Defence equipment event reflects operational changes
This year's Defence Vehicle Dynamics (DVD) event illustrates the step-change being experienced by the UK's Armed Forces as they begin to draw down in Afghanistan.
![Husky protected support vehicle tackles the deep water obstacle at the Millbrook Proving Ground, Bedfordshire [Picture: Kathryn Stewart, Crown copyright]](https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/image_data/file/12792/s300_DES-2013-080-0540g.jpg)
Husky protected support vehicle tackles the deep water obstacle
Organisers of DVD2013, the UK’s biggest military vehicle demonstration, have commented how the change of operational priorities have affected the event, with the focus now on equipment in a contingent capacity.
Over the last 10 years, the Army’s vehicles have changed dramatically both to counter the threats posed by operations in Iraq and Afghanistan but also to incorporate the latest technology. This year, DVD is bringing together industry and soldiers to look ahead to the future requirements of the Army post Afghanistan.
The event, running at Millbrook Proving Ground on 19 and 20 June, allows industry to hear first-hand from soldiers who have deployed on operations, and better understand the equipment that the Army will need to deliver for Future Force 2020 and beyond.
Terrier armoured digger on display at this year's Defence Vehicle Dynamics [Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown copyright]
Launching the event, Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, said:
Operations over the last 10 years have demanded that our vehicles were created or adapted to suit the challenges our Armed Forces faced in 2 very different campaigns.
Through the ingenuity and dexterity of UK industry our troops have been provided with the high-quality, battle-winning equipment they needed.
My challenge to industry for the next decade is maintain the drum-beat of innovation that has underpinned the delivery of capability we’re celebrating today as we transform our support to deliver the Army of the future under Army 2020.
Click here to hear more of Philip Dunne’s speech.
Minister for Defence Equipment, Support and Technology, Philip Dunne, seated inside the Foxhound protected patrol vehicle [Picture: Andrew Linnett, Crown copyright]
Major General Carew Wilks, Director Land Equipment in the MOD’s Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Organisation, said:
The impact of DVD over the last 10 years has been significant; from developing key relationships to driving innovation for kit and equipment, and ultimately, bringing capability into service.
The priority now is for sustaining and supporting all land equipment, preparing for contingent operations while maximising opportunities.
DVD2013 is the first year that the Army, alongside DE&S, is hosting the event. Director Logistics, Support and Equipment for the Army, Major General Paul Jaques, explained:
We’ve always been involved, but the difference this year is this is the first year that the Army formally has received the responsibility for budgeting and looking after its own equipment programme.
That’s a key change to our responsibilities. We’ve always been involved as users, but this year we’ve become the ‘customer’ with money.
On show at the event is a range of vehicles, from the heavily armoured Mastiff troop carrier to the protected yet agile Foxhound.
Support vehicles like the brand new remote-control Terrier also feature alongside Warrior, the Army’s workhorse.