“The most comprehensive display of military technology”
NAMMO was a key sponsor of the event
Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), regarded as the most comprehensive display of military technology, has been termed by UK’s Secretary of State for Defence, Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon as “a remarkably stable landmark in an otherwise turbulent world”. The most recent edition, held 12-15 September 2017 at ExCeL London, did not disappoint.
Vayu’s editorial team were at the buzzing exhibition halls which welcomed 35,008 visitors, a 3% rise since 2015, with 1,600 companies, while the dockside venue hosted a spectacular line up of seven visiting international warships. Not to be outdone by the naval sector, an impressive array of aircraft stationed at ExCeL’s East Terrace included a Chinook and a Black Hawk. The land dimension was in full force, with armoured vehicles such as Rheinmetall’s ‘British by Birth’ 8x8 multi-role Boxer and its Leopard main battle tank among those drawing much attention.
DSEI also attracted an exceptional level of UK Government support, involving the Department for International Trade; Cabinet Office; Home Office; and the Ministry of Defence. The line-up of ministerial guests included the Rt Hon Sir Michael Fallon, Secretary of State for Defence, who attended for three days in a row, giving two keynote speeches; Rt Hon Liam Fox MP, Secretary of State for International Trade; Harriett Baldwin, Minister for Defence Procurement; and Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, Minister of State for Security. Rt Hon Tobias Ellwood MP, Minister for Defence People and Veterans, attended the inaugural People and Skills Day at DSEI to highlight how the UK MOD was tackling the challenge of recruiting and retaining personnel from “welders to cyber warriors”, while “adjusting to society’s changing expectations and the exponential advance of technology”.
The new Gripen Aggressor
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Saab exhibited its formidable range of products and exhibited its ‘innovative thinking’ through demonstrations, mini-talks, press briefings and a new format called Saab Insight on a big screen. Targeting the air, land and sea sectors, Saab welcomed visitors to its stand to see how design, technology and innovative thinking were overcoming barriers to mission success. Airborne, GlobalEye ensures a seamless knowledge of air, land and sea activity, allowing military commanders “to detect and respond to threats wherever they arise.” Near the Saab stand, a Gripen fighter was on display, the first time a full scale replica of the aircraft has been at DSEI. Ground-based operations were represented by the Carl-Gustaf and NLAW infantry weapons, whilst “a further advance in infantry support firepower is to be expected.” At the centre of the stand was a vehicle hosting a variety of Saab capabilities that include CBRN, air defence, multispectral camouflage and C2. Maritime solutions on display showed how Saab could detect, deter and protect ‘your chosen mission’ platform, be it a ship, submarine, or aircraft. These included the RBS15 missile, A26 submarine, naval combat systems and the underwater Multi-shot Mine Neutralisation System (MuMNS) remotely operated vehicle.
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This was achieved by a three-pronged strategy including the creation of “new qualifications in export and International trade, a common industry and government career pathway and secondments to allow individuals to develop their skills and gain key experience across both industry and government”.
Defence companies from Pakistan were present in full strength
India was well represented with private companies like Zen Technologies and MKU, apart from a number Indian Government PSUs representatives
A key enabler for strategic cooperation across the international defence and security sector, DSEI welcomed visitors from 110 countries. In addition, military representatives from across Europe, Australia and Canada joined all four UK Service Chiefs to address the DSEI seminar audience.
Among the wide range of product launches on the exhibition floor, Saab used DSEI to unveil its Gripen Aggressor fighter which would act as an opposing force in advanced military combat training. Swarm Systems’ stand featured its Owl 4 ‘Nano UAV’ which can be carried in soldiers’ pockets and deployed to help them see around corners or over hills without exposing themselves to gunfire.
Dutch firm Delft Dynamics showcased its ‘DroneCatcher’ counter UAS system for the first time, one of the only technologies of its type which can actually eliminate rogue drones by catching the threat in mid-air.
Rafael from Israel had a wide portfolio of systems on display, including its Spike LR2
The growing expertise in military healthcare was also in evidence at this edition of DSEI, primarily in the Medical Demonstration Area organised by the MOD’s Defence Medical Services (DMS). This trend was also reflected elsewhere on the exhibition floor by companies such as B3 Blackbox Biometrics; Bodytrak; and Equivital which manufacture revolutionary sensors for monitoring soldiers’ cardiovascular and thermoregulatory responses during intense activity or training, and even brain activity following blast exposure.
Rear Admiral Simon Williams, Chairman of DSEI organisers Clarion Defence & Security, stated, “The support we are receiving from the UK Government is solid evidence of their commitment to the nation’s defence and security sectors. It is very pleasing that our industry’s performance and potential in key areas such as innovation, technology development and exports are being recognised in this way. DSEI will continue to deliver the ideal platform to see this partnership in action.”
