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2023-10-10

DSEI 2023 Surpasses Records, Ignites the Future of Defence

The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) recently concluded its most remarkable edition yet, marking a historic milestone in its 24-year history. This year’s DSEI event shattered previous records across the board, attracting an unprecedented number of attendees, visitors, and international delegations. With a 23 per cent increase in attendee numbers compared to the 2019 edition, the event showcased the world’s leading defence and security equipment providers, featuring more than 1,500 exhibitors, including over 250 first-time participants.

Photo Credit: DSEI, Mohammed Al Shehhi

The virtual industry networking tool, MeetMe, fostered over 3,200 connections and facilitated more than 1,300 meetings throughout the bustling show floor.

DSEI is an international hybrid event with a global reach, with 36 international country pavilions including Ukraine and the largest being North America, which doubled in size from the last edition. The exhibition hosted delegations from across the world. The event had an increase of senior military and government attendees, with over 3,250 VIPs and delegations from close to 100 nations visiting the biennial event, surpassing that of the existing record numbers achieved in 2019.

Many of the new exhibitors were within “Future Tech”. Sony, IBM, Oracle, Panasonic and Palantir were among the companies, demonstrating the broad reach of the event beyond its traditional defence and industrial base. These companies exhibited alongside the traditional defence industry.

Visitors saw outstanding displays of military capability, including representation from the Global Combat Air Programme, a host of warships from the UK and visiting nations, and land vehicles and aircraft from the highest calibre of exhibitors.

The UK Capability Showcase attracted a significant number of visitors, showcasing the latest capabilities from the UK’s defence and security industry. This platform highlighted the UK’s exceptional advancements, innovations, and expertise across all domains, reinforcing its “best-in-class” status.

Alongside an increase in physical attendees, DSEI saw impressive take up of its digital offerings — DSEI Connect and MeetMe. DSEI Connect provided access to all live streamed keynotes, product demonstrations, thought leadership presentations, and analysis throughout the event. MeetMe enabled attendees to book and plan meetings with industry buyers and suppliers before, during, and after the show.

The DSEI Forums, free for all visitors throughout the show, featured panel debates, keynote speeches, and discussions led by international thought leaders. These forums addressed global defence industry challenges and encouraged diverse audience participation and cross-Force discussions.

DSEI Director Grant Burgham said: “Representatives of both British and international defence companies, including hundreds of SMEs, were in attendance this year. It proved to be a vital opportunity to build connections, seek innovative collaborations and for the UK to export world-leading capabilities. Our theme, ‘Achieving an Integrated Force’ was well observed.

To achieve an integrated force, supply-chains need to be understood and strengthened, thus creating an unbreakable cohesion between military and industry. DSEI was the ideal platform to accelerate this.”

Here are details about some of the participating companies and their displays:

Pearson’s RCV-Pioneer

British company Pearson Engineering unveiled the RCV-Pioneer, offering remotely controlled engineering capabilities for Robotic Combat Vehicles (RCVs). It emphasises rapid adaptability, allowing RCVs to optimise their functions with palletised Mission Packs for obstacle clearance, route proving, minefield breaching, and assault gap crossing. The RCV-Pioneer boasts an innovative self-lifting system for quick Mission Pack integration, operates independently of hydraulic power, and offers an intuitive Operator Control Unit (OCU) for situational awareness.

AI-enabled ViDAR

Australian company Sentient Vision Systems showcased its AI-enabled Visual Detection and Ranging (ViDAR) payload on Edge Autonomy’s VXE30 UAS at DSEI 2023. The VXE30 is the latest version of the Stalker series of small uncrewed aerial systems (sUAS).

Equipped with Sentient’s ViDAR, it gains wide-area search capabilities for maritime operations. ViDAR uses AI, Computer Vision, Machine Learning, and sensors to detect challenging objects for the human eye or traditional radar. This enhances Stalker’s ability to locate objects, including those with no electronic or radar cross-section, such as individuals in rubber boats.

