Above: Grant Burgham.
Image courtesy DSEI

It is a good job that ExCeL London has built an extension, because when DSEI UK says it is bigger than ever before, it is no marketing spiel.

The show has grown due to rising demand and recognition that it is uniquely placed to bring together the entire defence community. The September 2025 show really does have more scale and exhibitors than previous editions.

Some are new. Luxembourg and Czechia have a presence, whilst others are returning after an absence. If you like spectacle with splash, the waterborne exhibits are back for the first time since 2019.

What has continued is the show’s close collaboration with the MoD, Army, Royal Navy and RAF, as well as the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and its export function UKDSE and other government agencies, designed to make the event as successful as possible.

“We are in a strong position to deliver value to our customers and stakeholders,” said Grant Burgham.

He’s been the DSEI UK director since 2018 and has earmarked plenty of space in his show diary for engaging with exhibitors, industry, and partners to get the feedback that will inform the plans for 2027, which are already under way.

In a whistle-stop tour of this year’s show, he highlights the strength of the primes, both from the UK and internationally. He also points to the breadth and depth of SME attendees: the ADS pavilion – the show’s second largest – has 104 exhibitors and there’s a strong presence from Make UK Defence. The MOD and all frontline commands will have a physical presence.
 
The geopolitical effect 
While huge credit for the success of DSEI goes to everyone involved, Burgham acknowledges that the demand for September’s show is partly a result of various governments across Europe and further afield pledging extra billions for defence spending. This is reinforced by the UK government’s move to earmark defence as one of its eight growth sectors.

DSEI UK has always been an excellent convener for the whole defence ecosystem but recent geopolitical events have created a fresh impetus – it is not a show that operates in a vacuum.

Although DSEI UK demonstrates to foreign investors that the UK is a key player in the global defence and security industry, there’s also a global imperative. There are 40 international pavilions with countries such as Germany and Lithuania increasing their presence.

Nevertheless, some things don’t change. “The North American pavilion remains the largest of the international pavilions, demonstrating that US/UK engagement remains fundamental,” Burgham
said.

The DSEI UK zones give the show structure: to showcase every defence and security domain, fostering collaboration and innovation through exhibits, features, networking and conference forums.
 
The overarching theme for this year’s show is ‘Preparing the Future Force’, a focus on the strategic, technological and organisational shifts necessary to build and maintain future-ready armed forces.

It is supported by three sub-themes, which are being used to guide the discussions across the event:

• Securing Advantage explores how faster acquisition processes and stronger, more resilient supply chains can enhance defence organisations’ agility. Ensuring supply chain security is vital to sustaining military readiness and securing operational advantage, particularly with emerging threats and geopolitical tensions constantly reshaping the global landscape.
   
• Driving Advantage looks at the effects of digital transformation on modern warfare. The integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence (AI), cyber capabilities and data analytics, is multiplying force effectiveness, enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency and interoperability across defence ecosystems.
   
• Maintaining Advantage considers how the workforce must adapt to meet evolving technology and addresses the challenge of recruiting, training and retaining top talent in the defence sector.

One of the fastest growing areas for the show is the Tech Zone, which was launched in 2019 and has grown with every show. It has doubled in size from 2023 and this year it has moved into ExCeL’s 25,000sqm extension.

This expansion in tech attendance is reflective of the increased requirement for dual-use technologies, with many non-traditional defence companies looking to showcase their defence applications at DSEI UK for the first time.

Global technical consultancy Capgemini, as well as Garmin Europe, which provides integrated flight decks, navigation and communication systems, flight displays, weather radar, portable GPS and wearables, will be exhibiting for the first time.

Although the tech zone has seen standout growth, other areas and zones have also grown, with plenty of new exhibitors for 2025.
         
US-based Saronic Technologies will be exhibiting in the naval zone. It specialises in autonomous surface vessels which enhance awareness, extend reach and improve survivability.

Vincorion will be in the German pavilion. It is a technology company that specialises in generators, electric motors and drives, gensets, power electronics and hybrid power systems that are used in military vehicles and air defence systems.

Visitors to the French pavilion can meet Command AI. Founded in 2023, it will be promoting Prevail, its deep-tech platform, which uses AI-driven simulations to enhance operations planning and the analysis of past operations to transform the command chain for France and its allies.

Eurosam is exhibiting in the Italian pavilion. It was set up in 1988 for the development of the Famille de missiles sol-air futurs (Future surface-to-air family of missiles). It was a contributor to delivering PAAMS: six systems fitted with Aster 15 and 30 are in service for Type 45 destroyers.

Other exhibitors include Sweden-based Volvo Defense, which offers a wide range of bespoke logistic trucks, engineering machines, marine and industrial applications and engines to global defence and civil protection customers.



Above: Future force. DSEI UK brings together the entire defence community.
Image courtesy DSEI

SMEs and procurement 
While DSEI UK has always worked hard to provide opportunities for SMEs, feedback from 2023 indicated there were challenges organisers could help them overcome. One of these is procurement. That is why a procurement forum has been created to provide a platform for in-depth discussions.

“Over the years the UK government and the MoD have recognised they need to do more on how they engage with smaller suppliers,” said Burgham. “At DSEI UK, we represent the whole defence ecosystem, which is why we’re putting on a programme of events for SMEs and governments to encourage and formalise engagement throughout the show.

“The overarching theme will provide the foundation for engagement and enhance access for SMEs and startups.

“We know the relevant stakeholders and decision-makers that SMEs need to speak to are at the show, so we’re taking the opportunity to help those conversations take place. We’ve also been working hard on looking at how we can facilitate conversations about funding.

“SMEs are leading innovators. That’s why I’m delighted that the MoD is supporting DSEI UK and using it as a platform to gain access and help SMEs, the backbone of the British economy.”
         
What will a successful DSEI UK 2025 look like? 
Obviously, happy exhibitors, sponsors, speakers, attendees and organisers but DSEI’s strategy is to create a platform for the entire global defence industry, to provide a roadmap for SMEs and enable everyone to engage with relevant customers.

“DSEI UK never looks the same twice because the industry moves on,” said Burgham. “It’s a really proud moment to be able to bring the defence industry together under one roof on a global stage.

“We cannot overestimate the importance of DSEI UK to the defence industry, the government and the military. It offers a unique opportunity for all of defence to exchange ideas and best practice. I look forward to welcoming everyone there in September.”