IDET
24.-26.5. 2023

The 16th IDET International Defence and Security Technologies Fair has confirmed its position as one of the most important exhibitions in Central Europe and NATO countries. In connection with the concurrently held PYROS International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair and ISET International Security Technology and Services Fair, the fair was a comprehensive presentation of the components of the Integrated Rescue System and their suppliers. A total of 496 exhibiting companies from 27 countries took part in the security fairs; their stands were viewed by over 24 thousand trade visitors from the Czech Republic and abroad.

IDET 2021 was held in its standard format at the level of the last years. The world continues to face complex security challenges that require investment in strengthening the defence capabilities, which has been reflected in the scope and quality of the trade fair offer. The excellent level of IDET 2021 was appreciated by VIP guests, exhibitors as well as numerous visitors. Everyone enjoyed live events, the possibility of a face-to-face meetings and pleasant vibes.

At the invitation of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic, Armed Forces of the Czech Republic and the company BVV Trade Fairs Brno, members of official delegations from territories of interest and representatives of foreign armed forces from 31 countries (Brazil, Burkina Faso, China, Egypt, Philippines, France, Italy, India, Iran, Israel, South Africa, Jordan, Canada, Republic of Korea, Hungary, Germany, Nigeria, Pakistan, Poland, Austria, Romania, Northern Macedonia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Sweden, Thailand, Turkey, USA, United Kingdom and Vietnam) attended the IDET fair. The highlighted country of IDET 2021 was Israel with its official display run by the SIBAT (the International Defence Cooperation Directorate of the Israel Ministry of Defence), which participated in the trade fair for the first time. Another premiere at the fair was had by the official participation of the Ministry of Defence of Pakistan.

The fair reaffirmed the strong position of the Czech defence and security industry, which has long exported over 90 percent of its production, and the value of its exports increased to almost 17 billion Czech crowns in 2020. A memorandum of cooperation between the Czech Export Bank and the Agency for Intergovernmental Defence Cooperation, established by the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic to support the exports of the Czech defence industry, was ceremoniously signed directly at the fair. Among the exhibits of Czech exhibitors, the self-propelled wheeled howitzer DITA, which was presented in the Czech premiere by the company EXCALIBUR ARMY, met with great acclaim.

The largest area was occupied by the display of the Ministry of Defence of the Czech Republic and the Armed Forces of the Czech Republic with the main topics of modernization of the armed forces and 30 years since the first foreign operation in which Czech soldiers participated. At the stands of foreign suppliers, visitors could also get acquainted with 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 Spyder anti-aircraft missile set from the Israeli company Rafael.

A premiere was had by the Start-up Innovation Pavillion – a display of five young innovative companies. It was organized by the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic with the aim of presenting the high potential of start-up companies and connecting them with larger partners. A new topic this year was also 3D printing, presenting printing solutions for components for the defence industry, such as metals or composite materials for the development of prototypes and the production of spare parts.

As part of the professional supporting program, the 9th Cyber ​​Security Conference was held, promoted by the Czech branch of AFCEA. The IDET Arena off-road polygon with live demonstrations of military, firefighting and police equipment has once again become an attractive part of the security fairs.

The best exhibits of the fair were handed three Golden IDET awards and one honorable mention. An expert jury decided on the Golden IDET award for the Titus 6x6 wheeled armored vehicle, which is an outcome of cooperation between Tatra Defence Vehicle, Tatra Trucks and French manufacturer of specialized defence land forces products Nexter Systems. The award went to the ReGUARD multi-role 3D radar from the company Retia. The third Golden IDET 2021 was given to the RCWS MANTIS weapon station from the manufacturer EVPÚ Defence. The jury awarded an honorable mention for an innovative product to the T4N hand-held fire extinguisher with 3M Novec 1230 fire protection fluid from the company EAF protect.

The personality of the Defence and Security Industry Association of the Czech Republic was also solemnly announced at the fair – the nominee this year was Professor Svatopluk Zeman, a recognized scientist in the field of energy materials.

The next IDET, PYROS and ISET trade fairs will take place on their traditional date in May 2023.