Defence Export Services Organisation

The Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) is the part of the Ministry of Defence which is responsible for assisting UK arms sales abroad. Essentially, it is a marketing department for the British Arms industry which is paid for by the taxpayer. It employs around 600 staff and has offices around the world.

DESO's net operating costs for 2004/5 are projected at £14.426 million (Hansard, 29.6.04). As well as its London headquarters, it has seventeen overseas offices, most employing three or fewer staff, though the office in Saudi Arabia has 56.

As well as playing a key role in organising UK arms fairs, DESO also attends a number of international defence exhibitions to "represent the Ministry of Defence in support of the UK Defence Industry." The table below shows those exhibitions which DESO attended in 2004.

The current head of DESO is Alan Garwood, who's previous career was with BAE Systems, the UK's leading arms exporter. He is one in a long line of DESO bosses with a background in the Arms industry. As CAAT's recent report shows, along with a whole range of government/industry committees, DESO represents a voice for the Arms manufacturers at the heart of government.

If you're opposed to this use of taxpayer's money, you can help with CAAT's campaign to shut down DESO, the government's arms sales unit.

Resources

Shut DESO Campaign Briefing
Read or download this campaign briefing from our Call the Shots Campaign, on our main website.