BSDA: Largest S-E Europe military technique exhibition

Black Sea Defense and Aerospace 2018 (BSDA) - international exhibition dedicated to the defense industry, hosted by Romania – has attracted at this year’s seventh edition lots of companies that came to Bucharest to exhibit products in the field of military technology. A clear explanation for this interest was the fact that the Romanian market was much more attractive after Bucharest decided to allocate 2% of its GDP for the defense, with 40% of the budget allocated for Army purchases.

Minister of Defense Mihai Fifor said that Romaero International Fair should be an occasion for the Romanian State to conclude advantageous partnerships that would bring back, through off-set programs, significant amounts of money to revive the national defense industry. That is because Romania wants to become a regional hub for the production and development of military technology, as Minister Mihai Fifor specified:

"2018 is the second consecutive year when the Romanian Government allocates 2% of the Gross Domestic Product for the defense. Out of this 2%, almost 40% represents expenses dedicated to the endowment of the Romanian Army (...) We would very much like that a big part of this money will return to the national defense industry. This can only be possible through partnerships between specialized companies in the field and representatives of the national defense industry, through industrial cooperation, technology and know-how transfer, so that a major wish of the Romanian Government can be put into practice, and here I am referring to the transformation of the national defense industry and to Romania becoming a regional hub for the supply of military equipment.

There is no doubt that the Romanian Government has committed to continue to allocate 2% of the Gross Domestic Product for the defense during its whole mandate, that there is political determination to allocate these amounts by 2026 at least, that all major programs for the endowment of the Romanian Armed Forces will be accomplished, which will only revive the national defense industry and modernize the Romanian Army so that it can cope with any challenge, regardless of its nature".

Message of the Romanian President, Klaus Werner Iohannis, was delivered by the presidential advisor for national security, Constantin Dudu Ionescu. Romanian Presidency also expressed wish for cooperation with the foreign defense companies, both for the endowment of the Romanian Armed Forces and for the support of the national defense industry.

US Ambassador to Romania Hans Klemm highlighted the reputation of this exhibition:

"This is the only international fair in Romania that has official certification from the US Department of Commerce, and that recognizes the quality of the participants and the companies ... But also the enthusiasm that you bring to this exhibition. I was told that there are about 250 companies present at this international fair, including more than 50 US companies. Please take advantage of this opportunity to be informed about the products, services and capabilities these American companies offer".

After the opening ceremony of the International Military Technical Fair, Minister of National Defense Mihai Fifor made some press statements, occasionally referring to the important projects for the endowment o the Romanian Army. He mentioned the purchases of aircraft, which will involve the specialized factories in Braşov and Bacău, but he also brought some news - endowment of the Romanian Naval Forces with submarines, a procurement project that will follow the imposed procedure - approval of the Supreme Council of National Defense (CSAT) and the Parliament, and also acquisition of artillery batteries for the Black Sea coastal zone, a project to be submitted for the approval of the Government next week.

International Exhibition dedicated to the Aeronautics, Defense, National Security and Private Security 2018 - Black Sea Defense and Aerospace (BSDA) 2018 - runs from 16-18 May and brings together over 270 exhibitors from more than 25 countries.

BSDA is attended by some of the largest contractors in the field of defense, security, cyber security and aeronautics, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics, General Dynamics European Land Systems, Harris, Bell, Textron, L3 Technologies, FLIR Systems, Rockwell Collins, Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, Thales, Airbus, Naval Group, MBDA Missile Systems, Damen Shipyards, Fincantieri, Leonardo Company, Nurol Makina, STM, Rheinmetall, IVECO, Jeep, BMW Motorrad, Romarm, Romaero, Aerostar SA, Rom Tech, Pro Optics, UTI, Rohde & Schwarz.

During the event there will be demonstrations and exhibitions with equipment from the Romanian Armed Forces, the US Armed Forces and the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

First two days are dedicated to officials, business visitors and business people, last day is open for the general public.

Source:RRA.Translated by Miruna Matei