A record 132 Australian defence industry companies were showcased at this year’s Defence and Security Equipment International exhibition (DSEI) in London, as part of Defence’s Team Defence Australia (TDA) delegation.

The Australian delegation at DSEI UK included more than 250 representatives from small to medium-sized companies, academics as well as more mature exporters who showcased their products to foreign defence forces and defence companies from around the world.

Assistant Secretary Policy, Events and International Programs Branch Liane Pettitt said DSEI UK was a perfect opportunity to showcase what Australian defence industry companies have to offer.

“DSEI UK provides an ideal platform for Australian defence industry companies to present and demonstrate new and innovative equipment and technologies to a targeted Defence triservice audience,” Ms Pettitt said.

“At DSEI UK, Team Defence Australia provided the participating Australian defence industry companies space on the custom-built Australian pavilion to showcase their capabilities, and this year worked in collaboration with ADMA (Aerospace Maritime Defence Australia) to host a successful Industry Symposium at Australia House in London.”

Major General (retd) David Coghlan, who was this year’s DSEI UK TDA senior military advocate and provided Army specialist expertise in business-to-business official meetings, said the opportunity for businesses of all sizes to step up was enormous.

“DSEI UK connects governments, national armed forces, industry leaders and the entire defence and security supply chains on a global scale,” Major General (retd) Coghlan said.

“With a range of valuable opportunities for networking, a platform for business, access to relevant content and live-action demonstrations, there is a mutual benefit for both Australian defence industry and Defence.”

The event, which ran from September 9 to 12, attracted more than 50,000 attendees.