Protests erupt against Israeli arms firms at Europe’s biggest weapons fair
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London: Europe’s largest arms fair, the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), is facing sustained demonstrations as protesters voice opposition to 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, in particular, markets its weapons as “battle tested,” referencing their use in Israel’s ongoing conflict in Gaza, which human rights groups have described as genocide.
In addition, 17 companies from India’s defence sector are participating, including Tata Advanced Systems.
On Tuesday, hundreds of protesters blocked the main entrance, calling attendees “war criminals” and “baby killers.” Demonstrators engaged participants through conversation, heckling, or symbolic actions. One protester, dressed as a Holocaust victim, stood in line alongside attendees. While some participants ignored the protests, others argued with or mocked the demonstrators.
Metropolitan Police officers formed a human corridor to escort attendees inside, citing the need to prevent assaults on participants. The standoff turned increasingly combative, leaving several injured and resulting in the arrest of three protesters. One demonstrator allegedly suffered an open fracture after being pushed by police; authorities disputed the claim, saying the person fell. Witnesses reported seeing the injured protester handcuffed and chanting “Free Palestine” before being placed in an ambulance. Police were also observed shoving a clearly identified legal observer attempting to monitor the situation.
Authorities later issued a Section 14 order, warning protesters they would be arrested if they remained, yet demonstrations are expected to continue throughout the week. Palestine solidarity groups have urged participants to bring pots, pans, and spoons as a symbolic reference to Gaza’s ongoing famine.
Groups across the pro-Palestine, anti-arms trade and climate justice movement protest at the DSEI UK Arms fair in Excel, London. Photo: Meher Vepari
Although the UK government barred the official Israeli delegation from attending due to 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 weapons and equipment used in Israel’s ground campaigns and 85% of its combat drones. Elbit facilities have long been targets of protest, including a recent shutdown of its Bristol factory by Palestine Action. Earlier this week, activists also targeted an Elbit factory in Germany for its UAV production.
Rafael, Bluebird, and IAI manufacture weapons deployed in Gaza. In July 2025, Rafael posted, then removed a video promoting its Spike Firefly drone system, showing it tracking and killing a person in northern Gaza.
Indian defence companies are also heavily involved in trade with Israel. The Tata conglomerate, a major target of BDS India, has decades-long partnerships with Israeli firms, 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” programme.
Rafael and Indian company Kalyani have a joint venture, Kalyani Rafael, to develop precision UAVs and other weapons systems. Elbit also partners with India’s Adani Group to supply Israel with Hermes 900 drones used in Gaza.