MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

UK defense companies and HMS Montrose at Chile's Exponaval 2018

Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate, HMS Montrose in Valparaiso during the Chilean Navy's bicentennial celebrations. Photo: POA (Phot) Mick Storey/MOD.

Innovation, partnership and technology transfer are the main themes as the UK is showing a strong commitment to the UK/Chilean defense relationship by sending HMS Montrose a Royal Navy Type 23 Frigate to support the bicentennial celebrations and Exponaval 2018 in Valparaiso, Chile.

The ship is making its first visit to Chile. HRH The Princess Royal and First Sea Lord attended the Chilean bicentennial Navy celebrations and Rear Admiral Gardner, Assistant Chief of Navy Ships is attending the exhibition.

This will be an opportune time for both navies to share in the celebration, discuss their long-term partnership future cooperation and acknowledge the important historic and enduring links between the two services.

At Exponaval, UK companies showcased a range of cutting-edge technologies in the defense, security and disaster relief sectors. They are also looking for opportunities to develop industrial partnerships and joint ventures.

The UK is keen to share its experience in managing large defense programs, and to gain a better understanding of the processes used in Chile. In all sectors the UK is happy to share its experiences and lessons learnt. In addition, the UK has extensive experience in cyber security and is looking forward to working with both the Chilean government and local industry in the sector.

UK companies on the DIT DSO stand included, Atlas Electronik UK; Griffin Hoverwork; IrvinGQ; Leafield Logistics; Leonardo and MOD Defence Equipment Sales Authority.

Rear Admiral Gardner, Assistant Chief of Navy Ships, said, “congratulations to the Chilean Navy on its bicentennial celebrations and achievements. The Royal Navy have been proud to work alongside the Chilean Navy since their creation as Chile gained her independence. Chile remains an important strategic partner to the UK and our aim is to deepen and strengthen our defense and security relationship.

“We welcome every opportunity to discuss challenges and issues faced by both our armed forces and security sectors. As our two navies modernize, I am keen we continue to build on our heritage, sharing of ideas, knowledge and technology, and continue to strengthen our ties.

Alexis Hammer Regional Director for South America in the Department of Trade Defense and Security Organization said: ”we were delighted to be back again at Exponaval 2018 supporting the UK’s capabilities in the marine, defense and security sector. Our presence demonstrates HMG’s on-going commitment to Chile and the wider region”.

UK companies looked for areas in which they can work with their Chilean opposite numbers to mutual benefit. UK's DIT is keen to encourage more industrial partnerships in both the defense and security sectors and hope that Exponaval can encourage a climate of business to business engagements.