The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) exhibition UK 2025 is set to showcase the UK’s naval prowess and the enhanced capabilities that stem from collaborative operations with allied forces.
Scheduled to take place from 9-12 September 2025, the biennial event will host four international and Royal Navy warships this year.
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The vessels include HMS Iron Duke, HMS Example, BNS Pollux, and FGS Sachsen.
These vessels will provide attendees with a unique chance to observe the most recent maritime technology developments and interact with the personnel on board.
Additionally, the event will feature the comeback of dynamic waterborne displays.
Live demonstrations of both crewed and uncrewed vessels are scheduled to occur twice daily, allowing visitors to witness firsthand how the UK and its allies are adapting to not just meet but also leverage emerging technologies for strategic superiority on the waters.
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By GlobalDataHMS Iron Duke, a Type 23 Duke-class frigate, is tasked with a range of responsibilities from safeguarding trade routes to humanitarian aid missions.
The warship is active in Northern Europe and the Baltic Sea, conducting patrols and engaging with regional forces. Recently, HMS Iron Duke was part of Exercise Sea Breeze, a maritime training exercise co-hosted by the US and Ukraine.
The HMS Example, stationed at HMS Calliope in Gateshead, forms part of the Royal Navy’s Coastal Forces Squadron.
This P2000 Archer-class patrol boat is integral to training officer cadets, who represent the future leadership of the Royal Navy. The vessel supports various affiliations including HMS Dauntless and several combined cadet forces.
Belgium’s BNS Pollux, a P902 Castor-class patrol vessel, operates within the Belgian Coastguard Structure. Alongside its sistership BNS Castor, BNS Pollux ensures continuous patrol and intervention capabilities within Belgium’s Exclusive Economic Zone.
The German Navy’s FGS Sachsen leads the F219 Sachsen-class of air-defence frigates. It is equipped with advanced radar systems and a comprehensive suite of missiles and weaponry.
Since its commissioning in 2004, FGS Sachsen has been pivotal in protecting naval groups from aerial threats. It has participated in numerous Nato missions and exercises such as Operation Atalanta and Trident Juncture.
Among the notable exhibits will be L3Harris’ Shadow Fox autonomous surface vehicle and ACUA Ocean’s USV Pioneer from the UK, both designed for advanced maritime operations.
Additionally, Latvia’s VIC TEC will present its autonomous naval solutions equipped with torpedo launch and air defence systems.
DSEI UK senior naval advisor, rear admiral (retired) Jon Pentreath said: “This year’s DSEI UK is particularly exciting about representation from the maritime domain. Across the Naval Zone, attendees can expect to see a range of technologies and capabilities that promise to transform how unconventional tactics can integrate and work in conjunction with conventional naval warfare.
“The presence of warships and other vessels from the UK and allies such as Belgium, Denmark, Germany, and Latvia is really what makes DSEI UK unique in the defence trade show calendar.”
In July 2025, DSEI UK hosted a roundtable focused on the acceleration of defence technology development to counter evolving threats.
