What is DSEi?
DSEi (Defence & Security Equipment International), is one of the biggest events on the international arms fair circuit, taking place every two years at the ExCel centre in London's Docklands. It exists so that arms buyers and sellers can come together, network and make deals.
It is organised by Clarion Events and the Government department UK Trade & Investment's Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO). UKTI DSO's support is crucial to the success of DSEi and its continued existence.
The 2011 event took place from 13-16 September and featured over 1,300 arms companies from around the world, displaying arms ranging from rifles to tanks to fighter jets to battleships. They were joined by arms dealers, "trade visitors" and military delegations, including countries involved in conflict and human rights abuses, as well as those with desperately underfunded development needs.
Around one in three of the world's militaries were at the arms fair. Adversaries browsed alongside each other for weapons to use against each other. Bahrain, Egypt and Saudi Arabia were there - each of whom turned weapons on democracy protesters in 2011 (Libya was invited to the previous event in 2009).
All this took place in secret, behind heavily protected security fences and police lines - designed to allow arms dealers to trade their wares unhindered by transparency or public protest - and subsidised by the UK taxpayer.
Join CAAT to say This is NOT OK.
Students from the Royal Docks Community School made a film about the arms fair that takes place on their doorstep.
Give us feedback on this page