Presented in collaboration with the Australian Army, LAND FORCES 2018 is an international industry exposition to showcase equipment, technology and services for the armies of Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific. The region boasts some of the fastest-growing economies in the world, bringing prosperity and better lives to billions of people. But growing threats, including those presented by non-state actors, mean the demand for defence technology to safeguard the region's prosperity and security has never been greater. In 2014, the combined defence budgets of the nations making up the Asia and Indo-Pacific region amounted to US$183 billion. Australia is strategically positioned within the Indo-Pacific region. The world's only island continent, Australia bridges the Pacific and Indian Oceans. A leading and influential country within the region, Australia is a major trading nation with a highly developed and technologically advanced economy. The Australian Defence Force is amongst the most respected and influential in the region. In particular, the Australian Army has strong ties with the armies of the Indo-Pacific. It is frequently involved in joint training exercises and the exchange of personnel. Its acquisition decisions, assessments and technology are noted throughout the region. Australia's defence forces are embarking on a period of significant acquisition and modernisation with acquisition projects worth more than AUD$190 billion planned for the next decade. The ADF is planning to spend more than AUD$56 billion on land force equipment, services and new combat capabilities. Other armies throughout the Indo-Pacific region are embarking upon similar upgrades, with many seeking to acquire or enhance a wide range of capabilities, including amphibious ships and watercraft, helicopters, armoured and utility vehicles, ISR, small arms and unmanned systems. LAND FORCES 2018 will be the essential event to access army and land defence decisionmakers and to connect with military, government, scientific and industry leaders from Australia and the Indo-Asia-Pacific region.