08 Jul 13. DSEI reaches new heights with the RAF. The organisers of DSEI are set to welcome the largest Royal Air Force (RAF) presence to ExCeL London from 9-13 September. Following a series of innovative additions to the show floor in recent years, the event’s aerospace component has witnessed exponential growth. Recognising this success, in an unprecedented move the RAF will deploy a sizeable contingent to the exhibition floor in 2013, providing a dedicated stand in the Air Zone and fielding a series of knowledgeable conference speakers. The RAF has also confirmed the presence of key, senior representatives including the Chief of the Air Staff, Chief of Materiel (Air), Deputy Commander Capability, Deputy Commander Operations and the Air Officer Commanding 1 Group. This impressive roll call of high-level personnel reflects the wider importance which the international military community has attached to DSEI in recent years. The Air Zone’s seminar programme will feature, among other eminent stakeholders, a series of strong presentations from the RAF, which sees DSEI as an ideal platform to engage with industry and launch debate. Wing Commander Niki Staceysaid, “The Royal Air Force is delighted to play a central role at DSEI 2013. Royal Air Force senior leaders, together with some of our youngest and brightest personnel, will be fully integrated within the event as the RAF and industry forge ever-closer mutual respect in our common agenda of security and prosperity”.
The Air Zone will include: a capability area dedicated to the aerospace supply chain; a comprehensive seminar programme reinforcing the show’s broader themes of procurement, training, export maximisation and SME support; and an outdoor display area featuring a range of contemporary platforms, such as the Eurofighter Typhoon, to provide the aerospace industry with a forum in which to showcase their latest innovations to existing and perspective customers. DSEI will additionally welcome a significant rotary element as platforms such as the Merlin, Wildcat and others are set to be present. In response to such a strong air component Wing Commander Stacey, Head of Corporate Communications, HQ AIR, stated that; “The RAF Presentation Team will deliver dynamic and interactive demonstrations throughout each day showcasing the capabilities of the modern-day Royal Air Force. This will provide our partners – from industry and across the globe – with a key insight into how the Royal Air Force is currently leading and delivering effective Air Power on behalf of the nation and why industry has an equally important role to play”.
DSEI Event Director Duncan Reid said: “The RAF’s participation at DSEI reflects the growth the show has undergone within the last two years. There can be no doubt that the Air proposal has been significantly strengthened, building on its success in 2011, and is set to be a major show highlight. This is a symptom of a wider expansion which will ensure the most successful DSEI to date”.