www.sea-technology.com May 2015 / st 23
T
ypically more than 1,200 military person-
nel, industry leaders, researchers and aca-
demics attend Undersea Defence Technology
(UDT), which annually provides a world-
class platform to discuss technology devel-
opments, understand the latest requirements
and present innovative solutions that can be
exploited in the underwater domain.
UDT 2015 will take place at the Ahoy
Convention Centre in Rotterdam, Nether-
lands, from June 3 to 5.
Rotterdam, a key maritime city and a crucial port for
global trade and naval power projection, still serves an im-
portant international calling. This was evident in late Janu-
ary, when warships from the People's Liberation Army Navy
of China paid a port call en route from the Gulf of Aden.
Ton Van Koersel, senior business developer of Underwa-
ter Warfare at TNO Defence, Safety and Security, will be
the conference committee chair for UDT
2015. He brings to UDT a perspective that
is rooted in technical and tactical research
as TNO is, frst and foremost, a research
institute. The organization's focus goes be-
yond defense to managing projects within
the security sector, and more broadly across
industry. His appointment is a perfect ft for
UDT, which is centered on the development
and exploitation of technology and tactics
in the underwater space for defense and se-
curity.
Furthermore, the Netherlands Industries for Defence &
Security (NIDV) has become a key partner for the 2015
show. This is a signifcant endorsement for UDT as NIDV
is a key player in the underwater defense community. A
nonproft organization, NIDV represents the interests of
Dutch defense and security industries, acting as a mediator
Undersea Defence Technology
ST Conference Preview
A scene from last year's show.