In focus at DSEI 2017
IAI and the Maritime Harop
Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) show-cased the newest member in its Loitering Munitions (LM) family, the Maritime Harop. IAI is the world’s pioneer in developing and fielding various types of LMs: Harpy and Harpy NG (an autonomous anti-radiation LM for SEAD/DEAD missions), HAROP, an Electro-Optical/ Infra-Red (EO/IR)-guided, man-in-the-loop LM, designed to locate, track and destroy high quality static and mobile targets, the Green Dragon, tactical, low-cost solution, designed to provide significant situational awareness and firepower in a compact envelope, and the Rotem tactical LM based on a light multi-rotor platform that delivers ‘outstanding capabilities’ against low signature enemy systems in urban and complex environments. The new marine capabilities of the Harop provide an operational response for a range of naval vessels, from offshore patrol vessels to naval frigates. The technological adjustments of the maritime Harop include a launcher with new marine configuration and adjustments of the communication channel of the loitering munition.
HAROP is a long endurance LM which can be launched from a variety of platforms, and is equipped with tactical UAV capabilities: high performance FLIR/ colour CCD EO seeker with 360 degrees hemispherical coverage. “It searches, detects, attacks and hits high value relocateable, time critical, land or sea-based moving targets with pinpoint accuracy at long ranges.” A HAROP unit is comprised of LM launchers and a Mission Control Shelter (MCS) that enables missile control with a ‘Man in the Loop’ operation, and real time engagement or abort attack capability to avoid collateral damage. The HAROP can be applied to a variety of battle scenarios, including low and high intensity conflicts, urban warfare and counter terror operations.
Unveiled: British Army’s Land Ceptor air defence system 
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MBDA’s Land Ceptor air defence system made its show debut in the outside vehicle park at DSEI. Land Ceptor utilises the next-generation Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) and will be operated by the British Army as a replacement for the Rapier air defence system. Compared to Rapier, Land Ceptor has over triple the range (25 km+) and is able to intercept the ‘most challenging’ targets in any weather conditions, including cruise missiles and precision guided munitions. Some six nations have already chosen the CAMM family to provide their future air defence capabilities in both the maritime and land domains. In Royal Navy service, the system is known as Sea Ceptor, which also made its debut at DSEI 2017 off the back of successful first-of-class firings from the Type 23 frigate HMS Argyll. By purchasing the same missile to meet the air defence needs of both the British Army and the Royal Navy, development costs are significantly reduced and both services are able to utilise a common stockpile that will significantly reduce procurement and support costs.
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VPI shows advanced radiological detection system
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Following the award of a $165M contract from the US Department of Defense (DoD) in September 2016, VPI has designed and developed an advanced radiological detection system (RDS) prototype that was unveiled for the first time in public at DSEI, 2017. VPI’s RDS utilises cutting edge technology and will be in use across all branches of the United States Armed Forces, as well as the US Coast Guard, emergency responders and NATO (especially in Canada and the UK). This advanced RDS consists of a robust and reliable base unit with plug-in probes for detecting different types of radiation in a wide range of scenarios. The system will be manufactured at Salt Lake City by VPI Technology’s wholly owned subsidiary, D-tect Systems.
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Launched: DCE’s new X-2 Platform and Control System 
X-2 Platform on trials
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Digital Concepts Engineering launched the X-2 Unmanned Ground Vehicle fitted with the Marionette control system. Exhibited as a CBRN (Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear) detection platform it is also well suited to EOD, search and rescue, perimeter patrol, communications relay, mine detection and clearing, light weapon mount and load moving tasks and is capable of manual or autonomous operation. The platform is based on the successful IBEX autonomous robotic system. X-2 is fitted with Marionette, a modular, low-latency control system which can be scaled to meet a wide variety of customer requirements and has already been integrated into a number of platforms, both wheeled and tracked from 20kg to 4.5 tonnes across military, agricultural, nuclear and civil applications including the Wheelbarrow EOD range of vehicles and the Sellafield First Response Vehicle.
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Thales’s new generation assault rifle: F90MBR 
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At DSEI 2017, Thales introduced a new generation ambidextrous and NATO interoperable military assault rifle, the F90MBR – Modular Bullpup Rifle–suited to support the modern integrated solider. The F90MBR is the new generation of the F90 Assault Rifle, currently in service with the Australian Defence Force and completely interoperable with NATO weapons.
The F90MBR is one of the lightest assault rifles on the market at 3.25 kg, and is fitted with ambidextrous controls to enable fast reaction times and rapid target engagement. Features include availability in multiple barrel lengths, fully-ambidextrous forward bolt and magazine release controls, and a ‘drop free’ magazine release function to facilitate even faster magazine changes, regardless of the hand-dominance of the operator. The F90MBR safely accommodates off-handed shooting techniques through the use of a case deflector, and can be easily modified by the operator without tools to a dedicated left or right handed ejecting weapon.
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Elbit Systems’ Seagull USV performs realtime 
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Seagull, Elbit Systems’ multi mission Unmanned Surface Vessel (USV) system, demonstrated live a remotely operated Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) mission. Via Satellite Communication (SATCOM), the Seagull platform, sailing in the Haifa Bay, Israel, performed the operational ASW mission using control consoles situated some 3,515km away at Elbit Systems booth at the DSEI Exhibition. Operating its Dipping Sonar and Elbit Systems proprietary software, Seagull performed real-time detection and classification of objects, demonstrating capability to deter and dissuade hostile subsurface activity. The Seagull team included two operators, a USV operator and sonar operator. Seagull is a 12-metre long USV that can be operated from a mother-ship or from shore stations. It provides multimission capabilities including ASW, Mine Hunting & Mine Sweeping (MCM), Electronic Warfare (EW), maritime security and underwater commercial missions, ‘leveraging modular mission system installation and offering a high level of autonomy’. It features inherent C4I capabilities for enhanced situation awareness and mission endurance of more than four days.
