The UK’s biggest military vehicle demonstration, Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD), running from the 25th to 26th June in Bedfordshire, has provided visitors a unique insight into the vast array of equipment used by the British Army.
Held at Millbrook near Milton Keynes, the event brought the MoD’s equipment and support organisation (DE&S), the army, and the industry together to showcase the array of vehicles being used by the military. Visitors also had the chance to get a sneak peek at the next generation of army vehicles. In addition, they were treated to a variety displays and stand showcases from aspiring MoD suppliers and companies who influence global defence and security contracts with their advanced technology or specialist products.
The exhibitor list goes far beyond military vehicle manufactures, covering a range of companies of all shapes and sizes, from leading protective clothing manufacture from Northern Ireland, The Cooneen Group, to Avena, top manufacturer of high specification fibre optic connectors. Also at the event was The Streit Group, whose armoured cars protected President of the United States, Barak Obama, during his recent visit to Malaysia.
The UK Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne MP was on hand to open the show. SecurityNewsDesk asked Dunne if he was seeing a greater percentage of the defence equipment budget migrating to security, as opposed to traditional military threats.
He said, “I think we are going to have to do both of these things. With aircraft carriers being named by Her Majesty next week this very significant event will demonstrate to the world that we are in power projection at the highest level. Coupled with the F35B Lightening flying at Farnborough – the first time it has been flown outside the United States – this is a very powerful statement of our next generation capability at the high end. However, we see a lot of threats moving from a kinetic to an IT based series of threats and our investment in cyber security and defence, both defensive and offensive, is an important shift and much of this is done in conjunction with other Government Departments.”
“I do not see this as an either or scenario, but see the emphasis is undoubtedly moving to the non-kinetic area,” he concluded.
Also at the the event was Major General Richard Semple, The Director General Logistics, Support and Equipment from the British Army Headquarters. He summed up the importance of the event, saying, “DVD has moved from strength to strength over the last 11 years and is now firmly cemented in the calendar, further strengthening of the close relationship between the MoD and industry.”
