Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) is one of the largest defence exhibitions in the world that connects governments, industry leaders, national armies, and the global defence and security supply chain.

The event provides a platform for businesses to showcase their solutions, as well as live-action demonstrations and opportunities for networking.

DSEI allows industry figures to share knowledge, form relationships, and discover the latest capabilities across the aerospace, land, naval, security and joint exhibition zones.

DSEI 2021

DSEI 2021 marked one of the first major meetings of the international defence and security community.

The event saw the return of face-to-face business following the pandemic and delivered a wide range of military-related events.

DSEI 2021 will be remembered as a landmark edition by the more than 20,000 in attendance. The event welcomed people from 92 countries and featured over 2,700 participating suppliers.

DSEI welcomes five vessels

DSEI 2021 welcomed five vessels to the dock edge. Royal Navy vessels HMS Argyll, HMS Biter, HMS Magpie and HMS Ranger were joined by the BNS Pollux from Belgium.

Waterborne demonstrations at DSEI 2021

DSEI’s daily waterborne demonstrations are very popular among attendees. The demonstrations showcase the maritime capabilities of DSEI exhibitors and are viewed from a purpose-built grandstand.

DSEI 2021 was attended by boats from AB Volvo Penta, Berthon Boat Company and Cox Powertrain, Allsalt Maritime, Saab, Atlas Elektronik and Survitec.

East Terrace display

The East Terrace at DSEI 2021 showcased the latest equipment and capabilities of the defence industry.

This included the ARCHER Mobile Howitzer from BAE Systems, the most modern, wheeled 155/52 calibre system in operation today.

Other exhibits included Saab’s multi-mission surveillance radar, the Giraffe 1x, and Survitec’s Inflatable Walls Training System.

DSEI content programme

The DSEI 2021 Content Programme explored the impact of multi-domain integration on future operational requirements under the theme of Integrated Responses to Future Threats. Key events included:

  • Keynotes from Ben Wallace MP and US Deputy Chief of Staff, US Army, CIO of the CIA, and UK MoD Space Directorate forward agenda launch by AVM Harv Smyth
  • Launch of the ’30 by 30′ equality charter by Sir Simon Bollom, Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) and Women in Defence UK

DSEI Connect

A new online platform and app, DSEI Connect, was launched for DSEI 2021 to complement the live event and allow those who were unable to attend in-person to fully participate.

App users could catch up with keynotes and seminar content from the live event, browse supply chain listings and organise virtual or in-person meetings with suppliers or relevant buyers using the built-in meetings tool, MeetMe.