UK's Secretary of State for Defence to Speak at DSEI 2015

The Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Michael Fallon MP, has confirmed that he will be attending Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) and delivering a keynote speech during the exhibition, which takes place from 15 - 18 September at ExCeL, London.

At a time of heightened security risk, with terrorism posed in an increasing number of forms, an unstable geopolitical environment and budgetary restraints, DSEI will provide a central platform for senior international military and political representatives to discuss current threats and get an exclusive view of the defence and security sectors' latest equipment and services.

The Secretary of State for Defence will be supported by other ministers from the Ministry of Defence including Philip Dunne MP, Minister of State for Defence Procurement, who is also lined up to attend and deliver a keynote address.

Mr Dunne, who is responsible for defence procurement and support of equipment, science and technology within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), has identified strongly with DSEI since he first assumed his role in 2012:

"The last DSEI in 2013 provided an impressive global platform for a huge range of British defence and security firms to showcase and promote their products, technologies and services. DSEI 2015 will provide a similar substantial forum, it is against a darker landscape that leaders of defence will once again come together. Different threats have emerged, with our collective security now facing new challenges. We find ourselves in a defining year for UK defence, with our five year Strategic Defence and Security Review in mid-stream. Times like these highlight the importance of partnerships with our allies, so DSEI provides a good opportunity for us to showcase our latest equipment, meet international partners and enhance our already strong relationships," Mr Dunne said.

DSEI 2015 will have unprecedented support from both the UK and international military, with senior personnel, including the four UK MOD service chiefs, confirmed to speak throughout the four days of the show.

A biennial highlight for the global defence and security industry, DSEI 2015 will host more than 1500 exhibitors and is expected to welcome over 32,000 visitors from around 120 countries, including 100 international delegations.