#Dsei

At the DSEI Japan 2023 integrated defense event held in Chiba from 15-17 March, drones and counter-UAV systems were at the center of attention. Companies from across Japan and the world presented drones built for every imaginable mission – from large, long-range platforms intended for strategic reconnaissance to tiny quadcopters intended to aid individual squads and platoons.

At the recent  Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI 2021) exposition in London, the British Army showed off its new future soldier concept. Developed under the program name ‘TommyWorks’ the UK’s land forces are looking to develop a more integrated and situationally aware soldier. The British Army’s theme for DSEI was ‘Future soldier: an integrated Army’

TFB travelled to the UK’s largest defense exposition, Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), where we took a look at some of the newest small arms technology. One of the first stands we headed to was Steyr’s in the hopes of getting a look at their improved G36 – the G62.

TFB’s visit to DSEI 2021 last week took in a range of new small arms but one of the most futuristic systems we had the chance to examine was the ARCAS or Assault Rifle Combat App System from Elbit Systems.

At DSEI 2021 in London, we took a look at Accuracy International’s latest pair of rifles. Back in February 2020, Accuracy International announced the introduction of the AX MKIII and the AX 50 ELR but with the global pandemic, this is the first time we’ve had a chance to take a closer look at them in person.

Back in March,  we reported that the Polish Army is seeking a new Designated Marksman Rifle. It has been reported by Polish media sources that FB Radom and Zakłady Mechaniczne Tarnów have been approached to submit proposals to fulfill the Polish Army’s requirements. This month, while attending DSEI 2021 in London, we got a look at both of the rifles reported to be in the running for the Polish Army’s DMR tender. Both companies are part of Polska Grupa Zbrojeniowa (PGZ SA) or the Polish Armaments Group. PGZ unites Poland’s defense industry under a single state-owned holding company.

Last week TFB travelled to the UK’s largest defense exposition, Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), where we took a look at some of the newest small arms technology – including FN Herstal’s new EVOLYS. Officially unveiled in May, DSEI 2021 is the first major event where the FN EVOLYS has been on display for the public to handle. On its launch FN Herstal hailed it as a ‘new chapter’ but some asked what set it apart from the battle-tested FN Minimi light machine gun, which FN continue to upgrade and offer for sale.

As we have recently reported the US Army’s Next Generation Squad Weapons program has moved into its next phase, with three companies downselected, one of these was SIG Sauer, who had their NGSW prototypes on display at this year’s 2019 Defence & Security Equipment International (DSEI) exposition in London. TFB were on-hand to get our first detailed look at the new family of weapons.

At this years Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exposition in London Heckler & Koch have brought along their Mid Life Improvement of the British military’s SA80. The first images of the L85A3 appeared last summer. But some photos from the expo floor, posted by Soldier Systems Daily, show off the rifle’s new configuration.

Its approaching the lowly gun writer’s favorite time of the year – product release season. After a quiet summer where companies have buckled down across an industry slowdown and focused on research and development, we are starting the season where they release said products – either before Christmas to take advantage of hunting/present seasons or SHOTShow here in January.

Along with professionals, gun industry expos and defense industry shows invariably attract a small but persistent crowd of haters determined to see them shutdown. Every couple of years some company is kicked out of a show for some minor infraction after a media “storm in a teacup”.

ArmyRecognition.com published a photo of an IWI UZI Pro on display at DSEi ’11 (London’s Defense Expo) featuring a new stock design and slightly different forend. The new stock is polymer with an adjustable cheek piece. I cannot make out if the stock is foldable. The previous stock was the standard UZI steel side folder. The newer forend now incorporates a collapsable foregrip and a slightly different trigger guard.

Another new gun on display at DSEi was this H&K HK416 sub-carbine / PDW. What is very interesting about this gun is the buttstock and upper receiver design.

If the suave gentlemen in the above photo had a beautiful woman beside him, I think the scene could hardly be distinguished from a Bond movie. Style, sophistication and an incredible amount of high explosive firepower!

This Glock 17 pistol, with thumb safety, was designed by Glock for use by the British Army. It was on display at DSEi ’09.