AM General’s Saber

AM General unveiled the Humvee Saber, a successor to the HMMWV designed to offer enhanced mobility, protection, and payload capabilities. The Saber project began three years ago, ensuring a technically sound design. It maintains 70 per cent commonality with the original HMMWV’s automotive components, utilising a 205 hp 6.5 L turbocharged diesel engine and semi-active suspension for improved off-road mobility. With a 95-litre fuel tank, it boasts a 402 km operational range and can tackle steep gradients, side slopes, and vertical obstacles.

Elbit’s Crossbow

Elbit Systems showcased its Crossbow, a cutting-edge 120mm turreted mortar system, at the exhibition. Designed to bolster Elbit’s mortar arsenal, the Crossbow delivers heavy-calibre mortar firepower to medium and heavy units while ensuring personnel protection. It’s adaptable for 6x6, 8x8, and tracked vehicles and provides Level 1 protection, upgradable to Level 4 with armour kits, without exceeding 3.2 tonnes. The Crossbow boasts full automation, seamlessly integrating with fire control and battle management systems for rapid deployment, firing its first round in under 30 seconds and maintaining a sustained rate of six rounds per minute.

Lockheed’s Black Hawk Bid

Lockheed Martin presented the Sikorsky S-70M Black Hawk variant as a contender for the UK New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme. Lockheed Martin UK’s CEO, Paul Livingstone, revealed plans to produce 24 to 36 helicopters in Poland at PZL Mielec, with assembly in the UK by StandardAero in Gosport.

The UK would have design authority, and approximately 40 per cent of Black Hawk components could be UK-manufactured. Potential exports from the UK assembly line could reach £470 million over a decade. The helicopter would feature GE Aviation’s T700 turboshaft engines and offer improved crash survivability, allowing easy aircrew extraction.

Rheinmetall’s Defence Innovations

Rheinmetall unveiled several key developments in the defence industry. Firstly, it introduced the Squad Support Weapon 40 (SSW40), a 40mm automatic grenade launcher designed to enhance infantry firepower. The SSW40’s notable features include its recoil-reducing system and the new 40mm Medium Velocity (MV) ammunition, extending its effective range to 900 metres.

Secondly, Rheinmetall presented the Area Defence Weapon (ADW), an intelligent antitank system equipped with sensors and a top attack system for engaging enemy armoured vehicles.

Thirdly, the company discussed the production of the Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle (MIV), with the first German production vehicles expected by September 2023 and the first UK-built Boxer anticipated in early 2024.

Lastly, Rheinmetall Expal Munitions showcased its ammunition capabilities following the acquisition of Expal Systems S.A.U. The new business unit aims to reinforce its position as a supplier to NATO armed forces, providing various ammunition types and expanding its role in weapons and ammunition production.

BAE’s NGA Ammunition

BAE Systems introduced the Next Generation Adaptable Ammunition (NGAA), addressing challenges in 155 mm rounds production. NGAA focuses on cost-effective and scalable production, using commercial steel instead of specialised defence steel, and employing faster manufacturing methods like resonance acoustic mixing for energetic material. The ammunition will feature electronic fuzes, enhancing supply chain reliability, and offering modularity in payloads, range extenders, and compatibility with Course Correction fuzes.

In parallel, BAE Systems is advancing Project OdySSEy, a single synthetic environment (SSE) for military training. Progress includes integrating PLEXYS and third-party simulators, enhancing pattern of life fidelity, and exploring VR, MR technologies, biometrics, and sensors.

BAE Systems also highlighted the BvS 10 as a highly mobile, all-terrain weapon platform, showcasing a variant fitted with Moog’s Flexible Mission Platform.

Boeing, Red 6 Milestone

Boeing and Red 6 have achieved a major milestone by integrating augmented reality (AR) technology into a TA-4JA tactical aircraft, marking the first-ever AR integration in an aircraft. This partnership aims to advance pilot training significantly, with plans to expand testing to the T-7 Red Hawk advanced trainer. Boeing announced this achievement on September 13, emphasising the successful integration and flight testing of Red 6’s Advanced Tactical Augmented Reality System (ATARS).

