The UK’s largest defence exhibition opens tomorrow with 1,627 companies from 50 countries. Türkiye ranks 12th with 28 firms, while Israel joins with 51 establishments despite official restrictions.
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), the UK’s premier defence fair, opens its doors tomorrow in London. According to the organiser’s official website, 28 Turkish institutions and companies will take part. While the Israeli government’s official communication office has been barred, Israeli defence firms are still participating.
The fair, considered a major showcase of the UK’s land and naval platforms, will host 1,627 exhibitors from 50 countries. By number of participants, the top five are: the United Kingdom (614), the United States (214), Australia (111), Germany (109), and Israel (51). Türkiye, with 28 firms, ranks 12th.
The Turkish contingent includes: 3E, ASELSAN, ASSAN, ATESCI, Barko Elektronik, BMC, CANiK ARMS, CES Advanced Composites UK, Desan, Femsan Motors, KALEKALIP, MENATEK, Meteksan, MKE, MZD, NMS UK, Öznil Plastik, Proino, REPKON, Roketsan, SARSILMAZ, SSB, STG, SUPROBOX, TAIS Shipyards, Tualcom Elektronik, and YDS.
However, two Turkish firms face difficulties: ASSAN’s owner, Emin Öner, and CEO Gürcan Okumuş have been arrested on espionage charges, with a trustee appointed to oversee the company; and Femsan Motors has filed for concordat due to financial distress. The Istanbul Anadolu 3rd Commercial Court granted a three-month temporary reprieve, appointed a concordat commissioner, and scheduled the next hearing for October, 2025.
Meanwhile, Israel’s strong presence at DSEI has drawn attention. Despite being politically isolated in Europe for its brutal treatment of civilians in Gaza, condemned by an overwhelming majority at the UN General Assembly, Israel is fielding 51 companies in London. Israeli firms were banned from participating in France’s Eurosatory, Euronaval, and Paris Air Show, as well as Spain’s FEINDEF exhibition in May. The Netherlands has also announced it will apply the same restriction in November for NEDS 2025. The UK, however, has barred only official Israeli government representation while allowing private firms, leaving organisers in a delicate position between political isolation and the commercial weight of Israel’s defence industry.