What is DSEI?

DSEI (Defence & Security Equipment International) is one of the world’s largest arms fairs. It is run by Clarion Events, who are headquartered in London, but who also host 24 other arms fairs around the world (alongside other less bloodthirsty events such as the Baby Show).  DSEI takes place once every two years in September, at ExCel – the huge exhibition centre in London’s Docklands.

The UK government helps to organise this arms fair, invites military buyers an arms companies  from around the world, all at taxpayer expense.

In 2023, DSEI brought together 1,600 exhibitors and 45,000 delegates from over 100 countries to network and make deals. This year, exhibitors will be selling everything from guns and bombs to fighter jets and warships, with live action demos promised to take place in the Royal Victoria Dock. They will be joined by companies selling surveillance equipment, drones, digital technology and other tools of repression to police and state agencies, as Counter Terror Expo takes place alongside DSEI.

DSEI is an important event for the UK state, which heavily subsidises and promotes the arms industry and helps organise the arms fair.  The guest list includes delegates from countries involved in military conflicts and at war, and on the government’s own list of human rights abusers.

You can find out more on Campaign Against Arms Trade’s webpage about resisting DSEI.