Northrop’s C2 Concept

Northrop Grumman unveiled BattleOne, a multi-domain command and control (C2) concept. BattleOne integrates Northrop Grumman’s AMD Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) and utilises AI for enhanced capabilities. IBCS, recently achieving initial operational capability, is set to replace existing U.S. Army integrated AMD (IAMD) C2 systems and is already operational in Poland.

BattleOne improves data sharing among AMD assets, ensuring high-quality data through its integrated fire control network (IFCN). This network facilitates sensor and effector coordination, even during sensor disruptions, while AI aids in threat evaluation and weapon allocation with human oversight.

MBDA’s Spear-EW

MBDA’s Spear-EW, an airborne electronic warfare (EW) system for the UK F-35 fleet, is receiving added MoD funding to expedite its design phase, enhancing critical subsystems and enabling mission evaluations. Spear-EW differs from the baseline Spear as it carries an EW payload developed by Leonardo, featuring Digital Radio Frequency Memory (DRFM) technology for radar jamming and nuanced EW tactics.

Spear-EW deploys its payload in both the missile’s nose and folding wings, expanding jamming capabilities. Longer fuel tanks double its combat range, essential for SEAD/DEAD missions alongside Spear missiles. It can loiter near enemy air defence assets, disrupting and gathering intelligence while a second wave of Spear missiles strikes suppressed targets.

MSI’s Mobile C-UAS

MSI Defence Systems unveiled its Terrahawk Paladin VSHORAD C-UAS system, featuring radar, optical sensors, and a 30mm Bushmaster autocannon. The company also announced plans for a mobile version mounted on a 6x6 truck platform. The system includes AESA C-UAS radars and the MSI-DS Surveillance Acquisition Targeting Optical System (SATOS), which integrates thermal imaging, daylight TV, and a 10-12km range laser rangefinder. It can optionally use surface-to-air missiles like the Thales Lightweight Multirole Missile (LMM).

Supacat’s Mortar Vehicle

Supacat unveiled a new HMT 400 4x4 vehicle variant, featuring an Elbit 120mm mortar system and a Kongsberg remote weapon station with a machine gun and Javelin missile. This addition expands the vehicle’s battlefield capabilities. The Elbit Sling 120mm smoothbore mortar system is rear-mounted, with automatic deployment in 30-60 seconds. It boasts all-electric elevation and traverse, enabling rapid deployment, and integrates with an on-board fire control system.

Leonardo’s Proteus RWUAS

Leonardo and the UK MoD unveiled the Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Autonomous System (RWUAS), a mature technology demonstrator designed for maritime operations. This uncrewed Vertical Takeoff and Landing (VTOL) system emphasises modularity and rapid role changes for both land and naval forces. It falls within the 2-3 tonne class, with a single engine, suitable for roles like maritime surveillance, logistics supply, and organic air missions.

MBHS Showcase by Kongsberg

Kongsberg Maritime showcased its Mission Bay Handling System (MBHS), designed to boost naval flexibility. Comprising a frame system, overhead crane, and standalone cargo handling solutions, the MBHS allows suspended storage and movement of in-sea assets like small boats and Unmanned Underwater Vehicle (UUVs). The system accommodates loads of up to 12 tonnes on a double rail and up to 15 tonnes with a multi-purpose crane.

Beretta’s NARP Rifle

Beretta unveiled its 5.56×45 mm rifle, the New Assault Rifle Platform (NARP). Designed and made in Italy, NARP focuses on enhancing lethality, reliability, ergonomics, modularity, and signature reduction for military and law enforcement forces. Weighing 3.3 kg and under 90 cm in length, NARP offers ambidextrous controls, telescopic stocks, and proprietary grips. It’s adaptable for various scenarios and extreme conditions.