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Safran: 150,000 resonating gyros delivered 
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Safran Electronics & Defense has now delivered more than 150,000 resonating gyroscopes. This technology exploits the inertial properties of stationary waves generated within a resonating structure. The structure itself may be made in various ways, depending on the properties desired, with the highest performance offered by a miniature hemispherical shell of silica, the basis of the hemispherical resonator gyro (HRG). The HRG features a very simple mechanism and greatly reduced parts count, enabling the production of ‘ultra-reliable’, highly compact inertial systems, capable of fulfilling a wide range of performance specifications. These systems are used in all environments – air, land, sea and space – and for both civil and defence applications.
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Ironclad: BAE Systems’ new unmanned ground vehicle 
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BAE Systems’ Ironclad is a new Unmanned Ground Vehicle (UGV) designed to undertake on some of the most dangerous tasks that soldiers currently face. Ironclad is small enough to negotiate tight urban environments, but maintains the mobility needed to handle extreme cross-country terrain. It can also be fitted to carry out reconnaissance, combat and casualty evacuation roles. Each Ironclad is built with a hardware interface that allows the different mission fits to be attached easily. This connection supplies both power and command from the main vehicle chassis, which houses the battery and a two-way remote control unit. The chassis is designed so that hardware needed for autonomous capability can be added at a later stage.
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NAMMO: Innovative 40 mm programmable ammunition 
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In combat situations, the enemy avoids direct fire by hiding behind obstacles, which provides a tactical challenge for own troops. Innovatively, Nammo developed the programmable ammunition concept to give forces a reliable advantage, providing a flexible and effective solution to a common war situation. Technological advances have made the battlefield more dynamic than ever, which means weapon systems must quickly adapt to counter threats. Before Nammo developed its programmable ammunition technology, conventional 40 mm ammunition rounds had not changed for over 40 years.
In 2002, Nammo initiated a technology programme to explore programmable ammunition to introduce more capability for each round. With introduction of the 40 mm x 53 MK285 Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive (PPHE), Nammo became the first company to qualify programmable ammunition for 40 mm Automatic Grenade Launchers (AGL). Nammo’s innovative 40 mm programmable ammunition technology allows the burst distance against enemy troops to be programmed accurately directly into the round. This achieves more precise targeting in defilade (for example, trenches, rooftops or inside buildings) and enables friendly troops to neutralise enemy forces that are avoiding direct fire.
Demonstrations have also proven this round to be very effective against Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Nammo’s 40 mm x 53 C171 Programmable Pre-fragmented High Explosive – Radio Frequency (PPHE-RF), further improves adaptability by incorporating a wireless communication solution to programme the ammunition. The 40mmx53 High Explosive Dual Purpose Radio Frequency (NM 264) (HEDP-RF), has also been developed with wireless programming, and allows for different target scenarios due to its HEDP and/ or RF functions.
Convenient and cost-effective, these ammunition solutions can easily be integrated into existing weapon platforms and fire-control systems for an added advantage in the modern-day battlefield. The standalone Manual Programming Unit (MPU) also enables programming without a fire-control system. Illustrated on the right is the 40 mm x 53 HEDP-RF Airburst ammunition. |
Demonstration of strength for Nexter’s Artillery 
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The Nexter Group has demonstrated to more than eighty people from 18 countries its know-how and performance in ground-to-ground artillery for calibres 105 and 155mm. Acquired by the French, Danish, Indonesian and Thai armies, as well as a Middle Eastern country, and currently present in several theatres of operations, notably in Iraq within the Wagram Task Force, the 155mm self-propelled artillery system Caesar has been presented on 6x6 and 8x8 chassis. The Caesar appears today as the ‘best compromise’ between the simplicity of a towed artillery and the mobility of a self-propelled system. Such demons t rat ions included the opportunity to present for the first time the latest version of Caesar 8x8 chassis automatic shell loading system. This device ensures constant and sustained firing rates, whatever the environmental conditions.
A Caesar battery pack on a “full automatic” 8x8 chassis by a crew created for the event allowed to highlight the simplicity of use of this weapon system, and to enhance its survival capabilities against counter-battery rounds: the time between the arrival at the shooting point and the start, after delivering a six-round salvo, amounted to less than three minutes.
Presentation of the 105 LG1, a 105mm towed artillery system, highlighted this demonstration. Deployable by light vehicle, helicopter, or even parachute, the 105 LG1 is the world’s lightest 105mm assault artillery piece, providing fire support to rapid reaction forces. The 105 LG1 is now in service with the Singapore, Thai, Indonesian, Belgian, Canadian and Colombian armed forces. |