Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2015, which takes place at ExCeL London on 15-18 September, will have its strongest ever aerospace offering, with leading platform and systems suppliers as well as smaller, specialist systems suppliers. The event will again feature an Air Zone dedicated to the aerospace supply chain.

While aerospace platforms are still central to the capabilities that will be on show at this year’s DSEI exhibition, the event will also reflect the increasing emphasis on through-life support and selective upgrades – a development which is being driven by the critical global trend in capital-intensive programmes.

Rear Admiral Simon Williams, Chairman of DSEI organisers Clarion Events, believes that while the current focus of military aerospace procurement is on platforms, especially fast jets, the longer term will see systems design, development and integration come to the fore.

He said: “The new generation of fast jets is designed to have a long life and to be highly upgradeable, so demand for systems will be constant. The market is very large – currently NATO member countries have some 4200 fast jets with significant orders in place for new aircraft, notably the F-35.”