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https://www.dsei.co.uk
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03 Aug 23. Cutting-edge defence capabilities, ammunition and equipment for land operations set to be displayed at DSEI 2023. 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.”
03 Aug 23. Dstl leads the Army’s largest ever force development war game. The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) has led the Army’s largest ever force development war game and collaboration. Army Wargame 23 (AWG23) tested a new UK Army approach to future operations. Known as the ‘Land Operating Concept’, it looked at redesigning combat power with an aim to protect and advance UK and international interests. The 9-week war game involved more than 250 participants. It created a diverse team of experts including international partners, industry and academics, and was viewed by senior Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials. 4 fictitious mission scenarios were exercised which examined a variety of force structures in order to help the Army understand aspects critical to delivering a battle-winning operating concept.
Senior Army officials made a special visit to the event which included Major General James Bowder (Director Futures, Army HQ) who hosted Chief of the General Staff (CGS) General Sir Patrick Sanders.
General Bowder said: “This event shows evidence of the great work that has been going on ‘behind the scenes’ and the compelling insights and results achieved. I am very proud of the work and the relationship we have with Dstl.”
Addressing attendees General Sir Patrick Sanders commented: “These are the most useful and evidenced insights I have ever seen from war gaming.
The collaboration with international partners has led to the success of AWG23. The UK armed forces very rarely go into operations entirely alone, and so international involvement and contribution has been crucial to understand how allies will operate together in the future.
Sarah Knight, a Senior Principal Operational Research analyst for Dstl, said:
International contribution enables us to use their areas of expertise which gives us a richer picture of how we can operate together in the future. Together we have looked at multi domain integration relating to different technologies we all share – and that has been extremely valuable.
The US provided a number of personnel which looked at deep shaping for a UK division involved in close combat.
Colonel Matthew Olson from US Army Futures Command said:
The ability to share new ideas with our UK colleagues is very valuable to us; the environment, techniques and the exchange of information has been second to none. Having the ability to overlay our concepts with UK concepts, specifically seeing how to conduct and improve joint operations and each other’s perspectives with our close allies is invaluable. (Source: https://www.gov.uk/)
04 Aug 23. The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo makes its anticipated return with this year’s Show, Stories as performers from across the globe wow audiences with sensational music, dance, costume, and spectacle. Running until 26 August, the Show is a celebration of sagas, myths, and legends, transporting audiences on a journey of ideas – from the earliest campfire stories through to the world stage and showcasing an international cast telling tales that connect us through our unique and shared military and cultural heritages. From the musical prowess of the Massed Pipes & Drums, the physical storytelling of dance and precision drill, and stunning imagery captured through light and projection, audiences will be transported and enthralled. Edinburgh Castle Esplanade will play host to performers from Australia, Norway, Switzerland, The United States, and Trinidad and Tobago, alongside homegrown acts from across the UK and Ireland. As ever, the military play a prominent role in the Show, with the Royal Air Force as the lead Service. Audiences will also be treated to the rousing sound of the Massed Pipes and Drums supported by the Tattoo Dancers and Fiddlers. Making their Tattoo debut on the Castle Esplanade, The United States Air Force Band will entertain the crowds with a freestyle musical performance with music from the Great American Songbook. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra will bring a vibrant burst of colour and excitement true to their traditional art forms, including the limbo and fire dance, performing their take on contemporary Caribbean music. Exploring the legends and traditions of Switzerland, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band will present an exhilarating drum corps talent. Whilst His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway will return to the Tattoo this year to tell their story as a Regiment, reprising their history and heritage to the present day. The lead Service’s Royal Air Force King’s Colour Squadron will lead the way with popular gaming tunes from Battlefield and Final Fantasy. And of course, the sounds of Scotland will be heard loudly on the Edinburgh Castle Esplanade with traditional tunes from the Massed Pipes and Drums as well as the Tattoo’s take on Scottish bands Tide Lines and Runrig.
Michael Braithwaite, the Creative Director of The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, said: “Stories builds on our Voices show of 2022 and promises a captivating celebration of connection through stories in all their forms. Most of all, Stories is a shared opportunity for audiences and performers to come together and experience an evening of unique and immersive entertainment. Stories is the next chapter in the modern era of the Tattoo, packed with the latest in cutting-edge technology, whilst combining the tradition and precision the Show is known for and loved. It will be a truly memorable event and we are thrilled to be returning to Edinburgh Castle once more. We cannot wait to share with audiences a Show that is, at its heart, a celebration of individuals from many diverse backgrounds, united by common experiences.”
2023 marks the second year of the Tattoo’s bold new brand proposition, Performance in a New Light, which embraces military tradition and combines it with exciting new innovations and contemporary touches.
