French Army taking “a more common sense approach”: Land Forces Commander

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Defence IQ recently had the honour of interviewing Lieutenant General Bertrand Clément-Bollée, Commander of the French Land Forces. View the video above or read his thoughts below as he reflects on the Armoured Vehicles event and outlines his forward strategy to ensure an adaptable vehicle fleet to be ready for the next operation, whatever it may demand.

(All of our video interviews with the world’s senior land force leaders are available online.)

Are our lessons from Afghanistan really relevant for the next campaign?

This question is essential and one asked by every army who has to manage future requirements and at the same time respond to the demands of the present, to current operational requirements. If I take Afghanistan, for example, it was firmly decided that the French Army would not fall into the trap of focussing only on Afghanistan. Clearly, it’s about considering the operational needs at hand, which were in Afghanistan and notably in the area of counter-IEDs, for example, while under no circumstances dragging the whole future of the French Army into a vision centred exclusively on Afghanistan. It’s a balance between future programmes – which are long-term programmes and which themselves must coherently balance costs and capabilities – and short-term responses, which must deal with immediate protection and take into account current operational requirements. This is an extremely fine balance, and it is important to maintain it.

Is it worth pursuing new technology if there is no immediate requirement?

Clearly, and you said it in your question, focussing exclusively on technical aspects only leads to a dead end; or in other words, purely technical improvements only lead to an explosion in costs, and I believe that our budgetary constraints today must drive us towards a more common-sense approach. An example that comes to mind was the case in which we preferred, even favoured – on the technological level – to respond to 60% of all requirements rather than 100% of one single requirement. For the French Army, this was the case of the Armoured <em>Vanguard</em> Vehicle. This vehicle was designed more than thirty years ago; it was designed to an extremely basic standard – an armoured truck with just secondary weapons for self-defence. In providing very basic specifications for this requirement, we enabled it – consciously or not, because it wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision at the time – to remain adaptable, and in particular, on the technical level, capable of bearing extra weight; which allowed us to adapt to new standards of armour; which allowed us to install a new protection system via a remotely-operated turret, brought forward after Afghanistan; and I think that’s what we, as officers, must keep in mind when we determine the capability requirements of our future programmes. That is, not throw ourselves into excessive requirements, which could fatally lead to an extremely costly industrial solution, but concentrate on “standardised” – in inverted commas – requirements that allow us to offset a much greater spectrum of capabilities.

What brought you to Defence IQ’s Armoured Vehicles event?

The biggest draw of these defence events is first of all the chance to exchange ideas, through the conferences that are part of the events, and then also the possibility to see the latest state-of-the-art industry products. These products both cover the operational needs of today and also shed light on the trends which may determine the needs of tomorrow. For us officers, who are in charge and are responsible for our country’s armies, and for determining the capability requirements of the French Land Forces, well this is an opportunity to see what is being done abroad, how the same problems are being dealt with by others and what the best takeaways are for ourselves.

Want to see a recap of what happened at IAVs last week?

With International Armoured Vehicles a success last week, there is already plenty of interest for IAVs 2014…

If you did not get the chance to attend International Armoured Vehicles 2013, here is a Promo Compilation film taken from Conference Day One of the Exhibition so that you can see what happened at IAVs.

This video will not only show what last weeks event consisted of but also give you a taster of what to expect next year. Watch the video here:

If you would like to attend International Armoured Vehicles 2014, email us at: Armouredvehicles@iqpc.co.uk

Take a look at the Defence Event Calendar for 2013

The Best of the Best in Armoured Vehicles… 2013 Award Winners

Defence IQ hosted the International Armoured Vehicles 2013 Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 6th February 2013 at the FIVE, Farnborough – part of the International Armoured Vehicles Conference & Exhibition.

The main conference began with a thought-provoking opening keynote by Lieutenant General Adrian Bradshaw of the British Army, and closed with a profound speech by the UK MoD’s Brigadier Ian Ridgen.  Afterwards, all attendees were invited to the Awards Ceremony and Drinks Reception (hosted by RUAG Defence).

Nominees were interviewed by military and OEM judging panels throughout the day, and winners were selected after an afternoon of deliberation by the judges.  We are please to announce the winners here:

Best Troop Protection Capability – Hutchinson Worlwide

Most Innovative Technology – ThermBright Passive Thermal Targets

Best Vehicle Platform – IVECO Defence Vehicles

Congratulations to the 2013 International Armoured Vehicles Awards Winners!

For more details, here were the nominees:

AWARD	NOMINATIONS	WINNER
Best Troop Protection Capability	ArmorWorks Metravib RUAG Defence SCHROTH Safety Products Hutchinson Worldwide	Hutchinson Worldwide
Most Innovative Technology	Tyron ThermBright Saab Barracuda Timoney Technology Vitavox	ThermBright
Best Vehicle Platform	IVECO Defence Vehicles Nexter Systems Renault Trucks Defense Streit Group ASL Group	IVECO Defence Vehicles

Exclusive Photos from the Awards Ceremony -

Want more information to International Armoured Vehicles 2014? Send us an email at Armouredvehicles@iqpc.co.uk for details on IAVs 2014 and more.

Thanks for joining us this year!

Sincerely,

The IAVs Team
Phelim, Kim, Claire, Sally, Suzie

Coverage from International Armoured Vehicles…

Hi everyone,

In case you missed the show yesterday, we’ve put together the highlights of the day into this Daily Digest, written by Andrew Elwell, Editor of Defence IQ: http://www.defenceiq.com/amoured-vehicles/articles/all-the-headline-news-from-international-armoured/

The Exhibition is open today until 3pm!

