The Peruvian Ministry of Defense hosted the VIII edition of the International Defense Technology Exhibition (SITDEF, in Spanish), where attendees observed the latest advances in military technology, October 28-31, 2021.
Twenty-eight countries took part in the biannual event, with more than 190 manufacturers and providers of defense and disaster prevention equipment, supplies, and services.
“This exhibition allowed us to observe first-hand the latest security and risk management systems, enabling the Peruvian Armed Forces to become familiar with this technology,” John Chuman, SITDEF director and organizer, told Diálogo. “This year, approximately 50,000 people attended.”
Among the teams that stood out, the Peruvian company Robotic Air Systems (RAS) presented the BBOX, a drone that has a permanent electrical connection system for unlimited flight, reaching about 70 meters of altitude.
“The BBOX is designed to withstand climates at altitudes [higher than] 5,600 meters above sea level, and it enables us to do surveying, inspection, and security work,” Bruno Krajnik, RAS representative, said.
Another attraction was the DSA SA58 operations special rifle, caliber 7.62×51 mm NATO, manufactured by the U.S. company D.S. Arms. One of the most practical and lightweight rifles, it is 82 centimeters long, weighs 4 kilograms, and has folding front and rear steel sights.
The A200 armored truck from the German company Aurum Security GmbH was recognized by attendees as it is used to combat narcotrafficking in Peru’s main coca-growing area, the Apurímac, Ene, and Mantaro Rivers Valley (VRAEM). The vehicle has an eight-passenger capacity, armor to protect against grenades, anti-personnel mines, and has a 750-kilometer range.
“SITDEF focuses on prevention and citizen alert; Peru faces natural disasters, such as earthquakes, mudslides, floods, frosts, and others,” Peruvian President Pedro Castillo Terrones said during the inauguration. “Advances in military technology and risk management, showcased in SITDEF, can be implemented against organized crime and in natural disaster relief,” Peruvian Minister of Defense Walter Ayala added.
