There are a number of defense expositions in Central and South America. The addition of Expodefensa in Bogota, Colombia has been well received, and it is quickly becoming a mainstay show. It is a bi-annual show that has strong regional attendance and is heavily attended by the Colombian military groups. Their buyers and decision makers are evident, from discussions SADJ had with the vendors. Many other military officers from South American countries were in attendance, from Argentineans to Venezuelans. We found this to be a very successful show.

Expodefensa will be held next on 4-6 December, 2017, because COGES took over this show and wants to get the show into a 2-year cycle opposite their flagship Eurosatory show in Paris, which occurred in June of 2016 and is next 11-15 June of 2018.

Indumil is a large Colombian defense manufacturing company, and they have a license agreement with Israel to build the Galil and Galil Ace weapon systems. A variety of styles were offered at the show. www.indumil.gov.co

Stated purpose from the show promoters:

The Expodefensa Concept

Expodefensa 2017 is an international exhibition of specialized nature and point of reference for Latin America in terms of technological development and innovation for Defense and Security Forces (in air, land and naval domains).

Presenting solutions:

• To create a space for interaction between both national and international Military and Police forces and their suppliers, which will present the latest and most innovative developments in the national and international Defense and Security industry;

• To present and strengthen technological development in the fields of Defense and Security, and Colombian and Regional military self-sufficiency;

• To be a place allowing clients and suppliers to make contacts and strengthen existing relationships;

• To position Colombia as a major player in this field, being the focus of large-scale cooperative projects that bring about the development of both the Defense and Security sector and national industry;

• To strengthen and increase the participation of national industry, especially of the Colombian SMEs (Small and Medium Size Enterprises), contributing to self-sufficiency and strategic independence.

The best way to judge whether to exhibit or attend a show, is in the numbers, along with the “Buzz” among attendees and trade show personnel. Expodefensa certainly has been growing, and has a lot of momentum. There were 232 Exhibitors from a total of 26 countries, with 66% of the exhibitors being internationals:

List of Exhibiting Countries 2015:

Argentina, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Greece, India, Israel, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, Peru, Slovenia, South Korea, Spain, Switzerland, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.

Other interesting statistics:

• 10,390 professional visitors from 35 countries;
• 86 Colombian VIPs;
• 55 Official Delegations from the following countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Czech Republic, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, France, Honduras, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Poland, Russia, Santa Lucia, Spain, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom, United States, and Uruguay.

The VRC Cobra is a light reconnaissance vehicle that has come out of the workshops of the Maintenance Battalion of the Colombian Army. It is well designed and well-armed- in this case with an M60 7.62x51mm Machine Gun from US Ordnance, the MK19 40x53mm, and “Ma Duece” (M2HB .50 caliber) on the pedestal behind the ATGL at center top. SADJ had the pleasure of discussing this vehicle concept with the Colombian designers- and the Spike ATGL at center with two reloads per side of the

Thor presented the Drakon 70-24-2H-T 2.75 inch Rocket “Artillery” station. The concept here from Thor in Colombia, is a twin pod of 12 each 2.75 inch rocket launchers, mounted on a trailer, and with a new sighting system these can be used for ground-to-air or more focused, ground-to-ground. This adds a new dimension to a fast reaction ground force. The system is enhanced by the sighting/ranging system making it effective for area fire

US Ordnance’s M60E4 and E6 machine guns were very popular. The Colombian military has used the M60 series for many years, and these lightweight, dependable offerings from US Ordnance fit right into the program. US Ordnance has donea lot of work in Colombia, and is quite popular there. The new MK19 Mod 3 program and upgrades from US Ordnance were under review during our last discussions.

Indumil has recently made numerous innovations in their Galil based designs, including the buttstock, and the Colombian Army was testing it. The use of the MeproLight Mepro 21M Reflex sightwas a crowd pleaser as well. www.indumil.gov.co

The DesertTech booth was quite popular. Their distinctive, high quality bullpup style sniper systems are visually exciting, and once the customers have entered the booth, the quality becomes clear. The new DT MDR bullpup rifle is drawing a lot ofattention as well.

Colombia’s Commandos Jungla had a display in the Army area- most units of the Colombian military have very high esprit de corps, and Expodefensa gives them a place to put it on display. Here the attendees could see the MK19 Mod 3 40x53mm, a variety of sniper rifles and belt feds, mortars, and mix with the Jungle Commandos themselves,who were very professional and helpful in discussing their kit.