DSEI, the world's leading integrated defence and security exhibition, is set to be the key date in the diary for Middle Eastern defence companies.
The event, which takes place at ExCeL in London 12-15 September 2017, will provide an important platform for Middle Eastern companies to build relationships across the defence sector, market their latest products and services.
According to the IHS Global Defence Trade Report, the Middle East is the biggest regional market for new defence and security technology, with $110 billion in opportunities expected in the coming decade. The threat from terrorism and instability in the region through events in Iraq, Afghanistan, Yemen, and Syria has seen a rising requirement for innovative defence and security capabilities.
The UAE and other Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries are expected to continue purchasing combat aircraft, aerial-refuelling capabilities, transport aircraft, ground-based air defence and combat vehicles. DSEI will provide a vital platform for the global defence industry to engage with countries of the Middle East in the development of their capabilities.
Philip Dunne MP and Minister of Defence Procurement recently echoed the importance of supporting the defensive capability of partners in the Middle East in the current precarious security environment. The UK has "always maintained a significant presence in terms of reassurance for the region" and must "broaden and deepen our contribution to the security and stability of the region", the Minister said.
Many of the Middle East's biggest spenders, historically dependent on Western nations for military imports, are diversifying their supply chains, contributing to the growth and competitiveness of the local defence industry. This is reflected by the Middle East's strong representation at DSEI. Companies from Jordan, the UAE and Eurasian neighbours such as Turkey are looking to capitalise on the unique opportunities that DSEI provides to showcase and promote their products, technologies and services.
The Jordanian Pavilion has already confirmed a 30% increase in its space for DSEI 2017, highlighting DSEI as a key event for the Jordanian defence and security sector. The pavilion organisers, the King Abdullah Design and Development Bureau, will showcase a wide range of Land and Smart Systems, Electronics and Electro-Optics, as well as Combat Troop Equipment.
After the success of Turkish companies at DSEI 2015, the Under secretariat for Defence Industries has asked for the Turkish Pavilion to be expanded by 200m² at DSEI 2017. Ankara based Roketsan, which develops ammunition, naval systems and ballistic protection systems, has already confirmed its participation.
Duncan Reid, Event Director, said "DSEI 2015 proved to be an outstanding global platform for a wide range of Middle Eastern defence and security firms to showcase and promote their products, technologies and services to the global market. DSEI 2017 will offer an expanded forum for companies in the region to showcase their latest equipment, meet international partners and develop opportunities for future business".
DSEI is the world’s largest land, sea and air defence and security exhibition, bringing together senior international trade and military experts from across the entire supply chain in an optimal business environment.
