Interview with Mr. Jonas Zolkén, Managing Director, ISDEF - Israel Defense and HLS Expo
Mr. Jonas Zolkén, Managing Director, ISDEF - Israel Defense & HLS Expo, gave an exclusive interview to Epicos regarding ISDEF 2019, Israel's largest Defense, HLS and Cyber Exhibition. Among others, he stated that: “The 10th edition of ISDEF will host 300+ exhibiting companies, among them small to medium size enterprises as well as major contractors from the defense, HLS and cyber sector, 15,000+ visitors from more than 90 nations and 100+ official international delegations”.
1. On June 4th-6th 2019, ISDEF, the Premier International Defense, HLS, Cyber and Army Expo will take place at the Tel Aviv Convention Center in Tel Aviv, Israel. Would you like to tell us more about this event?
Focusing on interoperability between defense and security, ISDEF brings together government and military officials, decision-makers, industry members, entrepreneurs, investors, and end-users from Israel and around the world. 85% of the attendees have buying power making ISDEF a highly effective platform for rapid business growth AND for young businesses to 'get their foot in the door' of the industry. The 10th edition of ISDEF is set to be by far the largest defense, homeland security and cyber exhibition ever held in Israel. In addition, ISDEF has organized a 'Range & Live Demonstration Day' to be held at 'Adam' Military Facility, home to the IDF's School for Counter-Terrorism and Sniping. During the Range Day, invited guests will have an opportunity to try out the latest firearms, tactical equipment and intelligence systems the industry has to offer.
The 10th edition of ISDEF will host 300+ exhibiting companies, among them small to medium size enterprises as well as major contractors from the defense, HLS and cyber sector, 15,000+ visitors from more than 90 nations and 100+ official international delegations. ISDEF 2019 will include national and international pavilions, industry workshops, live demonstrations, conferences as well as VIP networking events.
One of the key advantages of ISDEF is the qualifications of the visitors. Among those participating in the official delegations are Heads of State, Defense Ministers, Ministers of Public Security, Heads of Homeland Security and Law Enforcement agencies, Heads of Police and Prison Authorities, Heads of Cyber Agencies, Senior Intelligence Officials, Emergency Response organizations, Counter-Terrorism specialists, and high-ranking representatives from the Army, Navy and Air Force.
2. Which are your expectations for ISDEF 2019 compared to the previous editions?
Compared to previous years’ exhibitions, ISDEF 2019 will feature more exhibitors from the Cyber Security/Cyber Defense sector, Homeland Security Sector and C4ISR Systems.
3. How do you think that ISDEF 2019 will help the exhibitors and especially SMEs to develop a wider business network and to improve their position in the international defense market?
85% of the attendees have buying power making ISDEF a highly effective platform for rapid business growth AND for young businesses to 'get their foot in the door' of the industry. One of the key advantages of ISDEF is the qualifications of the visitors. As mentioned before, among those participating in the official delegations are Heads of State, Defense Ministers, Ministers of Public Security, Heads of Homeland Security and Law Enforcement agencies. At ISDEF we make a special effort to assist SMEs as we know that some of the best solutions for the defense industry come from the more "boutique" companies.
4. Will the exhibitors of ISDEF 2019 be able to demonstrate live to the visitors their new technologies and products and if yes how?
Yes. One day prior to the expo ISDEF has organized a 'Range & Live Demonstration Day' to be held at 'Adam' Military Facility, home to the IDF's School for Counter-Terrorism and Sniping. During the Range Day, invited guests will have an opportunity to try out the latest firearms, tactical equipment and intelligence systems the industry has to offer. At the Expo, there will be 2 live demo areas and a "drone cage".
5. What is the profile and the country origin of the visitors of ISDEF?
Current and former defense/intel sector (Private and Governmental), High Tech companies and their employees, financial institutions, Government Officials. Primary Countries of origin of visitors: United States, United Kingdom, France, Czech Republic, Russia, Israel, Asia Pacific.
6. Which are the key sectors of the products and services that the exhibitors of ISDEF 2019 are going to present?
Aerospace (Aircraft, UAV's, Counter UAV, flight systems, ground systems), Defense (Armament, Ordnance, Ballistic Protection, armored vehicles), Communications (SAT Comms, Fiber optics, 5G Wi-Max, tactical comms), Cyber Security (Defense, Offense, Systems integration, hardware) Homeland+Civil security (Bollards, Smart City security, cameras), ISR Intelligence Surveillance Reconnaissance.
7. Which are the future plans for ISDEF and how is the exhibition going to evolve the following years?
We plan on holding ISDEF 2020 in either West Africa or South East Asia. Details will be revealed at our VIP Gala on the second night of the expo.
For additional information and registration: https://www.isdefexpo.com
