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2018-01-01
Latin America’s Expodefensa Goes From Strength To Strength
Expodefensa 2017 ended successfully with more than 20 percent growth in the participation of official delegations, 6 percent in international, and 8 percent in national exhibitors. More than 12,500 visitors attended this sixth edition of the leading defense and security event for the Latin American region.
Held in 12,000 square meters of exhibition area in Bogota’s Corferias Convention Center and for the second time in partnership with Coges International, Mindefensa and Corferias, Expodefensa enjoyed the participation of 76 official delegations from 30 countries and 269 exhibitors from 32 countries. This year’s fair focused on technological development and innovation for the defense and security forces, attracting high-ranking commercial, military and government delegations.
Expodefensa 2017 started with a stronger international vision of the Colombian defense industry organized around four core market sectors: security, civil aviation, military aviation and defense systems. The fair also had an important academic agenda, debating topics such as technology transfer and the threat of chemical and biological weapons to aviation, cyber espionage, peace operations and land defense systems.
Expodefensa presented the industry’s best technological innovation and development offers, meeting the current needs of the defense and security fields in Central and South America and the Caribbean. Andrés Gonzalez, Expodefensa’s Project Manager, refers to the ever-stronger alliance with Coges and the Ministry of Defense, which “allowed that this exchange platform of business and technology will consolidate even more the development of GSED enterprises such as Cotecmar, CIAC, Codaltec and Indumil, among others…”
Coges has more than 60 years’ experience in promoting commercial relations and its International Executive Director, Patrick Colas Des Francs, said that Expodefensa is one of the largest international defense fairs, thanks to four main development pillars: international dimension, business search, technological knowledge and sector experts. He confirmed that, “During the three days, the presence of international delegations from friendly countries and worldwide companies, some attending Expodefensa for the first time, has established Expodefensa as a premier global defense event”.
According to Colombia’s Minister of Defense, Luis Carlos Villegas, the country’s political and military context has changed with the restoration of peace. Its strength has led the defense and safety industry to develop technology “with a stronger international vision” to support organizations like the United Nations, the Organization of American States (OEA in Spanish), the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
Key Exhibitors
Aside from major Colombian companies such as Indumil, Cotecmar, Codaltec and CIAC, Expodefensa 2017 featured over 200 organisations, including international corporations such as Jadara, Airbus SAS, BAE Systems, Bell Helicopter Textron, DCI, Embraer, FN Herstal, GDLS, Harris Corporation, IX Blue, Lacroix, Leonardo, Lockheed Martin Sikorsky, MBDA, Navantia S.A., Naval Group, Nexter, Otokar, Photonis, Rockwell Collins, Renault Trucks Défense, Streit Group, etc.
National displays included pavilions from Russia, UK, USA, Brazil, Spain and the Czech Republic amongst others, but 2017 has also been the France-Colombia Year of Cultural Exchange. France was therefore nominated country of honor, with a military unit of the French Army (Armée de Terre) attending the event for the first time in a special pavilion located near the MinDefensa.
Expodefensa 2017 Highlights
Expodefensa presented a wide range of defense and security products in a full range of domains, particularly across South America:
Brazilian companies
The Brazilian Defense and Security Industries Association (ABIMDE) appeared in partnership with the Brazilian Trade and Investment Agency (Apex-Brasil). The Brazil Pavilion thus displayed information on national industry innovations in sea, air and ground segments.
Brazilian companies presented solutions for lethal and non-lethal weaponry, ballistic protection, command and control systems, radars, built-in systems, captive balloons, unmanned air vehicles, launchers, cybersecurity solutions, simulators and much more, all featuring the most advanced technologies. Those companies present in 2017 were Altave, Atech, Avionics, Axon Cable, CBC, Condor, Du Pont, Embraer, Emgepron, IACIT, Índios Pirotecnia, Kryptus, M&K, Mac Jee, Poly Defensor, Protecta and Technicae.
CIAC
Colombian Aeronautical Industry Corporation (CIAC) announced its new certifications to modernize Tucano T-27 aircraft and the fuel controls of PT-6 and RR250 engines.
The three UAV aircraft projects presented were: the Équites, a light aircraft for reconnaissance and observation operations within 10 kilometers; the Quimbaya, an agreement between Ecopetrol, the Ministry of Defense and the CIAC to develop a remotely manned aircraft to monitor strategic areas; and the Atlante II, a joint development between Spain and Colombia to develop an aircraft with great tactical and operational capabilities enabling reconnaissance of up to 250 km away.
The Équites and Quimbaya prototypes are expected to be completed by 2018. Meanwhile, Spain and Colombia will contract the design and development of the Atlante II, with CIAC anticipated to have the industrial capacities to develop it within 2-3 years.
