This year's International Defence Industry Exhibition is the showcase for the U.S. military presenting the Patriot missile system. Although the year of the pandemic may cause the exhibition to look less impressive than usual, there are still plenty of interesting exhibits and top-level business talks.
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Patriot missile system displayed by the U.S. at MSPO 2020 (Picture source: Twitter account of Rafal Surdacki)
The United Kingdom Lead Nation Exhibition is an important MSPO 2020 element. The Polish Armaments Group is this year’s MSPO Strategic Partner. The Expo has again been granted the Honorary Patronage of Republic of Poland President, Mr. Andrzej Duda.
While Raytheon presented elements of the Patriot missilesystem during the previous defence expo, the M901 launcher is displayed for the first time at Targi Kielce this year. The launcher showcased by the U.S. Army is complemented by the 8x8 M908 HEMTT tactical truck and PAC-3 missile sets. It should be noted that this package has been selected for the Polish medium-range air and missile defense programme "Wisła". The U.S. military is also displaying the well-known AH-64 Apache attack helicopter, which has impressed MSPO guests at past expos. The Americans also plan to organize a flyover of the Boeing P8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft, as it did last year.
UK Lead Nation Exhibition at MSPO 2020
The International Defence Industry Exhibition boasts the Lead Nations' Exhibition, a multi-year tradition, which is an indispensable part of the Expo since 2004. To date, thirteen countries have presented their military potential: Germany, Norway, France, Israel, Turkey, the USA, Sweden, the V4 Member Countries, Great Britain, Italy, and South Korea. MSPO 2020 offers the chance to visit the British Pavilion for the second time in MSPO history – UK was the Kielce MSPO featured country in 2010 for the first time.
MSPO 2020 - Safe and sound
With expos now back on track, trade fair organisers aredeveloping and implementing procedures designed to return to “business as usual” in this new reality.
“The safety of our guests, exhibitors and visitors is of the utmost importance . For MSPO, and for all autumn events, safety and security have been enhanced. We have taken a number of measures for safe participation in the events organised at Targi Kielce. Our mobile cabinets are equipped with body-temperature screening devices and automatic disinfection (decontamination) functions have been installed in Targi Kielce. In addition to these innovative booths, numerous precautions and measures are being plannedfor the duration of MSPO, such as intensified, regular disinfection of frequently touched infrastructure elements. Additional points of sales are available in front of entry terminals; face protecting masks, gloves and anti-virus fluids are available before entering the terminals. The Kielce Exhibition and Congress Centre is equipped with multiple information boards, traffic direction signs and strategic infrastructure elements such as medical service points and points of purchase, which offer personal protective equipment. There are hand disinfectants dispensers in all hallways and sanitary rooms,“Andrzej Mochoń, President of the Management Board indicated safety measures in the Kielce exhibition and Congress Centre.
What is on display at MSPO 2020?
MSPO is much more than a comprehensive showcase for armaments and military equipment. The expo abounds with business meetings and seminars. This is also the place where the defence sector producers from different continents sign contracts. About 140 companies from Poland, Belgium, China, the Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Israel, South Korea, Germany, South Africa, the United States, Switzerland, Taiwan, Ukraine, United Kingdom and Italy have already confirmed their presence in this year's expos. They will use over 9,000 square meters of exhibition space. Travel and transport restrictions have been introduced in connection with the pandemic. Companies from countries such as Israel and Ukraine are keen and ready to participate in this year trade show. However government restrictions necessitate that companies from countries which are subject to additional constraints, will have less equipment on display at the expo stands, with only regional representatives manning the booths.
The organizer of MSPO 2020 looks forward to seeing you in Kielce - 8-10 September 2020!
