DVD2018 bolsters its innovation theme
Reflecting its theme of innovation, this year's DVD at Millbrook (19-20 September) will incorporate a number of new novel additions, as it makes its own unique contribution to the ‘Year of Engineering’.
They include an opportunity for industry experts to participate in speaker sessions, close links with the ‘Year of Engineering’ and a number of engineering graduates in attendance at the event and the Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) will display some of the UK Armed Forces military equipment (which is available for sale).
There will be speaker sessions aimed at encouraging debate on the challenges our armed forces face and 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 the solution could be delivered to support training, force preparation and/or can be deployed 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.
As 2018 marks the ‘Year of Engineering’, DVD is providing a 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. The event 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 in one event.
Army Engineering Champion, Major General Mark Gaunt said: “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 frontline, including CVR(T), Warthog (above), MAN SV and many more.
Clive Walker, head of Defence Equipment Sales Authority, said: “The Defence Equipment Sales Authority (DESA) is delighted to be part of DVD 2018. 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 (right), 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 DVD2018. 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 the future Land Equipment requirements.
For those involved in Land Equipment for Army Headquarters, DE&S and Front Line Commands DVD2018 provides an ideal opportunity to identify innovation, develop ideas and generate a greater understanding of technologies, capabilities and requirements.