Cotecmar and Thales
Thales has announced a renewed partnership agreement with Cotecmar to strengthen cooperation with the Colombian defense industry. Thales has had a local presence in Colombia since 1968, providing advanced solutions for the Colombian Navy. Since 2015, the two companies have sought to evaluate new opportunities in the naval sector, particularly in combat systems, command and control systems, communications and information systems, sonars and radars.
Indumil
Indumil used Expodefensa 2017 to present highly competitive and efficient combat-tested products for national security and defense, military forces and the police, including the Colombian Armed Forces. Indulmil exhibited the Cordova rifle, Galil gun and the Conversion Kit, while highlighting its star product, the Córdova pistol, being the first weapon designed by Colombian engineers with wide recognition among civil and state security forces.
The handle grip of the 9x19mm Cordova pistol can be adjusted with an accessory that comes in three sizes. It is ergonomic and easy to use by right or left-handed personnel and can be handled in extreme operating conditions.
Codaltec
CODALTEC presented its latest shooting simulator at Expodefensa, with a shooting simulator replicating real situations of military and police training. These exercises inculcate confidence and security in firearms use in both experts and novices. The simulator helps to develop muscle memory for its users in reaction shots involving the necessary precision.
Codaltec displayed the technological capabilities developed in Colombia for this type of simulator, creating a series of shooting training exercises involving special themes that allow the simulator to immerse the user in the realism necessary for training through a visualization to large scale and high-fidelity sound.
Codaltec displayed the technological capabilities developed in Colombia for this type of simulator, creating a series of shooting training exercises involving special themes that allow the simulator to immerse the user in the realism necessary for training through a visualization to large scale and high-fidelity sound.
SAAB
SAAB presented examples of its latest technology in military defense. The solutions on show included Gripen, a fully interoperable multi-role fighter that can perform air-to-air, air-to-surface and reconnaissance missions. Gripen is equipped with the most modern sensors and mission systems. It is speedy and affordable and already in use in a variety of countries, including Brazil.
Saab’s Erieye Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEW&C) is a monitoring system for vast airspace and maritime areas facilitating any type of combined operation. Its goal of strengthening territorial integrity and national security was also highlighted at the show.
Another exhibit was the RBS70 NG - MANPAD for Air Defense. This is a 24/7 portable defense system designed for combat with little or no additional support in every type of climate and a range of up to 5km and 9km altitude.
Saab also presented the Giraffe, Sea Giraffe AMB and other radars with leading-edge technologies. BAMSE is a land-based optimized anti-aerial missile that has a Giraffe radar system to respond to any threat. IT is designed to operate independently or in coordination with a complete defense network. Finally, IDAS & ESTL is a system that provides protection for airplanes in diverse threat scenarios.
Airbus
Airbus presented its cabin simulator of Eurofighter Typhoon for the first time at Expodefensa 2017. Professional visitors had the unique experience of flying the Eurofighter Typhoon through the cabin simulator. Airbus Defense and Space promoted its military airplane portfolio and the most advanced space technology - from the unique versatility of C295 transport airplane, an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Atlante II and a high resolution Earth satellite observation system, the AstroBus-S. Airbus Helicopters also marked the success of its light two-engine H145 in Colombia, with more than 10 units in operation.
Finally, Airbus presented a scale model 1.10 of its H125M, the single-engine reference in Latin America for transport, evacuation and armed exploration missions.
Finally, Airbus presented a scale model 1.10 of its H125M, the single-engine reference in Latin America for transport, evacuation and armed exploration missions.
Embraer Group
An Embraer Group company, Atech has a history of deliveries and a robust assortment of development, production, integration and evolution for built-in mission systems. Atech attended the event as part of the Brazilian Defense and Security Industries Association showcasing products and services for built-in mission systems and border control systems which integrate Arkhe Mission & Combat. This is a set of built-in systems developed on a state-of-the-art platform for tactical missions, featuring full integration of sensors and systems of aircrafts and ships.
Lacroix
Lacroix showcased the SYLENA range of Decoy Launching System and related munitions (SEALEM, SEALIR, SEALAT) for the naval domain and the GALIX system for the land domain (designed for Leopard 2, BMP3, Leclerc tank, AMX 10, Fuchs, M113, Piranha and CV90). Lacroix’s countermeasure systems protect the Colombian presidential fleet of UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters. Thus, for the air domain, Lacroix also presented a full range of solutions in all types of calibers for combat jets (F-16, F-18, Mirage, Rafale, etc.), helicopters (Apache, Black Hawk, H225M Caracal, NH-90, CH-47 Chinook, Tiger, etc.), and large transport aircraft (Hercules C130, Airbus A400M, etc.).
