Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) returns to ExCeL in London this year from 12-15 September. Attracting leading companies from the UK and abroad, DSEI will feature the latest advances in land-based technology including new capabilities in high-mobility defence vehicles, lightweight-but-durable armour and respiratory equipment to support armed forces in specialised environments.
Since the start of the Ukraine conflict, the UK has given assistance by supplying Ukrainian forces with equipment such as Challenger 2 tanks (Rheinmetall BAE Systems Land), Mastiff patrol vehicles (General Dynamics) and the highly effective, NLAW light anti-tank weapons (Saab). All the organisations that developed this equipment will exhibit at DSEI.
Supporting Ukraine however goes further, and the British Army has been training Ukrainian soldiers in the UK, with approximately 10,000 people being trained every 120 days. At DSEI, the UK Army will focus on how the implementation of technology can enhance not only military capabilities but also how it can be used to efficiently train forces now and in the future.
The Land Zone is supported by the British Army, which will use DSEI to explore the latest innovations in the Land domain. The Zone will host 73 innovative exhibitors, each showcasing standout solutions to the shifting challenges that modern warfare presents.
Notable companies such as Mercedes Benz Trucks UK will attend for the first time in 12 years. The company is set to showcase its high-mobility defence trucks, tailor-made to meet specific operational or environmental parameters, including its Mercedes-Benz Zetros, an off-road truck for extreme operations.
In addition to well-known names, DSEI will host many hundreds of specialist providers of platforms, products and services. For example, Avon Protection develops market-defining technologies, which protect over 3.5 million users every day across the British Armed Forces and military/first responders in more than 60 countries worldwide. Its mission-critical Chemical, Radiological, Biological, and Nuclear (CBRN) protection solutions represent the best of British technology innovation and will be on display alongside its full range of Team Wendy ballistic head protection systems.
Speaking on the event Grant Burgham, DSEI Director, commented:
“We are grateful to the British Army for its steadfast support of the Land Zone at DSEI 2023. It is a key platform to see first-hand the latest developments and innovations from both UK and international exhibitors. In addition to companies within the zone, it’s great to see companies from the land domain across the DSEI floor space with Saab, Rheinmetall and Thales all planning a significant presence.”
Rear Adm (Ret’d) Jon Pentreath, DSEI Senior Military Adviser (Land) said:
“The war in Ukraine has increased the urgency of modernising the UK’s land forces, ensuring that combined arms warfare can be fought effectively. This is not all about mere platforms or numbers of soldiers, but includes strengthened stockpiles, true readiness and a resilience in the supply chain that will allow for a sustained use of force. The Army’s response to these challenges will be on full display at DSEI 2023, not only on the show floor but importantly also in the conceptual space in the keynote addresses and other conference sessions.
“The British Army will focus on the Land Operating Concept and being a net contributor to the multi-domain enterprise at DSEI. This will be viewed through the lens of delivering the capabilities we need now and, in the future, and on continuing to build the broad alliances to protect our vital national and international interests.”