DSEI 2025: UK Government Falters Amidst Landmark Defence Event
By Richard Thomas | September 12, 2025
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) 2025 event held at the ExCeL London brought together tens of thousands of visitors and showcased a wide array of cutting-edge military platforms, technologies, and capabilities from across the globe. Industry participants delivered an impressive variety of new offerings designed to meet the modernization needs of militaries worldwide. Additionally, the expanded venue space welcomed a vibrant atmosphere despite planned protests being successfully kept at bay. However, the UK government’s involvement was notably marked by missteps and missed opportunities that left many observers questioning its strategic focus and commitment amid a challenging domestic political climate.
Political Turmoil Overshadows Government Presence
DSEI 2025, hosted during what UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer termed ‘Phase 2’ of the current Parliament, was overshadowed by significant political headwinds. Most notably, a last-minute reshuffle triggered by Angela Rayner’s departure from government over a housing tax controversy led to the removal of Maria Eagle, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, just before the event. Eagle had been viewed as a supportive advocate for DSEI 2025, and her absence was keenly felt. This upheaval forced a late change to a major keynote speech, further underscoring UK government distractions at a critical time.
Defence Announcements: Mixed Signals on Priorities
On the opening day, UK Defence Secretary John Healey announced plans to ramp up production of thousands of drones for Ukraine, signaling continued support for Ukraine’s defense needs. While this was a robust commitment to an allied cause, some critics interpreted the announcement as emphasizing potential commercial and fiscal benefits over direct enhancement of UK military capabilities.
Within the UK military sphere itself, challenges remain. The Land Mobility Programme (LMP), a crucial modernization effort, had seen protracted delays, leaving industry partners uncertain about tender timelines. The ageing Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) is scheduled to retire by the time DSEI returns in 2027, but clarity on its successor remains elusive.
Gaps in Naval and Air Capabilities
The naval showcase was surprisingly sparse. Unlike previous years, there was no Type 23 frigate moored alongside the venue. Instead, Royal Navy presence was limited to an Archer-class cadet training vessel and the Batch 1 fisheries patrol vessel HMS Mersey—mispelled as HMS Mercey in official materials, reflecting a lack of attention to detail. The Royal Navy’s dwindling Type 23 fleet, now reduced to just eight vessels with perhaps only two or three operational, highlights wider fleet challenges. The highly anticipated Type 32 frigate program remains in concept stages with reports suggesting it might be cut in the upcoming budget, threatening any hope of growing the RN surface fleet for the first time in decades.
This was a missed opportunity for the UK government, especially since Norway had just announced its selection of the Type 26 design for new frigates, a milestone contract that could have served as a landmark deal announcement at DSEI.
In the air domain, uncertainty shrouds the future of the New Medium Helicopter program. Sources have expressed unease about the lack of clarity on funding allocations, particularly with an Autumn Budget widely expected to impose fiscal tightening measures that could further restrict defence spending.
Controversies and Strategic Priorities
DSEI 2025 also attracted media attention because of the UK government’s decision to bar official Israeli government delegations from attending the event, a move that sparked debate and criticism in mainstream press.
Rather than focusing strictly on military modernization, the UK government appeared to frame DSEI 2025 around economic growth ambitions. Efforts emphasized expanding access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and encouraging innovation within the defence sector, including engagement with more agile commercial and tech companies. While these initiatives have potential economic benefits and may address the nation’s tight fiscal conditions, critics argue they fall short of addressing the UK’s declining military readiness.
Defence Capabilities in a Precarious State
The UK’s armed forces currently face significant capability shortfalls. Observers warn that the country is increasingly unable to meaningfully contest at sea, deploy large-scale ground forces in conflict, or maintain air superiority. Despite references to modernization projects like Project Greyburn, Challenger 3, the LMP, and naval programs (Types 26 and 31 frigs, MRSS, FSS), tangible capability improvements are not expected until the latter half of the decade—if funding is not further curtailed.
The looming Autumn Budget raises concerns that cuts could undermine these plans altogether, risking long-term damage to the UK’s military posture.
Conclusion
DSEI 2025 highlighted the defence industry’s ability to innovate and offer a breadth of cutting-edge technology and hardware on a global scale. However, the UK government’s performance throughout the landmark event was marked by political distractions, inconsistent messaging, and an apparent failure to leverage the occasion to articulate a clear and ambitious defence vision. With the nation’s military facing multiple operational and fiscal challenges, the need for decisive government leadership and concrete action has never been greater.
Photo credit: UK Ministry of Defence/Crown copyright
Secretary of State for Defence John Healey delivering a keynote speech at DSEI 2025
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