# Inside the DSEI Arms Exhibition & European Rearmament - Tech, Trends & Highlights at DSEI 2025 Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWXcIEza67E Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/WWXcIEza67E Generated: 2025-09-21T20:02:20.04+00:00 --- ## 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. ## Detailed Analysis The DSEI 2025 arms exhibition in London served as a significant indicator of European rearmament, attracting over 60,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibitors. The event showcased a diverse range of advanced military technologies, with a clear emphasis on adapting to lessons learned from the war in Ukraine and addressing evolving threats. Key trends included the development of specialized counter-drone systems, such as Lithuanian fiber optic drones and Belgian remote weapon stations, and even the novel use of shotguns for drone defense. Germany emerged as a significant player, presenting the innovative "Fox Jagdpanzer," an armored vehicle equipped with a VLS capable of launching 24 long-range anti-tank missiles, signaling a return to dedicated tank destroyer concepts. Norway highlighted advancements in long-range munitions, including a 155mm artillery shell with a ramjet for extended reach and an enhanced NASAMS missile system. Other national contingents, like those from the Baltic states and Poland, focused on affordable, rapidly deployable systems mirroring capabilities seen in Ukraine. The exhibition also touched upon the complexities of European defense industrial cooperation, with discussions surrounding the integration of non-EU/NATO members like the UK, Norway, South Korea, and Turkey, and the political and economic trade-offs involved in collaborative procurement versus national production. The event underscored a broad strategic shift towards increased defense spending and capability development across Europe in response to perceived threats. ### Event Overview - DSEI 2025 is one of Europe's largest arms expos, held biennially in London with over 60,000 attendees and 1,700 exhibitors in 2025 - Attendance has increased due to a deteriorating global security environment - The event is a semi-closed forum for government, military, industry, and academia. ### Key Trends and Technologies - European rearmament is a major theme, driven by lessons from the war in Ukraine - Counter-drone systems are prominent, including fiber optic drones, loitering munitions, and novel shotgun applications - Long-range munitions and advanced artillery systems are being developed (e.g., Norwegian ramjet shells, German precision rockets) - Innovation in armored vehicles includes German concepts like the VLS-equipped "Fox Jagdpanzer" tank destroyer. ### National Showcases and Strengths - Baltic states focus on affordable, adaptable systems like EFP drones and loitering munitions - Poland exhibits the "Thunderbolt" MANPADS and K2 tanks, integrating Korean manufacturing - Germany showcases defensive systems like Sky Ranger turrets and offensive concepts like the Fox Jagdpanzer - Norway highlights long-range artillery and missile capabilities (Kongsberg, Nammo). ### European Rearmament Dynamics - Increased defense spending targets among NATO states, particularly in Europe - Political and industrial challenges in defining the scale and scope of European defense cooperation - Debates on balancing national industrial capture against the benefits of larger coalitions and economies of scale. ### International Participation and Integration - South Korea (Hanwha) and Turkey present advanced weapon systems, seeking greater integration into European defense - UK's deep integration into the European defense industrial ecosystem is highlighted through projects like GCAP and CV90 - Debates exist regarding the extent of participation for non-EU/NATO members. ### Procurement Philosophy and Innovation - Shift towards industry-driven development, where companies propose solutions before formal requirements are set (e.g., Fox Jagdpanzer) - Potential for specialized assets to counter specific threats like armored spearheads or attack helicopters - Discussion on the utility of such systems for smaller, resource-constrained militaries as asymmetric options. ### Munitions and Future Warfare - Limited display of conventional cluster munitions due to bans, with exceptions like German sensor-fused rockets - Emphasis on precision-guided munitions and wide-area effect weapons for targeting armored columns and dispersed air defense units - Development of systems optimized for potential peer or near-peer conflicts.