Australian Industry At Major Defence Expo, London

Australian Industry At Major Defence Expo In London

About 20 Australian companies are joining forces in London this week to promote Australian Defence industry capabilities at the largest tri-service defence exhibition in the world.

Defence Minister Robert Hill today visited the Australian companies at the Defence Systems & Equipment International exhibition held in London’s docklands area.

Senator Hill said he was pleased the Government was able to sponsor a ‘Team Australia’ stand at the exhibition to ensure as many companies as possible could be represented at this important defence exhibition, including many small companies that would otherwise not be able to be there.

"About 26,000 visitors are expected to visit the exhibition over four days including 83 overseas delegations from 60 countries," Senator Hill said.

"More than 1200 companies are exhibiting from 34 countries and there are 21 national pavilions including Australia."

The exhibition focuses on Defence, Emergency Services and Homeland Security sectors of industry and will showcase eight warships alongside.

Senator Hill said DSEI is the most significant trade show of its type in the world and provides great networking and business opportunities on a very large scale.

"Australian industry will benefit from being involved through increased exposure of our niche capabilities to major international defence and security firms, as well as other potential customers," Senator Hill said.

"The ‘Team Australia’ stand aims to increase other countries' knowledge of the depth and extent of Australian industry capabilities and demonstrate Australian Government support to the Defence industry.

"Companies will be able to pursue the Joint Strike Fighter's industry program and promote recent technology advancements to the Northern Hemisphere.

"Australian defence industry, whilst small, has niche capabilities that are equal to or leading the world. However, most of the major defence & security firms are based in the Northern Hemisphere.

"Whilst Australia has overcome many of the issues related to distance for European companies doing business with Australia, this is another opportunity for Australian companies to demonstrate that distance and time zones are no obstacles."

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