HIGH DEMAND

The 50th anniversary is also having an impact on demand from exhibitors. At this stage, around 1,000 exhibitors have already registered. The most important industry leaders will once again be joined by numerous newcomers and first-time exhibitors. Demand is particularly high in the area of hunting and sporting guns, ammunition and optics and the associated accessories. The relevant halls are fully booked except for a handful of spaces. Retailers and visitors can look forward to the flourishing thermal imaging segment, which is concentrated in Hall 4A. The airsoft segment, which will be located in Hall 2 next year, is also growing. Here, too, there will be another highlight for visitors in addition to the AIRSOFT Shooting Range. IWA OutdoorClassics is thus asserting its role as the leading international trade fair for hunting and shooting sports. “Our mission is to present the numerous opportunities and synergies that our interlinked segments offer,” says Renn. “IWA OutdoorClassics is the platform where innovation, collaboration and inspiration come together to redefine hunting, shooting and the outdoor experience,” Renn concludes.

ABOUT IWA CLASSICS

IWA OutdoorClassics is the world’s leading exhibition for the hunting and target sports industry. From hunting, sporting and airsoft weapons to clothing, high-quality outdoor equipment and personal safety equipment – the IWA OutdoorClassics product portfolio covers the entire range of the trade. In 2023, the trade fair welcomed a total of 34,000 trade visitors from 119 countries to Nuremberg. In 2024, IWA OutdoorClassics will celebrate its fiftieth anniversary and will take place from 29.02.-03.03. at the Exhibition Center Nuremberg.

The 12^th edition of the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exposition saw the return of the “new normal” post-pandemic with full exhibition halls and a record number of visitors and exhibitors. As has been the custom for many years the exposition was held at the EXCEL Centre in the London Docklands. According to statistics provided by the event organizers, attendance was up by 23% compared to DSEI 2019 (with DESI 2021 being something of a watershed mid-pandemic), the event hosting over 1,500 exhibitors, including more than 250 first-time exhibitors. As a globally recognized international event, it featured 36 international pavilions, that of the USA doubling in size from the last event. VIP visits topped 3,500 and international delegations exceed 100. The exhibition areas are two very large rectangular halls with adjacent docking facilities for visiting warships from several nations.

Many of the new exhibitors at DSEI 2023 were within “Future Tech”, including Sony, IBM, Oracle, Panasonic, and Palantir who were among the companies demonstrating the broad reach of DSEI beyond its traditional defense and industrial base. These companies exhibited alongside the traditional defense industry, including all the major manufacturers.

The exposition is sponsored by the UK Ministry of Defence which has large, single-service exhibition areas. The principal Army event of the show was the formal introduction into service of the Knight’s Armament Company (KAC) KS-1 5.56mm assault rifle (British nomenclature L403A1) as the Alternative Infantry Weapon (AIW) and the weapon of choice of the recently formed “Ranger” brigade. The KS-1 has a modified direct gas-impingement system and bucks the recent trend of piston-operated generic Armalite-type (AR-15) platforms.

Continuing a recent trend of Turkish manufacturers of sporting firearms moving into the production of military small arms, there was a large presence of the former at DSEI 2023. Among those exhibiting was Sarsilmaz with their 9x19mm SAR 109T sub-machine gun based on the classic M4 carbine type-chassis and yet another copy of the venerable soviet/Russian AKM, the SAR 15T which is reportedly in service with the Turkish armed forces.

Another Turkish manufacturer offering a number of small and large caliber small arms was Canik, previously best known for its handgun production.

Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited (AWE), formerly Ordnance Factory Kanpur who were previously part of the former Ordnance Factory Board (OFB) of India before the 2021 reorganization of the latter into seven private sector entities, provided a display of their current small arms and infantry weapon products.

Another AWE product is their belt-fed 7.62x51mm “LMG” with monobloc receiver the design of which is reminiscent of the Barratt LW240 design of some years ago.

Given the prominence of the show, market leaders in the manufacture of small arms and infantry weapons were in attendance.

The Germany-based manufacturer of small arms Heckler & Koch also previewed an example of their HK421, a compact lightweight version of their MG5 general purpose machine gun (GPMG), the latter is also thought to be contender in the forthcoming UK MoD competition to replace the in-service L7A2 GPMG.

