A hub of aerospace innovation

Visitors to Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2017) can expect a buzzing exhibition floor, hosting 1,600 companies and showing the broadest range of military equipment for land, sea, air, security and joint applications.

Taking place at ExCeL London from 12-15 September, DSEI 2017 will feature enhanced conference and seminar programmes delivered by the sector’s leading figures, while attendees will be given exclusive demonstrations of the latest capabilities from professionals across the armed forces and military medicine.

In addition to the Naval, Land, Security and Air Zones, will be the new Joint Zone which comprises companies from the following sectors: C4ISTAR, Communications, DIO, Electronic Warfare, Joint Enablers, Logistics, Medical, Robotics & Telemedicine. DSEI’s Medical Innovation Zone is also being expanded and will feature an interactive demonstration area organised in partnership with Defence Medical Services (DMS) Medical Directorate. Making a debut, the Innovation Hub will welcome companies that are seeking to broaden their businesses into the defence domain.

DSEI will feature its strongest aerospace offering to date, comprising fixed, rotary wing, and unmanned platforms. The popular Air Zone is fully supported by the Royal Air Force and Joint Helicopter Command and includes a capability area dedicated to the aerospace supply chain. An impressive static display of equipment is expected to feature around the ExCeL concourse, as well as a notable line up of rotary assets operating in the maritime domain.

Across the exhibition floor, a range of companies will showcase an inspiring display of technology and services for the aerospace sector. This includes specialists such as UK-based KNO which integrates ‘technology, tactics and training’ to enhance pilots’ operational capability and maximise mission effectiveness. The company runs specialist training courses for international air forces, including airspace control order and air tasking order training, and safety training for the Omani Air Force.

Other notable names exhibiting air capabilities include: BAE Systems, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin, MBDA, Northrop Grumman, Thales, Cobham, and QinetiQ.

The emphasis on innovation will be reflected in the event’s Air Seminar programme which runs for the duration of the show, following four central themes: Develop, Deliver, Support, and People & Skills. The Sessions will focus on government and industry collaboration, harnessing technology to increase operational effectiveness and training and retaining a skilled aerospace workforce.

DSEI is held with the full support of the Royal Air Force and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC, Chief of the Air Staff, will be delivering a keynote address at DSEI 2017 on Wednesday 13 September in the West Theatre, located on the exhibition floor.

Commenting in advance of the event, ACM Sir Stephen said: “I very much look forward to continuing my personal support to DSEI. It provides an excellent opportunity to explore the development of airpower capability, through engagement with the widest range of industry and international partners.”

The prestigious line up also includes: Air Cdre Al Smith, Capability Air Manoeuvre, British Army (JHC); Major General J.P.A. Pelletier, RCAF Fighter Program Lead, Royal Canadian Air Force; and Dan Bailey, Program Director, Joint Multi-Role/Future Vertical Lift, AMRDEC, US Army.

The event’s offering to the military aerospace sector is further strengthened by the introduction of the Air Capability Conference which takes place on Monday 11 September as part of DSEI’s Strategic Conference programme. Chaired by Air Marshall Philip Sturley CB MBE FRAeS and industry expert Howard Wheeldon, the Air Capability Conference will examine ‘The Next Generation of Air Capability’.

In addition, the Future of Military Rotorcraft will also be addressed in DSEI’s Strategic Conference programme. Chaired by notable rotorcraft journalist, Andrew Drweiga, this conference will feature dedicated sessions from the most eminent rotary authorities. Delegates can expect to see speakers from Joint Helicopter Command and the Joint Multi-Role (JMR) program office, US Army and many more.

www.DSEI.co.uk