Caption: IDET 2021
The 16th International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET confirmed its position as one of the most important shows in Central Europe and NATO countries. In conjunction with the related PYROS fire technology and ISET security technology fairs, it was a comprehensive presentation of the Integrated Rescue System forces and their suppliers. A total of 496 exhibiting companies from 27 countries took part in the security fairs, whose stands were visited by over 24,000 mostly professional visitors from home and abroad.
IDET 2021 was held in standard form at the level of recent editions. The world continues to face complex security challenges that require investment in strengthening defence capabilities, which was reflected in the scope and quality of the fair's offerings. The excellent standard of IDET 2021 was appreciated by VIP guests, exhibitors and numerous visitors. Everyone enjoyed the attendance, the opportunity for personal face-to-face meetings and the pleasant atmosphere.
See also: From 6 to 8 October 2021, the 16th International Defence and Security Technologies Fair IDET 2021 will take place in Brno
"Enough with the video conferences. I am glad that the trade fair can be held in person, even though this was not at all certain a few months ago," said Jiří Kuliš, CEO of BVV Trade Fairs Brno. "As a citizen, I feel very safe. I believe that this year's edition will contribute to better equipping the security forces so that we can feel even safer," continued the Director General in his speech. In his opening speech, Defence Minister Lubomír Metnar said, "I am pleased that the entire exhibition area is filled and that almost 500 domestic and foreign exhibitors are presenting themselves. That is why we regularly participate in IDET. It is an ideal opportunity to learn about new technology projects, which certainly include artificial intelligence, biotechnology, robotics and space technologies."
The opening ceremony was also attended by Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Industry and Trade and Minister of Transport Karel Havlíček, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jakub Kulhánek and Minister of Defence of Hungary Tibor Benkö. The VIP guests of the trade fairs also included the Minister of Defence of Slovakia Jaroslav Naď, State Secretary of the Ministry of Defence of Slovakia Marian Majer, members of the Committee for Defence and the Committee for Security of the Parliament of the Czech Republic, Chiefs of the General Staff of the Czech and Slovak Republics Aleš Opata and Daniel Zmeko, Chief of the Military Office of the President of the Republic Jan Kaše, Director General of the Fire Service of the Czech Republic Vladimír Vlček and Rector of the University of Defence Zuzana Kročová.
Based on the invitation of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Brno Trade Fairs Company, IDET 2021 was visited by members of official delegations from the territories of interest and representatives of foreign armies from 31 countries (Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Egypt, Philippines, France, Italy, Austria, Canada, Republic of Korea, Hungary, India, Iran, Israel, Germany, Jordan, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Romania, North Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, USA, UK, Vietnam). A highlighted country at IDET 2021 was Israel with the official stand of the Ministry of Defence agency SIBAT, which participated in the fair for the first time. Another first-time participant was the official participation of the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan.
The fair confirmed the strong position of the Czech defence and security industry, which has long exported more than 90 per cent of its production, and in 2020 the value of its exports rose to almost CZK 17 billion (one billion more than in 2019). A memorandum of cooperation between the Czech Export Bank and the Agency for Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation, which was established by the Ministry of Defence to support the export of the domestic defence industry, was signed at the fair. The exhibits of Czech exhibitors attracted interest, for example, the self-propelled wheeled howitzer DITA, which was presented in its Czech premiere by EXCALIBUR ARMY.
The largest area was occupied by the exhibition of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Army of the Czech Republic with the main themes of modernisation of the armed forces and 30 years since the first foreign operation in which Czech soldiers were involved. At the stands of foreign suppliers, visitors could also see the latest acquisitions for which the Ministry of Defence signed contracts just before the fair - Caesar self-propelled howitzers from the French company Nexter Systems and the Spyder anti-aircraft missile complex from the Israeli company Rafael.
The Start-up Innovation Pavillion - a joint exhibition of five young innovative companies - had its premiere. It was organised by the Defence and Security Industry Association to showcase the high potential of start-up companies and connect them with larger partners. 3D printing was also a new theme this year, presenting solutions for printing components for the defence industry, for example from metals or composite materials for prototype development and spare parts production.
The 9th Cyber Security Conference was held under the auspices of the Czech branch of AFCEA. The IDET Arena field polygon with dynamic demonstrations of military, firefighting and police equipment was again an attractive part of the security fairs.
See also: IDET 2019 - International Defence and Security Technologies Fair in Brno
The best exhibits of the fair were awarded three IDET Gold Awards and one Honourable Mention. The expert jury decided on the Golden IDET award for the Titus 6x6 wheeled armoured vehicle, which is the result of cooperation between Tatra Defence Vehicle, Tatra Trucks and the French manufacturer of special defence equipment Nexter Systems. The award went to the ReGUARD multi-purpose 3D radar from Retia. The third IDET 2021 Gold Award goes to the RCWS MANTIS weapon station from EVPÚ Defence. The jury awarded an honorable mention for innovative product to the T4N handheld fire extinguisher with 3M Novec 1230 extinguishing agent from EAF protect.
The personality of the Defence and Security Industry Association was also announced at the fair. The winner was Professor Svatopluk Zeman, a renowned scientist in the field of energy materials. On the opening day, Minister Lubomír Metnar awarded Jiří Kuliš, CEO of Veletrhy Brno, with the Meritorious Cross of the Minister of Defence, 3rd degree, for long-term cooperation.
The next edition of IDET, PYROS and ISET will take place on the traditional date in May 2023.