At a time when the naval zeitgeist is buoyant, following a series of recent UK Ministry of Defence announcements. This includes the return to Carrier Strike Operations, further investment in anti-submarine warfare, commitment to a new generation of general purpose frigates and auxiliary ships, £1billion recently pledged to support the Royal Fleet Auxiliary and the 50th Anniversary of the Independent Continuous At Sea Deterrent. All of which helps to secure our maritime heritage into the future and many hundreds of jobs across the UK in shipyards and on operations around the world.

First Sea Lord, Admiral Sir Philip Jones KCB ADC said: “Once again the Royal Navy is proud to be at the vanguard of DSEI 2019 and I look forward to what I know will be a hugely beneficial opportunity for us all to explore maritime warfare development with so many partners from industry and academia, and with our counterparts from overseas.”

In addition to DSEI’s demonstration of naval capability, DSEI also plays host to the renowned Maritime Capability Conference which takes place on Monday 10 September, on the event’s “Day Zero”. The theme for this Conference, developed in partnership with the Royal Navy, will focus on Opportunities and threats presented by developments in cyber technology and the world of AI.

The conference will be complimented by a naval seminar programme within the exhibition, focusing on pertinent topics such as modern maritime security operations, including – for the first time – a session on the impact of cold water (Arctic) operations. This follows, and will reflect, the announcement of the UK’s new Arctic defence strategy.

Alongside the major international prime contractors] at DSEI, the rest of the supply chain is well represented, with many exhibitors attending from the small and medium-sized (SME) sector.