The conflict in Syria, ballistic missile tests in North Korea, terrorist attacks in Europe – this is not a complete list of what is happening on the international geopolitical arena. What do manufacturers in the protection and defence sector offer in response to the growing tensions not only in Europe, but around the world? For answers, the AKM Group-CZ team went to the world’s largest arms exhibition DSEI 2017.
This year’s event organisers note its ‘unrivalled scale’. During the exhibition days from 12-15 September in London, more than 1,600 developments from 54 countries were presented.
Each exhibitor endeavoured to surprise the public with the achievements of their developers. QinetiQ presented a mock-up of the future DRAGONFIRE laser directed energy weapon, which it is developing as part of the UK DRAGONFIRE consortium. Designed to provide key technologies for a defensive high energy laser weapon system that will be ready for testing by 2019. Lockheed Martin used the show to unveil its new Outrider reconnaissance UAV, which can be launched from the air, land or sea.
Thales unveiled the F90 Modular Bullpup Rifle, based on the F90 Austeyr rifle, at the show. The F90 Modular Bullpup Rifle offers several modifications. In addition to user swappable upper receiver groups, 14″, 16″ and 20″, the gas piston has been modified in order to pass the USSOCOM over the beach test.
‘Overall we are pleased with our attendance at DSEI 2017. Events of this scale are always a huge amount of new and interesting information in the field of armament, which is still to be further comprehended. Technologies are developing and improving every year, and many are truly impressive. AKM Group-CZ also set itself the task of holding a series of talks with manufacturers for further co-operation. We have successfully realised this task within the framework of DSEI 2017,’ shared the representative of AKM Group-CZ.
