Protests target Israeli arms firms at Europe’s largest weapons fair
Europe’s largest arms fair, the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), is facing ongoing demonstrations as crowds protest the defence industry’s presence in London.
The event hosts 51 Israeli defence companies, including Rafael, Bluebird Aero Systems, Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Elbit Systems. Elbit is known for marketing its weapons as “battle tested,” a reference to their use in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, which human rights groups have described as a genocide.
The fair also features 17 companies from India’s defence sector, including Tata Advanced Systems.
On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters blocked the main entrance, calling attendees “war criminals” and “baby killers.” Demonstrators engaged with participants as they arrived, sometimes attempting conversation and other times heckling.
One protester, dressed as a Holocaust victim, stood in line with attendees. While many ignored the demonstrations, some argued with protesters, and others laughed or mocked them.
Metropolitan Police officers formed a human corridor to escort attendees inside. A police officer told Maktoob that the measure was necessary to prevent assaults on participants. The standoff turned increasingly combative, leaving several people injured. Police arrested three protesters.
One demonstrator suffered an open fracture, allegedly from being pushed by police. A police officer disputed the claim, saying the person fell. Witnesses saw the injured individual handcuffed and chanting “Free Palestine” before being placed in an ambulance. Maktoob also observed officers shoving a clearly identified legal observer who was attempting to assess the situation.
Police later issued a Section 14 order, warning protesters they would be arrested if they stayed. Despite the order, demonstrations are set to continue through the week. Palestine solidarity groups have urged participants to bring pots, pans and spoons as a symbolic reminder of Gaza’s ongoing famine.
Focus on Arms Firms
Although the UK government barred the official Israeli delegation from attending because of the situation in Gaza, many Israeli firms at the fair remain deeply involved in the country’s military operations.
According to the BDS Movement, Elbit provides 80% of the weapons and equipment used in Israel’s ground campaigns and 85% of its combat drones. Elbit facilities have long been a target of protest, including a recent shutdown of its Bristol factory by Palestine Action. Earlier this week, activists targeted an Elbit factory in Germany for its UAV production.
Rafael, Bluebird and IAI also manufacture weapons used in Gaza. In July 2025, Rafael posted — then removed — a video advertising its Spike Firefly drone system tracking and killing a person in northern Gaza.
Indian defence companies also play a significant role in trade with Israel. The Tata conglomerate is a major target of BDS India because of its decades-long partnerships with Israeli companies, including IAI. Tata Advanced Systems partners with U.S. defence giant Lockheed Martin to produce F-21 fighter jets under India’s “Made in India” program.
Rafael and Indian company Kalyani have a joint venture, Kalyani Rafael, that develops precision UAVs and other weapons systems. Elbit also partners with India’s Adani Group to supply Israel with Hermes 900 drones used in Gaza.
