London, September 10, 2025 – The biennial Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) trade show, one of the world’s largest arms and defense exhibitions, opened its doors on September 9, 2025, at the ExCeL Centre in London’s Royal Victoria Dock. Among the 1,600 exhibitors from across the globe, more than 50 Israeli defense companies, including industry giants like Elbit Systems, Rafael Advanced Defense Systems, and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), are showcasing their cutting-edge technologies. However, their presence has sparked significant controversy, with hundreds of protesters rallying outside the venue to condemn the participation of Israeli firms amid ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly over the conflict in Gaza. The event, running from September 9 to 12, has also drawn attention due to the UK government’s decision to exclude Israeli government officials from attending, citing the escalation of military operations in Gaza. This decision has further fueled debates about the role of defense trade shows in global politics and the ethical implications of arms sales.
A Global Stage for Defense Innovation
The DSEI trade show, organized biennially by Clarion Defence and Security, is a cornerstone event in the global defense industry, attracting representatives from governments, militaries, and private companies worldwide. With over 400 arms companies and delegations expected to attend in 2025, the exhibition serves as a critical platform for showcasing advancements in military technology, from drones and missile systems to cybersecurity solutions and next-generation fighter jets. This year’s event is particularly significant, as global conflicts, including the Russia-Ukraine war and tensions in the Middle East, have driven unprecedented demand for defense equipment, pushing European and other governments to ramp up military spending.
Israeli defense firms have long been a prominent presence at DSEI, and 2025 is no exception. Israel, recognized as a leader in defense innovation, is the fifth-largest national contingent at the fair, following the UK, United States, Australia, and Germany. The 51 Israeli companies participating include state-owned giants like Rafael and IAI, as well as private firms such as Elbit Systems, Israel’s largest arms manufacturer, known for producing much of the Israeli military’s drone fleet and other advanced weaponry. These companies are displaying a wide range of products, including precision-guided munitions, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), and advanced radar systems, which have drawn interest from international buyers seeking to bolster their defense capabilities.
Elbit Systems, for instance, is showcasing its latest drone technologies and electronic warfare systems, which have been battle-tested in various conflicts. Rafael is presenting its Spike missile family and Trophy Active Protection System, widely used on armored vehicles to counter anti-tank threats. IAI, meanwhile, is highlighting its expertise in aerospace and missile defense, including systems like the Barak air defense system, which has garnered attention for its versatility. The presence of these firms underscores Israel’s growing influence in the global arms market, with defense exports reaching a record $14.8 billion in 2024, according to the Israeli Ministry of Defense.
UK’s Exclusion of Israeli Officials Sparks Diplomatic Tensions
While Israeli companies are a major draw at DSEI, the event has been overshadowed by a diplomatic row between the UK and Israel. In late August 2025, the British Ministry of Defence announced that no Israeli government delegation would be invited to the exhibition, citing Israel’s “decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza” as the reason for the exclusion. This move, described by Israel’s Ministry of Defense as “an offensive and shameful act of discrimination,” has heightened tensions between the two nations, already strained by the UK’s recent suspension of certain arms export licenses to Israel and the freezing of free trade negotiations.
The UK’s decision reflects a broader shift in its foreign policy under Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government, which has taken a harder stance on Israel compared to its predecessors. Starmer has publicly criticized Israel’s military operations in Gaza, particularly the humanitarian crisis that has seen over 66,000 Palestinians killed since October 2023, according to some estimates. The UK has also aligned with France and Canada in pressing Israel to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas and has signaled its intent to recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September 2025, unless Israel takes steps to address the crisis in Gaza.
Israel’s Ministry of Defense responded to the UK’s exclusion by announcing a boycott of the official national pavilion at DSEI, a significant departure from previous years when Israel maintained a prominent government-backed presence. The ministry stated, “This decision by Britain plays into the hands of extremists, grants legitimacy to terrorism, and introduces political considerations wholly inappropriate for a professional defense industry exhibition.” Despite the boycott, Israeli companies are participating independently, with the ministry pledging to provide “full assistance as required” to ensure their success at the event.
The exclusion of Israeli officials is not an isolated incident. In June 2025, France barred Israeli arms manufacturers from displaying “offensive weapons” at the Paris Air Show, citing similar concerns over the Gaza conflict. Earlier, at the 2024 Eurosatory defense expo, French authorities banned an Israeli pavilion altogether. These actions reflect growing European unease with Israel’s military actions and a broader push to scrutinize arms sales to the region. However, Israeli firms have continued to secure significant contracts, with Elbit Systems recently announcing a $1.6 billion deal with a European customer, highlighting the resilience of Israel’s defense industry despite diplomatic challenges.
Protests and Clashes Outside ExCeL Centre
The participation of Israeli firms at DSEI has ignited fierce protests outside the ExCeL Centre, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering on the opening day to demand an end to arms trade with Israel. Organized by a coalition of over 100 grassroots organizations, including pro-Palestinian groups and anti-arms trade activists, the protests have drawn significant attention. Demonstrators waved Palestinian flags and held signs reading “Stop Arming Israel,” “Only War Criminals Past This Point,” and “UK: Stop the Gaza Genocide.” Chants of “Shut it down” and “Free Palestine” echoed as protesters blocked the main entrance, forcing police to escort attendees through a side door.
