The Latin America Aero & Defence 2011 Exhibition, Latin America’s leading trade exhibition for the sector, opens its doors tomorrow, Tuesday April 12th for the rest of the week, at the Riocentro in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
Every two years LAAD brings together authorities and major players in the Brazilian and global defence industry. This year, the organisers are predicting a sharp rise in Visitor numbers – 24,000 from 60 countries (up from 18,000 in 2009) and Exhibitors – 600 (up from 336 in 2009). The exhibition will cover a total of 47,000 m², including 18 National Pavilions and 55 Official Delegations from 53 countries are expected.
The eighth edition of LAAD will devote more space to public security, a topic that is increasingly considered an integral part of the debate on national security, particularly in light of the preparations for the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games, both of which will be held in Brazil.
Sérgio Jardim, show manager of LAAD, stresses that the increased amount of space devoted to public security at the event reflects a global trend. “Integration between armed forces and security forces is a recurring theme because of ongoing projects in border security, wealth protection and organisation of high-visibility events, such as the World Cup and Olympics,” he says.
He draws attention to the fact that this is the second edition of the event since the National Defence Policy was issued. “This is a time at which agreements and acquisition programmes are in progress. Vendors from several countries are looking for business opportunities in Brazil,” he says.
In 2009, Visitors were split between 39% Suppliers and 61% Buyers. Of the Buyers, the Army represented 21%, the Navy 23%, the Air Force 16% Police 11% and Civil Buyers 29%.