SIG Sauer were present and showed examples of the XM7 automatic rifle, XM250 light machine gun, and 338 Norma Magnum (NM) caliber medium machine gun (MMG), with interest in the latter being expressed by several armies who wish to fill the gap between the effective range of 7.62mm NATO caliber weapons and the larger heavier .50 Browning (12.7x99mm) caliber heavy machine gun (HMG) with a man-portable weapon in the intermediate caliber approximating the size and weight of the classic rifle caliber GPMG.

The UK-based Steel Core Designs is an independent company traditionally offering a range of precision arms. At this show, the company unveiled a new rifle in a departure from its regular line, the “Black Widow” selective-fire assault rifle in 5.56x45mm NATO caliber. A new design that does not owe its origins to the generic Armalite AR-15 platform.

The SAAB AB Carl Gustaf 84mm recoilless gun system was available to view in the latest M4 configuration. First entering service with the Swedish armed forces in 1948, the M2 version saw widespread adoption during the Cold War period. It was a contemporary of the later Soviet RPG-7 grenade-launcher, both systems initially entered service in the anti-tank role. With the subsequent introduction of disposable, shoulder-fired anti-armor weapons the days of the “Charlie G” appeared to be numbered. However, the continuing need for a gun and selectable ammunition combination led to the introduction of the M3 variant and subsequent adoption as the Multi-Role Anti-Armor Anti-Personnel Weapon System (MAAWS) by the U.S. armed forces. Much lightened from the M2 configuration’s 14.2kg (31 lb.) all-steel construction, the M4 bi-material barrel construction gun now weighs in at ~ 7kg (~15 lb). Another feature has been the development of multiple types of warheads. The latest HE 448 round when used with the fire control device (FCD) 558 can be programmed to burst on impact or air-burst, selection being made while the round is chambered ready for firing.

The Polish Armaments Group PGZ (Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa S.A.), a holding company established by the Polish government to unite Polish state-owned defense industry companies, were in attendance with a range of their product line, including the GX Warhead series for unmanned vehicles and UAVs developed by the Military Institute of Armament Technology. Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów (ZMT) of Tarnow have developed a new range of small arms based on the generic Armalite AR-15 platform.

On show floor was the AJAX tracked armored fighting vehicle (AFV), a replacement for the British long serving Warrior AFV that has been at the center of technical issues and program delays. The AJAX fleet will consist of a number of sub-variants, and should no further technical issues arise, the prime manufacturer General Dynamics is expected to begin deliveries sometime in 2025.

Much in evidence in media coverage of the Ukraine/Russia conflict is the BAE Systems M777 155mm Lightweight Towed Howitzer which has been sold in large numbers.

The South Korean armored vehicle manufacturer Hanwha has been successful with several major export sales of their K9 Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer (SPH). The British Army is looking to fill the gap in self-propelled artillery after a significant number of the fleet of ageing AS90 SPHs were transferred to Ukraine.

The present conflict in the Crimea between the Ukraine and Russia has, to the uninitiated eye, raised issues as to the viability of main battle tanks (MBT’s) in any future conflict and this edition of DSEI did not feature large, armored displays, reflecting perhaps a wait-and-see mood in regards to what equipment will be fielded over the next decade?

SHOW REGISTRATION:  Registration for DSEI 2023 was online-only. No facility for registration on-site was provided. Prior registration (online-only) is expected to become an established practice going forward.

NEXT SHOW: DSEi 2025, 9-12 September

LOCATION: EXCEL Centre, London Docklands

Seven prominent companies have made a resounding commitment to participate in the highly acclaimed Defence Services Asia (DSA) and National Security Asia (NATSEC Asia) 2024 exhibition, signifying an exceptional show of support. This commitment was formalized during the contract handover ceremony at the ongoing Defense & Security (D&S) 2023 event in Bangkok, Thailand. This strong industry backing underscores the pivotal role of DSA & NATSEC Asia as a premier platform for the global defense sector. 

Witnessed by Secretary General Malaysian Ministry of Defence, Datuk Seri Isham Bin Ishak, and General Tan Sri Datuk Seri Mohammad bin Ab Rahman, Chief of Defence Force Malaysia, the ceremony included the participation of Ikramatic Systems Sdn Bhd, Mildef International Technologies, OpenApps Sdn Bhd, System Consultancy Services Sdn Bhd, Kemalak Group, Ketech Asia, dan Beijing Bunch Exhibition Services representing China Pavilion. 

