Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) connects governments, industry thought leaders, national armed forces, and the worldwide defence and security supply chain. Providing a platform for businesses as well as live-action demonstrations, and countless opportunities for networking and access to content, DSEI enables attendees to share knowledge, strengthen relationships and explore the latest capabilities across aerospace, land, naval, security and joint exhibition zones.
As one of the first major meetings of the international defence and security community, DSEI 2021 marked a much-anticipated return to face-to-face business following the challenges of Covid-19. Delivering an impressive amount to see and do, the event will be remembered as a landmark edition by all those that supported it. The event welcomed more than 20,000 attendees from 92 countries, as well as over 2,700 participating suppliers.
Visiting vessels
DSEI was honoured to welcome five vessels to the dock edge in 2021. Four Royal Navy Vessels (HMS Argyll, HMS Biter, HMS Magpie and HMS Ranger) were joined by the BNS Pollux from Belgium.
Waterborne demonstrations
DSEI’s daily waterborne demonstrations are a visitor favourite and visual highlight. The demonstrations showcased the maritime capabilities of DSEI exhibitors and could be viewed from a purpose-built grandstand. This year’s exhibition welcomed boats from AB Volvo Penta, Berthon Boat Company and Cox Powertrain, Allsalt Maritime, Saab, Atlas Elektronik and Survitec.
East Terrace display
East Terrace at DSEI 2021 was an outdoor showcase of the latest equipment and capabilities from exhibiting companies. The display included the ARCHER Mobile Howitzer from BAE Systems, the most modern, wheeled 155/52 calibre system in operation today. Among the other exhibits was Saab’s multi-mission surveillance radar, the Giraffe 1x, and the Inflatable Walls Training System from Survitec.
Content programme
Under the theme of Integrated Responses to Future Threats, the DSEI 2021 Content Programme explored the impact of multi-domain integration on future operational requirements. Highlights 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
New for 2021, the online platform and app, DSEI Connect was launched to complement the live event and enable those who were unable to attend in-person to fully participate. Users were able to catch up with keynotes and seminar content from the live event, browse supply chain listings and arrange virtual or in-person meetings with suppliers or relevant buyers using the built-in meetings tool, MeetMe.