In this historic year, a century after the First World War began, and 70 years after D-Day, France and the UK continue to co-operate in defence and security at both a governmental level - from the Entente Cordiale through the latest Lancaster House treaties - and through industrial participation in areas such as missiles and UAVs.  However, partnership and co-operation are key drivers in today's security environment as threats multiply and economies of scale become a predominant factor.

“Defence and security through partnership and co-operation” will be an over arching theme of DSEI 2015. Clarion Events, the organisers of the London based exhibition, are leveraging DSEI's global standing as the pre-eminent showcase of aerospace, land, maritime and security capabilities to create a powerful focus on the need and potential for co-operation between nations of goodwill.

DSEI has become a high profile platform for senior military commanders and leading specialists in operations, doctrine and procurement to address important audiences. Many delegates use their attendance at DSEI to hold bilateral and multi-lateral talks and some choose to share their views more widely, providing valuable insights into matters of global concern. The 2015 event is being planned as a forum where top figures from established and emerging nations in the defence community will be invited describe how co-operation ranging from joint operations to strategic alliances is transforming the ability to counter threats to peace and security.

DSEI Event Director Duncan Reid explained why, at a time when Asia, the Middle East and South America are expanding their defence and security capabilities, a European based show will be the appropriate venue for this important debate. He said, “While major new markets have emerged, Europe is still a significant player in defence and security procurement and supply. It is also a highly important engine for the development of the key technologies that are increasingly being adopted by emerging markets via technology transfer and licensing agreements”.

He continued: “The effectiveness of combined operations is demonstrated by the complementary nature of DSEI and Eurosatory, mirroring the Franco-British drive towards a Combined Joint Task Force. Both events cover land systems and security, however, DSEI also includes the air and maritime dimensions. Both events are truly international, taking place in alternate years and each attracting attendees from well over 100 countries. Visitors from 121 nations attended DSEI 2013. They included representatives of key Asian economies such as India, Japan and Korea, big spending Middle Eastern nations, such as Qatar, Saudi Arabia and UAE, and Latin American countries with major defence and security commitments - Brazil, Chile and Colombia”.

“DSEI and Eurosatory are a very powerful combination, often reaching those parts of the world where regional tensions can inhibit attendance at local defence and security events”, he concluded.