UK participates in the African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition 2016
The UK government's participation in the African Aerospace and Defence Exhibition(AAD) was themed around innovation and partnerships.
The UK companies exhibited a wide range of innovative defence and security capabilities at AAD 2016. This reflects UK government and UK companies’ continuing commitment to partnership with Africa.
UK companies are offering new capabilities to meet Africa’s security challenges, especially border protection where the UK is a global leader. The UK delegation to AAD offers particular strengths in counter-poaching, disaster relief, borders and maritime security.
UK companies are looking to develop innovative industrial partnerships across Africa. AAD is an ideal opportunity for companies from the UK and across Africa to identify areas where they can work together.
British High Commissioner to South Africa, Dame Judith Macgregor said:
The UK is recognised as a world leader in the security field, largely due to our long experience of having to deal with a significant security threat. The UK has particular strengths in Major Event security, Critical National Infrastructure Protection, Counter-Terrorism and Policing, Cyber Security, Border Security, Offender Management and Services (such as guarding, consultancy and training). The strong participation of the UK in the African Aerospace and Defence Show highlights the importance that the UK places in the relationship with South Africa, and the wider region.
The UK team is led by Air Vice Marshal Nigel Maddox Senior Military Advisor in the Department of International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation, supported by Stuart Armstrong, the Assistant Director for Africa.
Sophie Lane Regional Director, Department for International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation said:
South Africa is an important partner for the UK and we are continuing to deepen and strengthen our defence relationship. We also value relationships across Africa and welcome opportunities to discuss how the UK is developing solutions and to share experience and expertise. The world is ever changing and the role of the Armed Forces, Security and Police Forces in securing the safety of our citizens requires an ever increasing breadth of tactics, doctrine and equipment. I am very keen that UK companies look for industrial partnerships and joint ventures in Africa so that we can continue to share knowledge, understanding and technology that will take our relationship from strength to strength.
Both UK industry and UKTI Defence and Security Organisation look forward to a successful 2016 AAD exhibition. Visit the UK Stand at 4E13 in Hanger 4, AFB Waterkloof, Centurion from 14-18 September. The exhibition is open to the public 17 and 18 September.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Isabel Potgieter, Spokesperson British High Commission Mobile: +27 (0)833911606 Email: Spokesperson / Isabel Potgieter
Notice to Editors:
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UKTI DSO stand is in Hangar 5 stand E4
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For more information please contact Adam Thomas, Senior Press Officer on 0044 7775 817835
Stands
Companies on the Department for International Trade’s Defence and Security Organisation include:
- Inmarsat
- Horstman
- QinetiQ
- WFEL
- Systematic
- Tyron Ltd