Overview

• Israeli government and military officials were barred, yet companies including Elbit, IAI, Rafael and Uvision exhibited largely defensive systems such as air and missile defence and uncrewed aircraft.
• The Met Police reported three arrests for assaults on officers and rejected claims of aggressive conduct, while Green politicians alleged rough tactics and said components for banned cluster munitions were on display.
• Campaign Against Arms Trade lodged a criminal complaint with the Met’s War Crimes Unit alleging complicity by attendees in Israel’s actions in Gaza.
• Defence Secretary John Healey used the show to announce plans for UK production of thousands of drones for Ukraine.
• DSEI organisers expected about 50,000 visitors with 42% first-time exhibitors, reflecting heightened interest as European countries commit to greater defence spending.