Introduction to DSEI – A Simple Guide
What is DSEI?
DSEI stands for Defence and Security Equipment International. It is one of the world’s largest arms fairs, held every two years at the Excel Centre in East London. It’s a huge event where weapons and military equipment are bought and sold. In 2023, DSEI had over 1,500 arms companies from more than 50 countries, and more than 41,000 people attended from over 90 different countries.
The fair is about making money, not about peace or safety. The DSEI website openly says it’s a place to build business connections, not to protect people. Companies and governments come together here to make deals and promote weapons.
Although it’s run by a private company called Clarion Events, the event has full support from the UK government, especially the UK Defence and Security Exports department (UKDSE). This department promotes the UK’s arms industry and is the one that invites other countries to attend the fair.
What’s on Sale?
Almost every kind of military equipment, from fighter jets, tanks, and warships, to drones, guns, missiles, ammunition, robots, and AI systems. In short, anything used in modern warfare. There are live demonstrations, talks, and hands-on activities for attendees to experience the technology directly.
Although international law bans certain weapons, like torture devices or cluster bombs, some companies at past DSEI events have been caught trying to promote illegal items.
Who Attends?
The goal of DSEI is to connect buyers and sellers. That means not just arms companies and military representatives, but also politicians, ministers, and government officials. Some attendees come from countries accused of serious human rights violations, such as Qatar, UAE, and Bahrain.
DSEI promotes itself as a place where people can:
“Gain unrivalled access to international governments, Ministries of Defence, military officials, and all UK front line commands…”
— DSEI Website
Some of the world’s biggest arms companies attend, including:
Lockheed Martin
(Despite serious human rights concerns, it continues to sell weapons to Saudi Arabia, Israel, and others. Many human rights groups claim their business practices fuel conflict and oppression worldwide).
Elbit Systems
(one of Israel’s largest arms manufacturers. They openly boast that the weapons they sell are “battle-tested” in Gaza and the West Bank, where there have been repeated accusations of war crimes).
Raytheon
(Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN have linked Raytheon-made weapons to airstrikes on civilians).
Boeing
(who indiscriminately sell weapons to, among others, Saudi Arabia which have been linked to civilian casualties in the Yemen war)
BAE Systems
(the British company who continue to sell to countries with authoritarian, repressive governments who commit Human rights abuses)
DSEI also creates a space where VIPs, including UK ministers, can meet directly with representatives from foreign governments — even those linked to war crimes or human rights abuses.
Where is DSEI Held?
DSEI takes place at the Excel Centre in East London and includes Royal Victoria Dock. This area was extensively bombed during the World War II Blitz, many locals are appalled that an arms fair happens here.
Entry to the fair is tightly controlled, so protests happen outside the building or around the area. The main protest camp is usually set up near Prince Regent station, at Connaught Roundabout. However, past protests have also taken place, across the dock, Around Connaught Bridge, at DLR stations and near UKDSE’s offices in Whitehall, central London
During the setup period, large military equipment is brought in, mostly via Royal Albert Way, though other routes like Festoon Way or Western Gateway may also be used. Protesters sometimes spot these movements and document them.
When is DSEI 2025?
The next DSEI is scheduled for Tuesday 9th to Friday 12th September 2025. However, activity around the event will begin much earlier with Warships arriving at Royal Victoria Dock from 5 – 7 September and a scheduled “VIP” day on Monday 8th.
Why Protest?
There are many reasons people protest against DSEI:
- It fuels war and conflict
DSEI plays a major role in the global arms trade. Deals made here can lead to more wars and violence around the world. - Human rights abuses
Some of the countries that attend DSEI are known for torturing people, targeting civilians, or suppressing free speech. Weapons bought at DSEI may be used in these abuses. - Unfair access and influence
VIP guests — including arms dealers and foreign governments — get special access to UK officials and ministers. This gives them more influence than ordinary citizens. - It’s not welcome in East London
DSEI takes place in a part of London where many refugees and survivors of war live. People who have escaped violence now have to live next to an event that promotes the very weapons that harmed them.
London’s Mayor Sadiq Khan and Newham’s Mayor Rokhsana Fiaz have both spoken out against DSEI. They don’t want it in their city.
Protesters believe that DSEI should not be happening anywhere, not just in London.
Final Thoughts
DSEI is more than just a business event — it’s a key part of the arms industry that contributes to global violence and repression. The weapons and deals made at DSEI can have serious, deadly consequences for people around the world.
That’s why campaigners and ordinary people come together every two years to protest, disrupt, and raise awareness about what DSEI really is: a marketplace for war.