Clashes between protesters and police have been reported, with at least three arrests made for alleged assaults on officers. Middle East Eye reported that several activists were injured during scuffles, with one protester appearing unconscious and being taken away in an ambulance. Police tactics, including physical force to maintain a cordon around attendees, have drawn criticism from demonstrators. Ajahn Santamono, a Buddhist monk among the protesters, described the event as “obscene” and condemned the police response, stating, “People who contribute to genocide and mass murder are protected and supported, while people of conscience who try to protest this are the ones who are arrested, criminalized, and treated with violence.”
The protests are part of a broader movement against the arms trade, with activists arguing that Israeli companies are profiting from the “unspeakable devastation” in Gaza. Emily Apple, a spokesperson for the Campaign Against Arms Trade, stated, “The Israeli companies exhibiting should be investigated for crimes against humanity, not invited to profit from the destruction they have caused.” The demonstrations have also highlighted the UK’s role in the arms trade, with a May 2025 report revealing that British firms continued to export military items to Israel despite a partial suspension of licenses in September 2024.
On the eve of the exhibition, the direct action group Shut the System sabotaged fiber optic internet cables and splashed red paint over parts of the ExCeL Centre, calling the arms fair a symptom of a “global financial system that prioritizes psychopathic profiteering.” These actions have added to the controversy surrounding DSEI, which has long been a target for anti-arms trade activists due to its role in facilitating deals between governments and defense contractors.
The Broader Context of DSEI and Global Arms Trade
The DSEI trade show is more than just an exhibition; it is a critical hub for networking and deal-making in the defense industry. According to the DSEI website, the event offers “unrivalled access to international governments, ministries of defense, and front-line commands,” making it a magnet for defense contractors seeking to secure lucrative contracts. The 2025 edition has attracted a record number of exhibitors and visitors, driven by heightened global demand for military equipment amid ongoing conflicts. Major US defense companies like Lockheed Martin, which manufactures the F-35 fighter jet used by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), are also present, further underscoring the event’s global significance.
For Israeli firms, DSEI represents a vital opportunity to showcase their technologies to potential buyers, particularly in Europe and NATO countries. Israel’s defense industry has seen remarkable growth in recent years, fueled by its expertise in areas like drones, missile defense, and cybersecurity. The country’s defense exports have set new records annually, with 2024 marking the fourth consecutive year of growth. This success is attributed to the battle-tested nature of Israeli systems, which are often developed and refined in real-world conflicts, giving them a competitive edge in the global market.
However, the prominence of Israeli firms at DSEI has raised ethical questions about the arms trade and its role in perpetuating conflicts. Critics argue that events like DSEI facilitate the proliferation of weapons used in human rights abuses, particularly in regions like Gaza, where the IDF’s operations have drawn international condemnation. The presence of Israeli companies, alongside other global arms giants, has intensified calls for stricter regulations on arms exports and greater transparency in defense trade shows.
UK-Israel Relations and the Political Backdrop
The exclusion of Israeli officials from DSEI is part of a broader recalibration of UK-Israel relations under the Labour government. Prime Minister Starmer has signaled a tougher stance on Israel, particularly in response to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In addition to barring Israeli officials from DSEI, the UK has suspended trade talks with Israel and imposed sanctions on two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over their roles in the conflict. Starmer’s pledge to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly later in September 2025 has further strained ties, with Israel accusing the UK of “legitimizing terrorism” through its actions.
At the same time, Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to London during the DSEI exhibition adds a layer of complexity to the diplomatic landscape. Herzog’s three-day trip, aimed at showing solidarity with the UK’s Jewish community amid rising antisemitism, includes potential meetings with Starmer and Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The timing of the visit, coinciding with the arms fair and protests, has drawn scrutiny, with some activists accusing the UK of sending mixed signals by hosting Herzog while barring Israeli officials from DSEI.
The Future of DSEI and Israeli Participation
As DSEI 2025 continues through September 12, the controversy surrounding Israeli firms is unlikely to subside. The protests, diplomatic tensions, and ethical debates highlight the complex interplay between defense trade, geopolitics, and human rights. While Israeli companies remain a significant presence at the exhibition, the UK’s exclusion of Israeli officials and the broader European push to scrutinize arms sales to Israel suggest that future defense trade shows may face increasing pressure to address these issues.
For now, DSEI remains a critical platform for Israeli defense firms to showcase their innovations and secure contracts, even as they navigate a challenging political landscape. The resilience of Israel’s defense industry, coupled with growing global demand for its technologies, ensures that its presence at events like DSEI will continue to be felt, regardless of diplomatic hurdles.
Conclusion
The 2025 DSEI trade show in London has thrust Israeli arms firms into the spotlight, both for their technological prowess and the controversies surrounding their participation. With over 50 Israeli companies exhibiting, Israel remains a major player in the global defense market, despite the UK’s exclusion of its government officials and widespread protests outside the ExCeL Centre. The event underscores the broader tensions in UK-Israel relations, the ethical dilemmas of the arms trade, and the growing scrutiny of defense exhibitions in an era of global conflict. As the world grapples with these issues, DSEI 2025 serves as a microcosm of the challenges facing the international defense industry, where innovation and controversy often go hand in hand.
