Japanese Minister of Defence Yasukazu Hamada opened the conference and welcomed delegates to DSEI Japan 2023, highlighting the opportunities it will provide for international collaboration.
A moving and timely speech was delivered from Volodymyr Havrylov, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine and an update of UK-Japanese defence collaboration from The Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, UK Secretary of State for defence.
In Minister Havrylov’s speech about the situation in Ukraine he made reference to how Russia underestimated Ukraine and went on to say how technology is providing winning effects on the battlefield. Havrylov’s comments were backed up by the fact that technology available on the market to Ukraine, which is out of reach of the Russians, gives them an advantage in the war. This state-of-the art technology is showcased at DSEI Japan by over 250+ exhibitors on the show floor.
In a separate address Ben Wallace praised the collaboration between the UK, Japan and Italy who joined forces to showcase the new Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) publicly for the first time since it was announced late last year.
In his speech Ben Wallace heralded GCAP as a great partnership between Japan, Italy and the UK, bridging Europe and the Pacific. He focussed on the technological innovation that GCAP bring, making clear that it is an international partnership not a local one.
On display at DSEI Japan is the high-tech GCAP stand, staffed by personnel from the three partnering countries. Attendees are able to see a new 3-metre model of the latest aircraft design and the industry partners have brought GCAP to life with a cockpit demonstrator and immersive simulators.
GCAP is not only a reflection of collaboration between governments but also defence companies. At DSEI Japan BAE Systems, MHI and Leonardo will be agreeing to progress to the next phase of the programme. Rolls-Royce, IHI (Ishikawajima Harima Jūkōgyō Kabushiki-gaisha) and Avio Aero will set out the terms under which they will pool their expertise to design, manufacture and test a full-scale future combat engine demonstrator. Mitsubishi Electric (Japan) & Leonardo UK; & Leonardo and Elettronica (Italy) agreeing to form special domain to develop advanced on-board electronics which will provide aircrew with information advantage and advanced self-protection capabilities.
The UK Defence Secretary also met with Japanese Defence Minister Hamada to reaffirm the UK and Japan’s shared values and further our close defence and security partnership.
James Samuel, Director, DSEI Japan, said: “It was great to see the event get off to a flying start with a warm welcome from Minister Hamada and addresses from Ben Wallace and Volodymyr Havrylov. DSEI Japan is all about international collaboration and the seniority of the speakers is testament to the importance of the event in the global defence calendar.
We are delivering on our three key aims for the show, firstly to provide the Japanese Ministry of Defence and Japanese buyers a chance to speak with international companies, secondly for Japanese companies to be able to meet with international MODs and delegations and thirdly to provide as a platform for critical bi-lateral meetings. I look forward to welcoming visitors on day two and three.”
Speaking afterwards the Rt Hon Ben Wallace MP, UK Secretary of State for Defence commented: “The Global Combat Air Programme is an enduring, strategic partnership that will see the creation of a sixth generation fighter, to protect our skies for decades to come and bring together an alliance of nations, bridging Europe and the Pacific. It’s exciting to be working alongside Japan and Italy and see this project fuse the best of all our technologies, locking in a partnership of liberal and open democracies who believe in the rule of law.”
“DSEI Japan is really important as it allows Japanese industry capabilities to be showcased. It also allows our own armed forces to access affordable defence opportunities. It’s important for western companies to come together to collaborate to create a diverse supply chain.”