Inside the DSEI Arms Exhibition & European Rearmament - Tech, Trends & Highlights at DSEI 2025

Quick Overview

The DSEI 2025 arms exhibition highlighted a significant European rearmament trend, showcasing a shift towards developing advanced, often specialized, military hardware like German tank destroyers with VLS, long-range munitions from Norway, and counter-drone solutions, reflecting lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and increased defense spending targets.

Key Points: The DSEI 2025 exhibition, Europe's largest arms expo, saw over 60,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibitors, indicating a substantial increase in defense industry activity driven by a deteriorating global security environment. Germany presented innovative concepts, notably the "Fox Jagdpanzer" (Fox tank destroyer), which integrates a Vertical Launch System (VLS) onto an armored vehicle to carry 24 long-range anti-tank missiles, representing a modern take on the Cold War tank destroyer. Several nations showcased advanced counter-drone systems, including Lithuanian fiber optic drones with EFP warheads and loitering munitions, and a Belgian focus on remote weapon stations, alongside the surprising use of shotguns as manportable hard-kill counter-UAS solutions. Norway demonstrated advancements in long-range munitions, such as a 155mm artillery shell with an integrated solid-fuel ramjet for extended range (up to 150 km) and the AM RAM ER missile system, enhancing air defense capabilities. The event underscored a broader trend of European rearmament, with nations and companies seeking to capitalize on increased defense budgets and evolving threats, particularly those highlighted by the conflict in Ukraine. Despite the focus on conventional warfare, there was limited display of cluster munitions due to bans in many European countries, with a notable exception being a German precision-guided artillery rocket with sensor-fused submunitions designed for armored columns.

Context: The Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI) is a major arms exposition held biennially in London, serving as a platform for governments, militaries, companies, and academia to display and discuss new defense technologies. In 2025, the event took place amidst a backdrop of increased global security concerns and a push for European rearmament, reflecting lessons learned from recent conflicts, particularly the war in Ukraine. The author attended DSEI in a consulting capacity, presenting on a panel sponsored by Babcock, but clarifies their independent analysis.