Minister for Defence Procurement visits DVD 2016

Homeland September 14, 2016

Following the publication of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review (SDSR), the Defence Committee has reviewed aspects of the plan and has reported its findings.

Minister for Defence Procurement, Harriet Baldwin, has visited the Defence Vehicle Demonstration (DVD) 2016, the expo which showcases equipment and technology to help the British Army meet future challenges.

Harriett Baldwin Defence Procurement Minister

DVD 2016, held at Millbrook Proving Ground in Bedfordshire, saw more than 250 companies exhibit at the event, which is jointly sponsored by Army Headquarters and the Defence Equipment & Support (Land Equipment) organisation – the section of the MOD responsible for equipping and supporting the UK’s Armed Forces for current and future operations.

Defence Minister, Harriet Baldwin, toured the showcase and met with leading members of Defence industry, alongside the Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Nick Carter, and the CEO of the Ministry of Defence’s Defence Equipment and Support body (DE&S), Tony Douglas.

Mrs. Baldwin said: “Over the next decade we are committed to spending over £178Bn on equipment and equipment support. To capitalise on our national security strengths, Government and industry work more efficiently, more innovatively, and more internationally.

“It’s at events like these – with its potent mix of Army, Industry, and Defence procurement experts – that ideas take hold, relationships are formed, and things get done.”

On display at DVD 2016 were the Army’s tank carrier, the Heavy Equipment Transporter and Virtus, one of the most advanced integrated body armour systems in the world.

The exhibition this year focused on three themes; each underpinning the Army’s fitness to meet future challenges: to develop, modernise, and sustain capability in a complex and developing world.

Ready Forces – The capabilities to enable the right forces, at the right readiness, to deal with the full range of operational demands that could be placed upon them.

Strike – The in-service and future platforms required to deliver the Army’s new Strike capability: the ability to rapidly project land power and dominate the ground.

Reducing Logistic Need – The technologies and innovations to make the Army as efficient as possible.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Defence Equipment & Support, said: “Our aim is, and always will be, to deliver outstanding equipment and support to our Armed Forces.

“DVD is of great importance in helping us achieve this goal. It is an excellent opportunity for suppliers, including SMEs, to bring innovative solutions to the table.

“The event also allows DE&S to continue strengthening its relationship with industry to ensure we have a shared vision on innovation and prosperity.”

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