How can Europe successfully deal with future threat
scenarios? These and other vital issues affecting security
and defense will again have an important part to play at the
ILA Berlin from 13 to 17 May 2020. In addition to the German
armed forces, the Bundeswehr, which is the largest exhibitor
at this event, the military forces of many other countries
will also be represented, with the latest aircraft and most
up-to-date technology. Delegations and visitors from over
one hundred countries are expected to attend the ILA. More
than 200 aircraft can be seen in the air and on the display
areas.
BDLI President Dirk Hoke says: “Military aviation again
plays a decisive role at the ILA. We are the driving force
for innovations, in our efforts to meet the increasing
contribution by the German armed forces to safeguarding
democracy, security and prosperity in Europe. Our entire
industry, comprising systems houses and the supply sector, a
large proportion of which consists of small and medium-sized
businesses (SMEs), has at its disposal some outstanding
technical skills in Germany and in Europe. These can be
experienced at close quarters at the ILA – from the
Eurofighter to the A400M, helicopters such as the H145, and
the products and digital services of our national support
industry, which makes a large and indispensable contribution
to the added value of airborne platforms.”
MSC displays innovations and joint ventures
At the Military Support Center (MSC) in Hall 3 the German
air force and industry are showing how they are working
together to ensure that aircraft and equipment are in a
constant state of readiness. The displays by systems houses
show how, working in close collaboration with the air force,
they are making new technologies in the areas of
digitalisation, connectivity and cyber-security available
for use by the Bundeswehr. Small and medium-sized companies
have a special part to play in ensuring that the armed
forces are ready for action and are able to deploy the
latest technological developments. As part of a complex
supply chain they make a significant contribution to the
efficiency of the systems, and their displays at the MSC
feature their extensive ranges of products and services.
Forward-looking employers
The Bundeswehr is exhibiting at the ILA to show that it is
an attractive and forward-looking employer. It offers some
unique careers which are impressive for the outstanding
quality of the training offered. Its remit – to protect
citizens and our democracy – demands the utmost reliability
and responsibility from each individual, along with teamwork
and professionalism. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force,
Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, is very impressed: “Come
to the ILA. This is where you can experience at close
quarters our aircraft and the hi-tech in service with the
Bundeswehr. But most importantly of all, you can get to know
the people behind it all, and the services that they provide.
All of them, from our A400M pilots to our civilian staff,
are part of our strong air force team. Together with the
BDLI we can provide a modern air force that is always ready
for action. We hope to see you at the ExpoCenter Airport,
where we can promise you a varied program including flying
displays, in accordance with the slogan: ’Luftwaffe feels
good’.
Europe is a powerful partner of the ILA
With the European Commission the ILA 2020 has the support of
an important partner. Collaboration between research and
industry is closer in the aviation and space sector than it
is anywhere else. In the years to come, under its new
leadership the European Commission is planning to take the
next steps towards a European defense union. This will
enable Europe to assume greater responsibility as a global
player in the international security architecture. The aim
is also to achieve greater European coordination in the
procurement of materials in order to create synergies and to
retain and expand skill levels in key technologies in Europe.
Discussions about these topics will be taking place at the
highest international level at the ILA.