London. 20 June 2019. To mark its twentieth anniversary, the organisers of Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) launch a podcast series titled “Defence and Security Debates”. The series includes four “round table” panel discussions with leading voices from the UK defence and security community, including: senior military, government officials, Defence Ministers, Members of Parliament and industry figureheads from DSEI’s core exhibitor base.
The Debates focus on four core themes: Defence Procurement, Cross Sector Exploitation, People and Skills, and Future Defence Capability. Led by DSEI Chairman, Rear Adm. Simon Williams, each episode the panel examines how these areas have developed in the two decades since DSEI was established, current challenges and opportunities.
The first episode on Defence Procurement, features Stuart Andrew MP, Minister for Defence Procurement; Louis Taylor, CEO UK Export Finance, Department for International Trade; Matt Wiles, Chief Executive UK, Leidos; and industry commentator, Howard Wheeldon.
Participants focus on defence equipment acquisition, the vital role played by the UK supply chain, and routes to global markets. The panel consider the delivery of effective and reliable defence equipment and support within budget and the Defence Industrial Policy. The role and contribution of defence exports over the past 20 years and importance of international trade and collaboration. This episode is tied to DSEI 2019 campaign to promote the Defence Supply Chain, and International partnerships.