DSEI 2017: a successful showcase of military technology

Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) is known to be a comprehensive display of military technology. The most recent edition, held 12-15 September 2017 at ExCeL London, did not disappoint.

The exhibition welcomed 35,008 visitors to see the 1,600 companies, while the dockside venue hosted a spectacular line up of seven visiting international warships. Not to be outdone by the naval sector, an array of aircraft stationed at ExCeL’s East Terrace included a Chinook and a Black Hawk.

DSEI also attracts an exceptional level of UK Government support, involving the Department for International Trade; Cabinet Office; Home Office; and the Ministry of Defence.

The line-up of ministerial guests included the Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence, who attended for three days in a row, giving two keynote speeches; Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade; Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement; and Ben Wallace MP, Minister of State for Security.

Tobias Ellwood MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, attended the inaugural People and Skills Day at DSEI to highlight how the UK MOD is tackling the challenge of recruiting and retaining personnel from “welders to cyber warriors”, while “adjusting to society’s changing expectations and the exponential advance of technology”.

Among the wide range of product launches on the exhibition floor, Saab used DSEI to unveil its Gripen Aggressor, which is used to act as an opposing force in advanced military combat training.

A key enabler for strategic cooperation across the international defence and security sector, DSEI welcomed visitors from 110 countries. In addition, military representatives from across Europe, Australia and Canada joined all four UK Service Chiefs to address the DSEI seminar audience.

The spirit of engagement and broad international collaboration that underpins DSEI is reflected by the joint development of platforms such as the Lockheed Martin F35 Lightning II, which is produced by an international team of leading aerospace companies.

www.dsei.co.uk