IDET 2019: opening of Czech defense and security exhibition.

Today, on May 29, was launched the International Defence and Security Technologies exhibition in Brno, Czech Republic. It is the 15th edition of the event and it will end on May 31. As part of the display, this year, the exhibition will focus on the 20th anniversary of the Czech Republic's accession to the North Atlantic Alliance, and on the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the General Staff of the Czech Armed Forces.

IDET 2019 main hall, Brno in Czech Republic (Picture Source: Army Recognition)

IDET has multiple purposes for the Czech Republic. Firstly, it is a great opportunity for the Czech defence and security industry to comprehensively present its offer to potential customers from all around the world. It is indeed used by the Industry Association of the Czech Republic as a showcase for their products and technologies.

Secondly, this edition of IDET will be of great importance for the Czech Armed Forces because it will feature the key candidates for the largest contract in the history of the Czech Republic's Armed Forces worth 53 billion Czech crowns (2,3 billion $US). The 210 infantry tracked combat vehicle contractor (aiming to replace the BMP-2 currently in service in the Czech Armed Forces) is likely to be selected among four companies, including British BAE Systems (CV-90), Spanish General Dynamics European Land Systems (Ascod), and two German companies PSM (Puma) and Rheinmetall Landsysteme (Lynx).

During the whole exhibition, the Czech Armed Forces will take part in short demonstrations in demonstration zones outside the exhibition hall. It will be the occasion for the visitors to see some of the vehicles that are currently in service with the Czech Armed Forces perform some show.

Along with IDET, the 19th PYROS, which is the International Fire Fighting Equipment and Services Fair, and the 10th ISET, which is the International Security Technology Services Fair, will both take places in other halls in the Brno Exhibition Centre.