The first International Security and Defence Trade Fair to take place in Spain opens its doors in Madrid.

The Army presented its own stand

The Minister opened FEINDEF

The Army Chief of Staff also attended the trade fair
 

The acting Defence Minister, Margarita Robles, opened the first International Security and Defence Trade Fair (FEINDEF, to use its Spanish abbreviation).  This exhibition brings together the most important companies from the defence and security industry, from Spain and abroad, and hopes to become the European benchmark for this sector.

The Minister highlighted the need to boost the European defence project and emphasised the need for investment in research, development and innovation. “Without a modern Armed Forces which is committed to preserving peace and freedom, we will not live in a safer world,” she affirmed.

The Army Chief of Staff, Army General Francisco J. Varela, was also in attendance and visited some of the 150 exhibitors, from a total of 11 different countries.

Force 2035 was one of the central focus points for FEINDEF and for the companies which work to develop new equipment which will serve as a basis for the new Brigade. Thus, amongst other equipment, they presented the new Sapper Combat Vehicle from Pizarro, which will offer the Army better capabilities than the armoured caterpillar truck.

The Army’s exhibitor grouped the materials on display into three categories: those which are in supply, those which are included in the experimentation plan and those which would provide the technological advantage which Force 35 is pursuing. In this area you could find all the information about the Army’s new outlook, illustrated with graphics so that all attendees could understand the information.

European institutions related to defence were at the event, as well as 40 official delegations from 27 different countries, showing the many opportunities for international collaboration which the new European defence framework offers. The event had a broad programme of forums and talks which addressed topical matters related to defence.

The trade fair, organised by TEDAE and ASEMIDE, with the assistance of the Ministry of Defence, will be open until the 31st of May and it is expected that more than 10,000 visitors connected to the security and defence sectors will attend.