The full line-up for 2023 includes: The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland, The Central Band of the Royal Air Force, The Band of the Royal Air Force Regiment, The Royal Air Force Salon Orchestra, Royal Air Force Bands, 1st Battalion The Irish Guards Drums and Pipes, The Pipes and Drums of The Royal Highland Fusiliers 2nd Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, The Pipes and Drums of 4th Battalion The Royal Regiment of Scotland, Combined Scottish Universities Officers’ Training Corps Pipes and Drums, Royal Air Force Pipes and Drums, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Pipes and Drums, The Scots College Sydney Old Boys Pipes and Drums, The Scots School Albury Pipe Band, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Dancers, The Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo Fiddlers, King’s Colour Squadron Royal Air Force, The Swiss Armed Forces Central Band, His Majesty the King’s Guard Band and Drill Team of Norway, The United States Air Force Band and Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force Steel Orchestra. The Tattoo will run from 4 – 26 August 2023. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased at edintattoo.co.uk, on the phone on 0131 225 1188 or in person at the Tattoo Box Office at 1 Cockburn Street, Edinburgh. Presenting partner, Innis & Gunn will be offering a bar service at the event. Drinks pre-order is available now from edintattoodrinks.co.uk.
02 Aug 23. Putting the “Tech” in Technology at DSEI 2023. Technology is an important element of Defence and partnering with the world’s best technology providers is key to Fujitsu’s success. For DSEI 2023, Fujitsu is leading the way in demonstrating this collaboration both by bringing together its unrivalled integration capabilities of business critical computing with the very latest emerging technologies – like AI, digital twin and quantum – Fujitsu is helping Defence customers prepare for the future, tackling the threats faced today – and tomorrow.
As strategic partner of the Future Tech Zone at DSEI, which will showcase the latest innovations in defence technology, Fujitsu will be demonstrating how it is partnering with the world’s best technology providers to create a readymade ecosystem, designed to harness sustainable innovation and withstand the rigours of the Defence sector.
Since 1935, Fujitsu has been collaborating with international experts to ensure it thrives in the face of unprecedented disruption. Together, Fujitsu and its partners are exploiting technology to unleash the power of data to deliver better outcomes and define our digital future that will benefit society, the environment, the economy – and generations to come.
Commenting on their presence at DSEI 2023, Neil Dove, VP and Head of Defence & National Security at Fujitsu UK, said: “Innovation is essential for economic growth and to keep ahead of our adversaries; but innovation without purpose goes nowhere. To answer the biggest issues affecting our society and defence landscape, we need to collaborate. This year our focus is on how we as a global organisation can harness technology and its transformational potential, to aid collaboration across military, industry and government. Once again, as strategic partners of the Future Tech Zone at DSEI, Fujitsu is showing tangible technologies that cover everything from quantum computing and next generation networking to the cutting-edge artificial intelligence advancements.”
In the Fujitsu panel as part of the International Business Form, visitors from the UK and internationally will hear from technology leaders, academics and senior military representatives from the UK and Japan as to how the power of technology can drive strategic collaboration, enhance security and enable growth from the angle of the recently signed strategic military agreement. It will look at how creating a collaborative working environment and sharing best practice will best enable the new UK-Japan strategic relationship, with tangible outcomes.
On the technology side at their stand, Fujitsu will be showcasing technical demonstrations that cover five key areas for sustainable transformation and innovative disruption:
- Computing: The age of data-driven discovery demands ever-increasing access to the fastest supercomputers and the new world of quantum logic.
- Artificial Intelligence: Extracting value from AI requires a creative feedback loop with humans and demands new and faster approaches to production while retaining strong ethical standards.
- Next Generation Networks: Secure networks that operate with speed and energy efficiency from the edge to the core.
- Data and Security: Technology is creating a borderless world between the physical and digital – one where trust requires new distributed ways of validating transactions, securing data, and identifying participants.
- Converging Technologies: To be fully meaningful, digital modelling has to consider human behaviour, actions and emotions. We believe building robust, secure networks of collective intelligence, high-performance teams of humans, and machines thinking together, will be the key to building trust in society through innovation.
This year Fujitsu will once again have interactive aspects within their stand that will see visitors and exhibitors testing their skills and getting them to think about technology and what it really means:
Pit your skills against Fujitsu’s Quantum Game – How well do you know your qubits?
A real game showcasing the benefits of Quantum but without getting as technical as a Quantum Simulator. Bringing quantum technology to life, demonstrating scale and potential. There is also a prize if you can complete all the levels!
AI Juke Box: Bringing music creativity to life through AI lyric and music generation.
Create your own lyrics with the help of an AI engine, demonstrating human machine teaming in action. Hear your creations in your chosen music style, like a traditional Juke box only this time it’s AI and user created!
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DSEI 2023 – POWERING PROGRESS, DEFINING YOUR FUTURE
DSEI connects governments, national armed forces, industry thought leaders and the entire defence & security supply chain on a global scale. With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content & live-action demonstrations, the DSEI community can strengthen relationships, share knowledge and engage in the latest capabilities across the exhibition’s Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security & Joint Zones.
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