for the demonstration. General Krulak, who was Commandant of the US Marine Corps between 1995 and 1999, coined this phrase to illustrate the complex spectrum of challenges faced by soldiers in many of today’s operations. The British Armed Forces have successfully deployed the UK Comprehensive Approach to Operations; into both training doctrine and on operations around the world.

The demonstration area will cover each of the three stages of the concept, using four quadrants - High Intensity Operations, Securing the Environment, Peace Support Operations and Humanitarian Operations. A broad spectrum of the British equipment involved will also be featured, from observation and surveillance kit, light armoured patrol vehicles, UAVs, bomb disposal and decontamination units and communications systems through to water purification products and associated life support and infrastructure equipment.