MoD Procurement highlights strategic importance of DSEI

At a reception hosted in Parliament, the minister for defence procurement has highlighted the strategic importance of Defence Security Equipment International (DSEI) for the UK and the global defence industries.

The reception provided an opportunity for those across the spectrum of defence to discuss priorities, those in attendance included: parliamentarians, defence contractors, members of the armed forces and defence media. Over 200 guests listened to speeches from DSEI spokesperson (Retd) air vice marshal Gary Waterfall and the minister for defence procurement, James Cartlidge.

Earlier this year, the UK Government committed to raise defence spending by £11bn over the next five years to improve the resilience and readiness of the Armed Forces. As set out in the Integrated Review Refresh, the government’s aspiration over the longer-term is to invest 2.5% of GDP on defence, ‘as the fiscal and economic circumstances allow’. The UK has sent a clear signal of the importance it places on investing in vital capabilities while adapting to a more dangerous and competitive world.

Addressing the audience, the minister for defence procurement said: “DSEI will be a major moment for UK defence, amongst the thousands of stands featuring a dazzling array of state-of-the-art kit, among the tens of thousands of visitors you will discover an awesome vision of UK’s future force.

“DSEI provides a unique forum for demonstrating Armed Forces and intergovernmental integration. First, it provides the best possible showcase for UK capability, the UK is already the second largest defence exporter in the world – last year we sold equipment worth £14bn and supported over 260,000 jobs. Secondly its about partnerships – DSEI will further integration as its been designed with partnerships in mind. With defence budgets stretched and the demands on militaries rising, we must confront the fact that no nation, outside the US and China, is capable of going it alone.

“We are after more than just transactional relationships, look at AUKUS where we are partnering with the US and Australia and our Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) for sixth generation fighter jets with Japan and Italy. The third and final reason is that it is the ideal forum to tackle global problems. The conflict in Ukraine has been a real wake up call for our defence industry, it has underscored the need for us to rapidly increase stockpiles and strengthen our supply chain.”

Grant Burgham, DSEI director, commented: “With DSEI three months away, we are in a fantastic position with the exhibition floor at capacity and a significant global presence planned for the hybrid event. DSEI offers a crucial opportunity to foster vital integration between the UK MOD, the Department for Business and Trade, defence suppliers and industry partners.

“We were delighted to host Minister Cartlidge and his parliamentary colleagues in Parliament. The Minister’s words gave valuable insight to the importance that is placed on UK defence suppliers, especially at this time, and the impact that has had to NATO and across Europe.”

Held biennially, DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the global defence and security supply chain on an unrivalled scale. The event is curated to consistently support both the prime contractors as well as small and medium-sized enterprises while, crucially, giving the UK exports a significant boost. On a rolling 10-year basis, the UK remains the second largest global defence exporter after the USA.

DSEI will take place at ExCeL London 12-15 September 2023.

www.dsei.co.uk