Here are some photos from yesterday, available on our Flickr account: http://www.flickr.com/photos/armouredvehicles

It was great to see old friends – some who’ve been attending since we were just a small conference at Queen Elizabeth Hotel (Warn Industries and Adrian G to name a few) – and some new ones who are excited to be part of International Armoured Vehicles (KTK and IAG).

A special thanks to our sponsors, speakers, and media partners, for their collaboration and support.

More coverage online:

Army Recognition is posting updated news by the hour on:  http://www.armyrecognition.com/iav_2013_news_coverage_report_pictures_video/index.php

Upcoming:

BBC Worldwide will be featuring IAVs on their Technology Showcase at the end of this month.

Photos from Regiment Magazine coming shortly – thanks David!

G3 Defence Featuring the Post-Show Report on their next month’s issue.

BFBS will be featuring interviews and the showcase at the end of this month.

Cheers,

Kim, Defence IQ

Last Chance for Free Exhibition Passes to IAVs 2013

Hi everyone,

With the International Armoured Vehicles Show only one week away, tomorrow is your last chance to apply for a Free Visitor Pass, taking place at the FIVE in Farnborough. (Exhibition runs of the 6-7^th February 2013)

Watch the video trailer for International Armoured Vehicles 2013:

Here’s a recap of everything you will benefit from onsite:

1)      Networking opportunities with senior military from 47 military nations – ask us for an updated attendee organisation list. Email us at Armouredvehicles@iqpc.co.uk.

2)      A display of 15 vehicles from the worlds leading Prime Manufacturers…such as:

• EKA
• IAG
• IVECO
• JCB
• Renault Trucks Defense
• Rheinmetall Chempro
• Streit Group
• Universal Engineering

View the Vehicle Infographic here.

3)      Interactive Networking opportunities onsite such as the Live Simulation Experience:

4)      20+ Complimentary taster sessions from the Innovation Stage featuring technical experts from the following:

View the Innovation Stage Agenda here.

So, for the last time, Join us at International Armoured Vehicles – Apply for your Pass Today.

You can also forward onto your colleagues so that they can also benefit from this offer. Visit www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com for more info.

This is open to all defence professionals or currently active executives involved with armoured vehicles.

Global Growth in the Armoured Vehicle Market: Heat Map 2013

Based on the results from a survey of Defence IQ readers conducted at the end of 2012, this heat map illustrates the perceived growth of the distribution of the global armoured vehicles market for the forthcoming decade.

Check out the heat map linked above to see where the potential growth is for the armoured vehicles market, and also to see which representatives will be onsite at International Armoured Vehicles next week!

There are only 3 days left to secure your free visitor pass to the International Armoured Vehicles exhibition 2013 at the FIVE in Farnborough. (Exhibition runs on 6th and 7th February 2013)

www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com

2013 Resolutions…

After a couple of weeks amidst the holiday celebrations, many people find themselves in a place of review and working up a list of resolutions. So, what is your business resolution for 2013? Could they be to…?

1. Stay better connected with current/ potential clients?
2. Understand your potential clients’ current/ future needs?
3. See how you benchmark against your competitors?
4. Get a complete view of trends within the industry?

If you have answered, or even considered answering “Yes” to one of those questions, and are involved with Armoured Vehicles, then we can help you achieve those resolutions. All you need to do is apply for your FREE Exhibition Visitor Pass.

Read on and see the top solutions as to how we can help you achieve these resolutions…

1)      Connect with Current and Potential Clients

This February, key decision-makers from 47 military nations, as well as 20+ prime manufacturers and OEMs, across 6 continents will be gathering at this year’s International Armoured Vehicles.

By joining us onsite you will have the chance to meet and greet with military and industry delegations from regions such as Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, The Americas as well as the emerging markets.

Find out which of your current (and potential) business partners are attending – email us today for a copy of our latest attending organisations list at armouredvehicles@iqpc.co.uk.

2)      Understand the Current and Future needs of Clients

There is no better way of understanding which products and solutions to provide your customers than by hearing it directly from them.

Technical experts from OEMs and Tier 1 organisations, such as Raytheon, Barco Defense & Aerospace and Universal Engineering will be leading discussions on their current capabilities and future requirements during the Innovation Stage at International Armoured Vehicles.

To gain entrance into the Innovation Stage is completely complimentary.  All you need to do is sign up for your free Exhibition Pass here.

3)      Benchmark against Peers and Competitors

The Exhibition at International Armoured Vehicles will be home to 65+ leading vehicles manufacturers, sub-system integrators and components suppliers from around the world.

Ask us for complete list of current sponsors and exhibitors to see who else is attending at armouredvehicles@iqpc.co.uk.

If you are interested, then take a look at the vehicles on display. For your ease we have put together an infographic to read through before you physically see them at IAVs, available to you below.

4)       Gain a complete view on the Armoured Vehicle Industry

International Armored Vehicles offers all of our attendees an all-rounder view on the future battlespace and current challenges. This is showcased through sessions and debates led by military and technical experts in the conference.

To prepare for the event this February, we invite you to read the 33-page Armoured Vehicles Industry Report 2013 here.

Join us at International Armoured Vehicles – Apply for your FREE Exhibition Visitor Pass Today

Forward to your colleagues so that they can also benefit from this offer. Visit www.internationalarmouredvehicles.com for more info.

This is open to all defence professionals or currently active executives involved with armoured vehicles.