The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2015, held from September 15 to 18 in London, a biennial event, has become a must visit for defence personnel keen on knowing what are the latest weapons and equipment that are entering the market.

It has been aptly summed up by the UK Defence Minister Philip Dunne, who described how leading defence and security companies from around the world increasingly point to Defence and Security Equipment International as the best platform to promote their latest technology and capabilities. Event organisers, Clarion Events, accommodated 1,500 exhibitors representing over 50 countries, 32,000 visitors, 300 programmed delegations and over 2,800 VIPs within the halls of ExCeL London.

Dunne, who is the Minister responsible for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, explained that DSEI is unique in that it doesn’t just address the needs of the domestic audience. “Delegates come to this country, to DSEI, primarily to meet global industry,” he said: “It is the most global of all the defence shows”.

Speaking at a DSEI reception for parliamentarians, the military and wider industry, Dunne highlighted the important role that the biennial exhibition plays in showcasing British manufacture and British supply chains. Indeed, there are more SMEs operating in the UK’s defence manufacturing sector than in France, Italy, Germany and Spain combined.

The ministers attending the market leading event for land, sea and air applications of defence and security products, technology and services include the Rt Hon Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence; Penny Mordaunt; Minister of State for the Armed Forces, Mark Lancaster, Minister of State for Defence Personnel, Welfare & Veterans; Julian Brazier, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State at the Ministry of Defence; Rt Hon Anna Soubry, Minister of State for Small Business, Industry & Enterprise; and John Hayes, Security Minister at the Home Office.

UK Government Support

Rear Admiral Simon Williams, Chairman of DSEI organisers Clarion Defence & Security, said, “The support we are receiving from the UK Government is solid evidence of their commitment to the nation’s defence and security sectors. It is very pleasing that our industry’s performance and potential in key areas such as innovation, technology development and exports are being recognised in this way. Ministers and industry have both demonstrated their wholehearted support for the defence growth partnership, and DSEI is an ideal platform to see this partnership in action.”

The three new strategic conferences highlighted the increased level of content of this year’s event, and coupled with over 300 seminar sessions and keynotes which took place over four days, DSEI firmly stamps its mark as one of the industry’s most influential platforms for the discussion of agenda-topping issues. Representatives from think tanks, military, government and industry will provide a full spectrum of fascinating perspectives across the diverse range of issues currently facing the sector from future maritime strategy and UAV technology to counter terror initiatives, and medical innovation.

Who’s Who Prime Defence Contractors

The exhibitor line-up was 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.

Cobham

Cobham showcased many of its solutions to the industry. Cobham Tactical Communications and Surveillance, the RF specialist company, has announced the development of a powerful, flexible, new software-defined radio platform (designated SOLO8SDR) as the cornerstone of its next-generation of wireless surveillance products. This means that a device running on the platform can run multiple apps, much like a smartphone and, in effect, run whatever transmission applications the user requires at the time.

Thales

Thales launched an upgrade to its unique variable depth minehunting sonar with wideband technology to improve operational performance, operability and support. Sonar 2093 is a multi-frequency variable depth sonar system designed to counter the threat of modern mines in both deep and shallow water, and is used by navies worldwide in demanding operational conditions.

The upgrade will be fitted to all Royal Navy (RN) Sandown class minehunters, in a 60-month programme, to enhance system performance against low target strength mines. Thales will have the responsibility for the design, manufacture and fitting of the equipment modification to introduce wideband technology into Sonar 2093.

Smallest Helicopter – Black Hornet

The Black Hornet (also called PD-100) is the smallest helicopter drone in the world, it was used in Afghanistan by the British armed forces. The PD-100 is the first airborne and commercially available Personal Reconnaissance System. It provides end-users with a highly mobile sensor system providing an immediate intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability.

The Black Hornet 2 nano sensors are inherently safe and pose virtually no risk to other air vehicles or personnel, allowing the system to be operated almost anywhere at any time without prior airspace coordination. The Black Hornet’s small size and electric motors makes it virtually inaudible and invisible beyond short distances.

Marine Power

Moored in the dock adjacent to the halls were eight outstanding examples of maritime capability. The UK Royal Navy was represented by the Type 23 frigate HMS Iron Duke, Hunt class MCMV HMS Hurworth and River class OPV HMS Tyne. The other vessels were the Royal Canadian Navy Halifax class frigate HMCS Winnipeg; Belgian Navy coastal patrol vessel BNS Castor; German Navy K130 class corvette FGS Ludwigshafen; Indian Navy Talwar class frigate INS Trikand and from France the Sea Owl Naval Training Ship VN Partisan. DSEI 2015 saw the largest land zone to date. Land domain exhibitors included 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 was the Future Soldier Showcase highlighting innovation in this important area.

Security was 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.