PMCI October 2017 | Page 5

In 2001 it moved to its current location at the ExCeL Exhibition Centre in London Docklands. DSEI’s name was changed in 2009, replacing the word Systems with Security. In April 2008, DSEI was acquired by Clarion Events. The Clarion Events’ portfolio of defence and security events is acknowledged as the world’s leading forums where high level government officials and senior military personnel converge. Leading global equipment and services providers meet to share ideas, discuss industry developments, conduct business, and develop partnerships and network for future growth. Whilst military systems and technology are at the core of the industry and the events, the sector is also diversifying and adapting to meet the changing needs of the world. In addition to the threat of war, national security can be threatened by humanitarian disasters resulting in mass displacement of people or food and water shortages, terrorism or pandemic. All defence and security exhibitions in the UK including DSEI can serve only the legitimate defence and security industry which is the most tightly regulated industry in the world. This means exhibitors and visitors must adhere to the highest regulatory scrutiny, complying with UK and international laws, treaties and conventions. DSEI itself works closely with government departments including MOD, Foreign and Commonwealth Office, BIS and Home Office to ensure this strict compliance with all rules, regulations and laws. Furthermore, the UK Government itself is responsible for inviting international delegations. 2017 CAPABILITY ZONES DSEI is divided into dedicated capability zones to make it more manageable to navigate, as it truly is a gargantuan show! DSEI 2017 featured its strongest aerospace offering to date, comprising fixed, rotary wing, and unmanned platforms. The popular Air Zone was fully supported by the Royal Air Force and Joint Helicopter Command and included a capability area dedicated to the aerospace supply chain. With an impressive array of static displays expected to feature around the ExCeL concourse, as well as a notable line up of rotary assets operating in the maritime domain, DSEI was the must-attend event for the entire aerospace sector. Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier KCB CBE DFC, Chief of the Air Staff, delivered a keynote address at DSEI on Wednesday 13 September in the West Theatre. Chaired by Air Marshall Philip Sturley CB MBE FRAeS and industry expert Howard Wheeldon, the Air Capability Conference examined “The Next Generation of Air Capability”. The Naval Zone was the most comprehensive dedicated Naval Zone in DSEI history. In addition to the 1,600 DSEI exhibitors the Zone incorporated over 50 specialist naval exhibitors and was fully supported by the First Sea Lord and Royal Navy. The Naval Zone was one of DSEI 2017’s greatest strengths with 16 nations represented, twice as many than the 2015 show. It provided the DSEI audience with unrivalled networking opportunities, insights from key decision makers and the opportunity to see first-hand the industry’s latest vessels in action with interactive presentations and waterborne demonstrations. DSEI 2017 hosted eight warships and a number of rotary assets that operate in the NEW pmcimagazine.com