Streit Group
Streit Group, a Canadian-based armoured vehicle manufacturer introduced its full range of military and security vehicles this year at Expodefensa. It showcased the Spartan ASV (Armoured Security Vehicle), one of the flagship products of the Company, which can be fitted with an armoured open-top glass turret. The turret can be armed with a 7.62mm or 12.7mm machine gun or 40mm automatic grenade launcher. The glass turret provides 360° view for the gunner’s position, while offering all round protection from enemy fire.
The Spartan can also be equipped with a remote weapon station which allows the troops to operate the weapon from inside the vehicle with a high degree of precision to protect the gunner from being exposed.
The Spartan can also be equipped with a remote weapon station which allows the troops to operate the weapon from inside the vehicle with a high degree of precision to protect the gunner from being exposed.
Rosoboronexport
As part of the Rostec State Corporation, JSC Rosoboronexport took part for the first time in Expodefensa 2017. Alexander Denisov, Head of Rosoboronexport’s Marketing Department, who led the company’s delegation at the exhibition, underlines that, “Over 20 Mi-17-type helicopters are now in service with the Colombian Army. The event saw an interest in other types of Russian-made products for all services of the armed forces, as well as special operations units of the army and the police.”
Rosoboronexport’s Expodefensa booth featured more than 250 models of Russian weapons and military equipment. The Yak-130 combat trainer, the Su-35 and Su-30MK super-maneuverable multirole fighters and the MiG-29M multirole frontline fighter offer the highest market potential in the Latin American region. Foreign customers were also interested in the Mi-17, Mi-26T2 and Ansat helicopters.
Leonardo
Visitors to Leonardo’s stand at Expodefensa were able to explore the latest generation of sensors and systems on the bridge of a multi-role naval vessel, as well as through augmented reality in a battlefield or air defence scenario.
Another notable system featured was NA-30S Mk2, the new generation Fire Control System (FCS) designed to control up to three modern guns against conventional and asymmetric air/surface threats. The KRONOS® NAVAL was also on display featuring multifunctional radar-based advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, suitable for naval vessels of 400 tons and above.
Another notable system featured was NA-30S Mk2, the new generation Fire Control System (FCS) designed to control up to three modern guns against conventional and asymmetric air/surface threats. The KRONOS® NAVAL was also on display featuring multifunctional radar-based advanced Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) technology, suitable for naval vessels of 400 tons and above.
In addition, Leonardo showcased its DART and Vulcano guided ammunition. Both can be integrated into the company’s successful 76/62 mm medium caliber naval gun. Finally, the display featured the Active Towed Array Sonar (ATAS), the first-in-class towed active sonar for modern vessels operating in shallow and blue waters. In avionics, an interactive display on the stand gave visitors the opportunity to learn about Leonardo’s Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) capabilities.
Otokar
Otokar, Turkey’s leading land systems manufacturer and leading supplier of wheeled tactical vehicles to the Turkish military and security forces, highlighted its success in global markets. Citing Otokar’s presence in Latin America, General Manager Serdar Görgüç confirmed that Otokar vehicles are currently in service throughout the Latin America region, meeting the unique needs of this market: “Our strength in the defense industry is driven by our experience, engineering and R&D capabilities, and successful use of technology.
Today over 30,000 Otokar military vehicles are in service in many different parts of the world with an outstanding performance. Our military vehicles serve almost 50 different end users in over 30 countries.”
Today over 30,000 Otokar military vehicles are in service in many different parts of the world with an outstanding performance. Our military vehicles serve almost 50 different end users in over 30 countries.”
Colombian army Pegaso 4x4 APC
The Textron M1117 Commando 4x4 armored vehicle is in service with the Colombian army under the name of “Pegaso”. According to the arms trade database of the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), 28 M1117 4x4 armored vehicles were delivered to Colombia in 2013/2014 and a second batch of 60 vehicles was delivered in 2016, including command-post versions. Two versions of the American-made Textron 4x4 armored vehicles are now in service with the Colombian army, the Commando Select and the Commando Advanced.
Cobra
Colombia’s armed forces presented their local-made 4x4 light tactical vehicle, named Cobra. In its anti-tank version, the Cobra is fitted with one Spike anti-tank missile launcher and one 12.7mm machine gun on swivel station at the rear of the vehicle, which can be used as an anti-aircraft weapon. In its standard configuration, the Cobra is a three-man off-road to be used for many long-range desert operations, including patrol border, artillery observation, anti-tank manoeuvres and combat search-and-rescue missions.
Expodefensa 2019
Without doubt, Expodefensa has attained a global stature as one of the largest international events for the global defense and security sector. With this great development in mind, Expodefensa’s 7th edition promises to be an even grander success in 2019.
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