Saab Radar-Defying Camo

Saab Barracuda unveiled an upgraded ULCAS camouflage net system with Frequency Selective Surface (ULCAS-FSS) technology, allowing specific radio frequencies to pass through while protecting against radar systems. This innovation enhanced soldiers’ tactical communication flexibility. Saab’s R&D division also explored organic fibres for biodegradable netting systems.

Separately, Saab launched the Giraffe 1X Deployment Set, a compact 3D AESA radar system, for rapid battlefield deployment.

New ASW Solution

UMS SKELDAR and Ultra Maritime unveiled their joint anti-submarine warfare (ASW) solution at the exhibition. This Rotary Wing Uncrewed Aircraft System (UAS) is based on the SKELDAR V-200 and was developed under the Canadian Department of National Defence’s Innovation for Defence Excellence and Security (IDEaS) programme. It allows the SKELDAR V-200 to deploy sonobuoys for tracking potential submarines, enhancing ASW capabilities in coastal areas.

FSS Ship Design

Team Resolute, a consortium of Navantia UK, BMT, and Harland & Wolff, unveiled an evolved design for the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship. This design progress is part of the UK Ministry of Defence’s £1.6 billion ‘Manufacture Contract’ for three FSS ships to support the Royal Navy’s global operations. BMT’s UK-based engineers and naval architects developed this cutting-edge design, enhancing naval logistics capabilities and operational efficiency for the Royal Navy.

New Machine Gun

Heckler & Koch unveiled the HK 421 machine gun chambered in 7.62 mm x 51 NATO calibre. Operating on an indirect gas pressure system with a rotating bolt mechanism, it offers various barrel lengths and multiple shoulder stock options. Weighing just over 8kg, it’s lighter than the MG5. Featuring a three-position gas block for different fire modes, the HK 421’s handguard module can be detached to reveal a Picatinny rail for accessories.

Babcock’s GLV

Babcock, a defence and security technology provider, unveiled its latest military offering, the GLV (General Logistic Vehicle). This vehicle is built upon the reliable Toyota Land Cruiser 70 series platform, widely used by military forces and aid organisations worldwide. The GLV is designed to excel in various military tasks and can be easily customised with role-specific modules, catering to the diverse mission requirements faced in ever-changing theatres of operation.

The GLV is equipped with an automatic gearbox and a potent 2.8-litre diesel engine, ensuring exceptional performance.

Multi Weapon Mount

FN Herstal introduced the versatile FN Multi Weapon Mount (MWM), meeting full MIL-STD specifications. It can adapt to different calibre weapons, including .50 Cal heavy machine guns, 7.62mm NATO medium machine guns, and 40mm Automatic Grenade Launchers. Developed with FNH UK, the MWM features a hydraulic buffer system for optimised performance and recoil reduction, operating mechanically without electrical power.

Jankel’s Toyota Partnership

Jankel, a UK defence and security vehicle specialist, aligned with Toyota’s vehicle developments through its Future Toyota Platform Strategy. They incorporated emerging technologies and electrified powertrains into their armoured and tactical 4x4 and 6x6 Fox variants. This aims to provide a unified platform for global customers, covering tactical, armoured, and general-purpose roles.

MARSS Mobile CUAS System

MARSS introduced NiDAR X-Scout, a compact Counter Unmanned Aircraft System (CUAS) designed for rapid deployment. It can be transported on a Land Cruiser’s flatbed, various military vehicles, or air-dropped, adapting to different locations. Despite its size, it retains NiDAR Expeditionary CUAS features with advanced cameras, radar, and Radio Frequency (RF) detection, capable of spotting CAT2 UAS from over 15 kilometres away.

Next Stop: DSEI 2025

With its focus on achieving an integrated force and its remarkable showcase of cutting-edge technologies, this year’s event set the stage for a dynamic exploration of the future of defence and security.

Anticipation has already mounted for the next chapter of this saga, as DSEI 2025 is scheduled to take place from September 9 to 12, 2025 at ExCeL London.

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