DSEI

Update

DSEI 2025 will occur between the 9th and 12th of September 2025 in ExCeL London as a face-to-face event. 

Preface

DSEI (DSEI London or DSEI UK) is a leading international trade show for the defence and security industry. It is the central innovation display hub for novel systems and technologies. This allows military personnel and experts to experience the latest technological advances. DSEI provides information about the whole value chain. The event is based in London and operates out of ExCeL London once every two years. DSEI UK presents novelties from the entire defence and security industry. Such include armaments, tactical gear, munition, and first aid equipment.

Because of its diversity, DSEI is the meeting location for tier 1 to 3 suppliers, defence ministers, service providers, pre-qualified industry visitors, manufacturers, system integrators, subcontractors, senior procurement staff, and prime contractors/OEMs. DSEI London is a high-profile event that receives over 35 000 attendees. For instance, one edition featured over 1 700 exhibitor firms and 36 000 visitants. 114 countries participated in the rendition. Among them were Australia, Finland, and the USA. The edition featured over 40 national pavilions and over 300 expert speakers.

About the DSEI London Exhibition

The DSEI conference features a comprehensive support programme. Each edition operates under a specific theme. For instance, the central theme for one iteration was “Integrated Response to Future Threats”. This central theme influences the subjects selected for the Forums, seminar and keynote speeches. Among the main events is the detailed exhibition, where exhibitors present their latest products. This includes all levels of the supply chain, such as digital solutions and others. The DSEI exhibition grounds contain several Zones (Land, Naval, Security, Aerospace, and Joint) and Hubs (Space, Future Tech, Medical, and Manufacturing).

Each of the Zones features at least 60 categories. The Aerospace Zone, for instance, has over 100. It presents wares such as AI, missiles, flight simulators and others. The Land Zone is another exhibition zone. It features wares, like artillery, EOD, countermeasures, logistics, and body armour. The Naval Zone presents the latest naval vessels and technology. It includes a dockside section for live demonstrations of maritime capabilities and can contain additions such as visiting warships. The Security Zone presents equipment, strategies, technologies, and systems for countering high-priority threats such as terrorist attacks via its more than 60 categories. The Joint Zone displays products that can serve the entire Defence and Security Community via its over 100 categories. Such include sectors such as communications and defence infrastructure.

The Hubs serve as dedicated platforms for presenting different lead sectors. The Space Hub, for instance, displays the latest communication and space applications. The Future Tech Hub is the central location that unites Innovation, Cyber and Communication. It serves as the defence community's meeting place for discussing important subjects. The Medical Hub is the showcasing location for defence medical research and simulations. It contains a series of interactive stands and a demonstration area. Attendants can earn awards at the demonstration area by showing their medical abilities. The Manufacturing Hub is where UK newcomer manufacturers can network with the industry. This includes meeting with prime contractors. Among the services which receive a presentation in the area are consultancy services and hybrid manufacturing.

Each Zone contains a specialist Forum (Joint Forum, Naval Forum, Land Forum, and others). The Forums enable dialogues between attendees around the current edition's core themes. For instance, one edition focused on future operational requirements, skill retention, information exploitation and industry engagement. Similarly, each Hub contains a specialised Theatre focused on the core themes. For instance, the Manufacturing Theatre demonstrated the latest supply chain management developments via live demonstrations. The Medical Innovation Theatre also featured live demonstrations. Yet, the wares on display were related to the latest Operational Patient Care Pathway innovations. This includes future requirements for modern military healthcare systems.

DSEI’s exhibitor list features leading companies such as:

The event attracts members of the defence, safety, and security industry.

DSEI London Accommodation

Procure suitable accommodation for DSEI with Travel 2 Fairs Ltd. All that is necessary is to inform us about the rooms you need, how much you wish to spend, and your desired location. Travel 2 Fairs Ltd manages the rest. Reserve lodgings adjacent to ExCeL London and gain valuable access to public transport. We can advise you on the best routes to take to the venue. Aside from affordable hotel accommodation for exhibitions, we also provide transport services. One way to travel to your hotel is to have a rent-a-car wait for you at the airport. Another is to schedule an airport transfer in both directions.

Event information might be outdated because of the coronavirus pandemic. More information is available from the organiser.

Past Iterations

DSEI 2019

DSEI London 2019 occurred between the 10th and 13th of September. It featured over 1 700 exhibitor firms, including 400 first-time attendants. It also received 36 000 visitants from 114 countries. The edition featured 44 national pavilions. Over 300 leading experts provided valuable information during the lectures.

DSEI 2021

DSEI London 2021 marked the successful restart of the face-to-face fairs for the country and sector. DSEI 21 was in a hybrid format. It took place at ExCeL London between the 14th and 17th of September 2021. DSEI 2021 featured 64 national and international delegations and more than 20 000 attendants. Many of the delegations attended in person despite travel restrictions.

DSEI 2023

DSEI 2023 occurred as a live trade exposition between the 12th and 15th of September 2023 in ExCeL London. It did not feature coronavirus precautions due to the repealing of the country's pandemic restrictions. The iteration featured approximately 1 500 exhibitants and 3 250 VIP participants. 

DSEI 2025

DSEI 2025 was a live trade expo held between the 9th and 12th of September 2025 in ExCeL London. It featured more than 1 600 exhibitants from 49 nations and over 350 lecturers.