New additions to DVD2018 reflect its Innovation theme

September 17, 2018

Jointly sponsored by Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Army Headquarters, DVD will hold its thirteenth show on 19 and 20 September 2018 at Millbrook, bringing together industry and defence in the Land Equipment sector.

Reflecting the theme of Innovation, there will be a number of new additions to this year’s show, including an opportunity for industry experts to participate in speaker sessions; close links with the ‘Year of Engineering’ with a number of engineering graduates in attendance at the event; and the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) displaying some of the UK Armed Forces’ military equipment which is available for sale.

DVD2018 believes that providing the opportunity for industry to participate in speaker sessions will encourage debate on the challenges our Armed Forces currently face. The Ministry of Defence is keen to consider innovative solutions for implementation across a number of key areas.

The MOD has invited industry to challenge its preconceptions by discussing alternative solutions and clearly evidencing how those solutions could be delivered to support training, force preparation and/or deployment in a mobile operational environment. Topics up for discussion will include:

Reducing Logistic Need (RLN) 
DEEP operations 
Command, Control, Communications, Computers and Intelligence (C4I) systems 
Year of Engineering and STEM development

2018 marks the ‘Year of Engineering’ and DVD is the ideal platform to recognise the Army’s commitment to encouraging more young people into Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects and related careers within the Army. DVD2018 will welcome a number of engineering undergraduates, who will have the unique opportunity to access the end-users of equipment – those who make decisions on acquisition and industry – all at one event.

Army Engineering Champion Major General Mark Gaunt explains: “This year’s DVD theme is all about Innovation. How can the Army be more creative with what we currently have and the means by which we support it? What new and emerging technologies are out there that the Army should be looking to exploit? Our discussions at the show therefore need to be about good ideas, problem-solving, thinking differently, being creative and challenging norms, both today and in the future.

“It is my hope that exhibitors and visitors alike will seize the opportunity to talk to each other about how engineering careers are future-facing, offering young people variety, creativity and excitement, and to forge some new ideas about how we can continue STEM development in 2019.

“With UK and international companies represented, absolutely cutting-edge technology on display and the opportunity to see some remarkable pieces of equipment in action, I can think of no better showcase for the Year of Engineering than DVD2018.”

As well as new equipment and technology, engineering students, visitors and exhibitors alike will have the opportunity to view equipment which has recently been withdrawn from the front line, including CVR(T), Warthog, MAN SV and much more.

Clive Walker, head of the Defence Equipment Sales Authority, says: “The Defence Equipment Sales Authority is delighted to be part of DVD2018. DESA works closely with the British Army, industry and our DE&S colleagues to ensure that we offer exciting opportunities to foreign governments and customers to purchase equipment that has been used effectively by the UK Armed Forces globally on operations.”

Another new addition to DVD2018 will be the attendance of recently appointed Minister for Defence Procurement Stuart Andrew MP, who will present on the first day of the show, along with a number of high-profile defence personnel.

There will be a wide range of equipment on display from industry and the military, with more than 250 companies expected to exhibit at the show. Displays will include mobile vehicle demonstrations, equipment suppliers, spares provisioners and service providers. Visitors will experience a full agenda over the two days. They will have the opportunity to interact with defence industry exhibitors, showcasing the equipment, innovative technology and support solutions that might meet future Land Equipment requirements.

For those involved in Land Equipment for Army Headquarters, DE&S and the Front Line Commands, DVD2018 provides an ideal opportunity to identify innovation, develop ideas and generate a greater understanding of technologies, capabilities and requirements.

For further information and to register to attend, visit: www.theevent.co.uk.

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DE&S Defence Equipment and Support DVD2018