UK Forces Advise on Missile Defence Ahead of Rio Olympics in 2016

June 11, 2013 - PRLog -- The UK MoD has offered advice to organisers of the Rio 2016 Olympics based on its successful strategic deployment of ground based air defence (GBAD) systems in London last year.

GBAD commander Colonel Jon Campbell addressed the British approach to establishing MBDA Rapier systems and Thales STARStreak systems within the capital in an interview with Defence IQ, ahead of Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil 2013 conference this August in Brasilia (www.airmissiledefencebrazil.com).

“Apart from the urban environment, dealing with media, legal issues and so forth, it’s important to recognise that the air security aspect is not a stand-alone element of security – it’s part of a comprehensive approach,” said Campbell in a 30 minute overview of concerns and challenges faced by his own personnel last summer, available here: www.airmissiledefencebrazil.com.

The deployment of the missile systems generated much debate in the national media, despite GBAD having already been employed in both the Beijing and Athens Games, largely in response to the escalated threat of global terrorism.

Citing the need to respect local bylaws, the need to keep airports and other transport hubs open, and the physical parameters of the missile systems themselves, such as response time and warning capabilities, Campbell offered the first open engagement with Brazilian security forces, who will be seeking lessons and insight into how best to protect the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil will be held with the official support from the Brazilian Armed Forces who will also be hosting the Live Fire Demonstration Day at the Formosa Artillery Base where they will be showcasing their latest capabilities. In addition, Rheinmetall will be hosting the Post-Conference Workshop which will allow you to develop a greater understanding of how an integrated air and missile defence system develops from a concept into an operational capability. More information can be found at www.airmissiledefencebrazil.com.

Also attending Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil will be senior officers from Poland, India, Germany, Uruguay and Norway, and commercial decision-makers from sponsoring companies including Rheinmetall, Avibras, Thales, Kongsberg and Diehl Defence.

Notes to editor:

If you would like to attend Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil as press, please contact Samantha Tanner at enquire@defenceiq.com.

Integrated Air & Missile Defence Brazil is sponsored by Thales, Rheinmetall, Kongsberg, Avibras and Diehl. More information on the sponsors can be found at www.airmissiledefencebrazil.com.

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