The platform, systems and technology suppliers exhibiting this September at London’s Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) event have solutions that meet the needs of major procurement programmes being staged by Asian nations.
This fact is evidenced by Malaysia, where the Army has plans for new light observation helicopters, together with light attack, and transport models. DSEI 2015 exhibitors include AgustaWestland, which has seen worldwide success with its AW139 light utility helicopter, as well as its AW159 naval helicopter and AW101 heavy support helicopter. Also exhibiting is Boeing, manufacturer of the Chinook heavylift and Apache attack helicopters.
Malaysia regularly contributes to UN peacekeeping missions and is developing its expeditionary forces. The Malaysian Government is committed not only to the acquisition of new assets but also realising the maximum return on existing ones, stressing the need for backwards compatibility with existing equipment and an evolutionary approach to growth. Consequently support, maintenance and upgrade programmes are a priority.
A programme is also underway to build 250 8×8 Armoured Personnel Carriers. This programme will be extended, providing opportunities for additional sub-suppliers. Leading armoured fighting vehicle (AFV) primes contractors, such as BAE Systems, General Dynamics and Iveco will all be exhibiting at DSEI 2015, all having experience in both wheeled and tracked AFVs. Armament producers at DSEI will include CTA International, which designs and manufactures the revolutionary 40mm case-telescoped ammunition cannon for the British and French armies, and Nexter Systems, which produces cannons and light turrets for a wide range of users.
In the maritime sector, the procurement and production of a second batch of frigates is in progress, but there are requirements for smaller OPVs, as well as auxiliaries. Options for supply chain and sub-systems in all of these projects are open to suppliers.
BAE Systems, on the back of a recent order for offshore patrol vessels (OPV) from the UK Royal Navy, is looking to maximise its export options in this class area, while ROK based Daewoo Shipbuilding and Marine Engineering will be showcasing its growing successes in naval design and manufacture. This includes the supply of corvettes, frigates and submarines to customer nations around Asia.
DSEI Event Director Duncan Reid said, ‘DSEI continues to grow year on year in terms of both exhibitors and visitors. The importance that senior procurement and operational decision makers from Asian nations attach to DSEI underlines the fact that this is a truly international forum for defence and security’.