Where Global Defense Innovation Meets Unprecedented International Support

Over the years, DSA’s exhibition floor consistently draws the attention of international exhibitors. In the 2022 edition, the event welcomed a total of 380 VIP delegations from 34 nations, attesting to its standing as the largest and most efficient homeland defense and security show in Asia. Distinguished guests had the opportunity to witness the presentation of the world’s most advanced technology, cutting-edge systems, hardware, and electronic warfare offerings. 

Following the successful conclusion of the 2022 edition, a resounding 90.4% of the participants expressed their unwavering commitment to returning to DSA and NATSEC Asia in 2024. This high rate of return underscores the show’s reputation as a vital gathering for industry leaders, government representatives, and defense and homeland security agencies from across the region. The primary objective remains to foster mutual trust and promote collaboration among all stakeholders.

Preparations for DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024, scheduled for 6-9 May 2024 at the Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC), are already well underway. Buoyed by the success of DSA and NATSEC Asia 2022, the organizers are determined to deliver excellence once again to ensure the success of DSA and NATSEC Asia 2024.

Building Resilient Nations for the Next Generation

Continuous sustainable growth requires stability vis a vis peace, safety, security, and harmony. Consequently, it is vital for nations to build resilience, not only for their immediate survivability but also for the prosperity of future generations. The theme of ‘Building Resilient Nations for The Next Generation’ has been chosen for the upcoming edition of DSA & NATSEC Asia. This strategic platform serves as an arena for decision-makers to engage in critical discussions and formulate the best strategies to ensure the stability and security of future generations.

“All Nations aspire to progress and develop. Defense and security must be seen as an investment. Only nations that invest strategically in their defense and homeland security will cultivate credible forces capable of continuously safeguarding their sovereignty, maintaining law and order, and ensuring that their people can lead peaceful lives and enjoy economic prosperity,” commented DSA Executive Director, Mr. Nadzeem Abdul Rahman. These insights were shared during the foreword objective of the next edition’s theme selection at the launch of the Malaysian Pavilion held at D&S.

Platform to Forge Resilience

In the recent 2024 budget announcement, the Malaysian government has demonstrated its commitment to bolstering defense readiness and national security by allocating increased resources to the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Home Affairs. The Ministry of Defence has been allocated RM19.7 billion (US$4.37 billion), an increase of RM2 billion compared to 2023, aimed at facilitating the acquisition of essential new assets for the armed forces. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Home Affairs, has been allocated RM19 billion, an increase of RM500 million, reinforcing the nation’s overall security framework. 

The government’s comprehensive procurement plan encompasses a range of essential assets. Notable allocations include the acquisition of 12 new helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Air Force, substantial additions to the Malaysian Army’s arsenal, featuring 60 infantry fighting vehicles, 50 High Mobility Light Tactical Vehicles (HMLTV), six Hovercraft Integrated Fast Interceptors, and 733 support vehicles. Additionally, the plan involves crucial maintenance of two submarines, the continuation of acquiring three Littoral Mission Ships (LMS) for the Royal Malaysian Navy, and the replacement of outdated assets with seven twin-engine aircraft and five light helicopters for the Royal Malaysian Police.

In parallel, the government is fortifying maritime security with the acquisition of 45 diverse types of boats for the Malaysian Army and nine cutting-edge patrol vessels. This initiative extends to the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), enhancing border and maritime security through the procurement of nine new patrol boats, further reinforcing efficiency and control at international entry points.

Gathering of Global Defense and Security Industry

Since the conclusion of the 2022 edition, the organizers have received participation and early commitments, underlining the industry’s strong support for DSA & NATSEC Asia. Notable exhibitors, such as Roketsan Missiles Inc, CANiK (Samsun Yurt Savunma A.S), FNSS, Aselsan, East Gear International, SWAT Footwear (M) Sdn Bhd, International Securities Sdn Bhd (ISC), among many others, have already signed the participation contracts, demonstrating early commitment to this significant event.

In a testament to the platform’s effectiveness for the global defense industry, a growing number of Malaysian companies have expanded their exhibition space for the upcoming edition, reflecting their confidence in the event’s value. Furthermore, more companies are expected to finalize their participation by the end of this year.

The list of national pavilions that have already confirmed their participation includes Austria, China, the Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, Slovakia, South Africa, Switzerland, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the USA. 

For inquiries and participation, please visit www.dsaexhibition.com or contact us at enquiry@dsaexhibition.com.