On day two of DSEI Japan the main conference agenda focussed on lessons that can be learned from the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

In a discussion chaired by Koichi Isobe, Former Commander of Eastern Army, Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, an analysis of the Russo-Ukrainian war and how future conflicts could be avoided featured prominently. The session also covered the measures that were important to deter conflicts in a period of intensifying Great Power Competitions.

Elsewhere, a highlight of today’s seminar agenda was a session on cyber warfare where delegates heard from John Collyer, CIO and Director Information (British Army). He discussed the creeping threat of unofficial information warfare and the lessons that the British Army could learn from Ukraine.

Reflecting on the war in Ukraine during the seminar Mr Collyer said: “We stare without blinking at all the activities happening Ukraine and we work with our Ukrainian counterparts very closely. We will be doubling our expenditure on army Cyber and Electromagnetic Activities over the next five years.”

Day one and two have been busy on the show floor with new partnerships forming and high-level conversations between companies across the defence industry. Elbit Systems signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Nippon Aircraft Supply and Itochu Aviation. DSEI Japan has a large focus on giving SME’s a platform, and in this vein innovative British Military fast-jet company AERALIS announced a partnership with Japanese aircraft manufacturers, ShinMaywa. The two companies will work together to establish best practice in the implementation of Digital Engineering processes for aircraft design and manufacturing.

James Samuel, Director, DSEI Japan, said:

“The Russian invasion of Ukraine has unsurprisingly dominated deliberations in the defence industry over the past year and it is only right that a significant portion of DSEI Japan is dedicated to exploring themes around the lessons that can be learned.

It is great to see so much activity on the show floor, with many companies announcing agreements with Japanese and international partners proving DSEI Japan offers an unmissable opportunity for these conversations to take place.”