LAAD Latin America Aero & Defence is the largest and most important event for the Armed Forces of Latin America and for the region's defence industries. The exhibition combines the tri-service military show and the new Homeland Security Sector.

Defence industry sectors showing growth potential in the region:

* ISR (intelligence-surveillance-reconnaissance) aircraft capable of operating in both defence and homeland security roles
* Light aircraft for training and armed missions (interception of illicit air traffic)
* Equipment for use by armed forces on peacekeeping missions:
Personal protective equipment (helmets, flak jackets, shields etc.)
Non-lethal weapons
Engineering
Logistics systems (equipment for distribution, storage, field hospitals and kitchens etc.)
* C3I & C4I systems for defence and security (law enforcement & homeland security)
* Armoured combat vehicle fleet renewal, especially wheeled variety
* Modernisation and expansion of existing anti-aircraft defence systems (radar & weaponry)
* Re-equipment of local security forces
* Patrol ships with ocean going capabilities (defence & homeland security)
* Submarine building

Homeland Security:

Homeland security used to be limited in importance but is now a top priority for governments in the U.S., U.K., Spain and many other countries.

Recent events have ushered in an era of danger with terrorist attacks, bomb threats, and scenarios of chemical, biological and radiological warfare, revealing the fragility and vulnerability of civilian and military targets.

Increasing attention is paid to the protection of national borders on all continents, as governments pursue answers to the question, How are we prepared to face every kind of threat and danger?

In Brazil, the Amazon Surveillance System (SIVAM) performs some homeland security functions and the Brazilian Navy has a project to develop a similar maritime surveillance system.

Other Latin American countries, such as Peru, Colombia and Venezuela, have shown interest in adopting a similar system to SIVAM, but a specific culture of homeland security still needs to be created in the region.

Alongside Aviation Expo:

Manufacturers, distributors and maintainers of commercial airline, business and private aircraft, engines, components and engineering systems and avionics; training and simulation; aftermarket service providers; consulting companies, trade press and associations.