Defence and Security Equipment International 2023 (DSEI) opened its doors Tuesday 12th September. DSEI 2023 and DSEI Connect will together host some 1,500 defence and security suppliers – including all the major defence industry players; industrial leaders such as BAE Systems, General Dynamics UK, Lockheed Martin UK, Northrop Grumman, MBDA.

The overarching theme of this edition of DSEI is ‘Achieving an Integrated Force”, building strongly on DSEI 2021’s focus on Multi-Domain Integration. Against the backdrop of the UK Ministry of Defence’s Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper Refreshes, efficient inter-force collaboration and what this means for current and future platforms is now at the forefront of this year’s DSEI topics. Modern day challenges are becoming more complex requiring ever more holistic solutions, and DSEI will serve as a forum for discussions on integrated solutions.        

Day 1 keynote speeches are as follows:
 

It is expected – subject to weather conditions – that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will formally open DSEI with their signature aircraft flypast at 12:10. 

DSEI will also host 36 international country pavilions, including first-timer North Macedonia. Estonia have expanded their pavilion by three times and the North American pavilion has doubled in size.

This year’s DSEI themed zones include Aerospace, Land, Naval, Security, and Joint, with all of the UK’s Armed Forces featuring capability stands across the exhibition floor. 

DSEI 2023 also sees the return of the Space Hub highlighting the growing importance of the space sector exemplified with UK Space Command’s presence having tripled in size.

Other hubs will also include Manufacturing, which will highlight the latest industrial developments, and Medical, which will exhibit the latest advances in the field. DSEI will be a perfect opportunity for industry to connect with government and each other. 

DSEI Event Director Grant Burgham said,

“We are delighted that DSEI is now under way and we look forward to welcoming visitors, exhibitors, government representatives and international delegations from around the world. Testament to the importance of DSEI the UK Government is fully embracing the opportunity to engage with the international defence community and this year’s DSEI will also feature the largest and most significant presence from MOD, UK Strategic Command, UK Space Command, the Royal Air Force, the Royal Navy, the British Army, Defence Equipment and Support, the UK MOD Science and Innovation (DSTL, DASA, DIU & Ploughshare) as well as Defence Medical Services.

Visitors can expect outstanding displays of military capability from around the world, including representation from the Global Combat Air Programme, a host of warships from the UK and visiting nations, and land vehicles and aircraft from the highest calibre of exhibitors.”