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By: Or Shalom
The DSEI London 2025 exhibition, which took place on September 9–12 at the ExCeL Centre in London, is the flagship event for the defense and HLS industries in Europe and globally. With over 1,600 exhibitors, 45,000 visitors, and more than 90 official delegations, it serves as the leading platform for showcasing innovation, forging collaborations, and shaping the future of armed forces under the official theme: Preparing the Future Force. The event focuses on the following core areas:
Port and Offshore Infrastructure Defense Technologies
At DSEI 2025, it became abundantly clear that Maritime Security and Critical Infrastructure Protection are undergoing continuous reinforcement, both in the UK and globally. Central to the discussions were threats such as increased hostile activity along key maritime routes, cyberattacks, GNSS (satellite) disruption affecting maritime navigation systems, the growing threat of drones and unmanned systems to offshore platforms and ports, and increasing risks to global energy flow due to vulnerabilities in undersea pipelines and LNG facilities. In addition, maritime crime, maritime terrorism, and the impact of regional conflicts on global trade security were addressed. [1] Advanced solutions were showcased alongside these threats: unmanned surface vessels (USVs) for patrol, mine countermeasures, and persistent surveillance; deployment of intelligent sensor networks around ports; and AI-powered anomaly detection algorithms for real-time alerts. [2] Leading trends point to a shift from reliance on static defense systems to multi-layered architectures incorporating autonomous capabilities, secure connectivity, and resilience in GNSS-denied environments. Globally, there is a growing need to protect major maritime trade routes, civilian ports of global importance, and sensitive energy infrastructure such as gas rigs and undersea pipelines. The convergence between military interests and civilian needs to ensure maritime supply chain continuity has made naval defense a critical component of the international security framework, with direct implications for regional stability and the global economy.
Advancements in the Drone Market
The exhibition clearly reflected how the geopolitical climate is reshaping the drone domain. The war in Ukraine, ongoing conflicts, and the rise of asymmetric threats have accelerated the shift from single-drone use to swarms and multi-drone operations, relying on decentralized command and control and jamming-resistant communications.
At DSEI 2025, a strategic partnership between defense technology firms Helsing and Systematic was announced, aimed at developing a sovereign European AI-enabled drone swarm capability. This new capability will fully integrate into existing C2 systems and enable drones to communicate, synchronize, and autonomously allocate tasks in real time. The move is seen as a significant advancement toward autonomous battlefield operations and represents a step forward in European-led defense innovation built in (and for) Europe. [3]
Additionally, advanced communications systems were demonstrated to ensure continuous swarm connectivity even in denied environments, along with AI-powered C2 platforms that reduce reliance on large numbers of human operators.
Counter-Drone System Trends
It was emphasized that combating the drone threat can no longer rely on single-sensor or standalone technology solutions. Detection challenges include low signatures, low-altitude flights, sharp maneuvers, and the use of drone swarms, which make real-time detection by traditional systems difficult.
Newly showcased systems combine RF sensors, short-range tactical radar, and EO/IR sensors, creating a complete and accurate aerial picture. This integration allows for tracking of small drones at varying ranges in cluttered environments and reduces dependence on line-of-sight detection.
Sensor fusion within a centralized C2 interface enables fast, layered decision-making, linking detection capabilities to active countermeasures. A prominent trend is the integration of AI across all phases and layers—from detection to kill chain decision-making.
New systems can analyze signatures in real-time, match them with existing libraries, and automatically classify between commercial (civilian) and hostile drones, including model-specific identification. AI also reduces operator workload by filtering out false positives and allowing focus on real threats.
A major highlight at the exhibition was the MyDefence RF signature library, an electronic database that identifies drone models within seconds—even distinguishing between drones of the same make with slightly different electronic characteristics. A critical advantage is the real-time updating capability: when a new drone is detected in the field, its signature can be captured, added to the library, and disseminated to all deployed forces. This creates a live, dynamic system capable of adapting to evolving threats with high responsiveness. [4]
Beyond jamming and communications disruption, advanced kinetic systems were showcased at DSEI, including small, fast interceptor drones [5], high-precision laser systems, and specialized anti-swarm munitions. [6]
The UK-Ukraine announcement regarding the development of a cost-effective interceptor drone against Shahed-type UAVs exemplifies how combat experience translates into rapid serial production. [7]
The combination of soft and hard-kill solutions creates a comprehensive operational envelope capable of addressing even future swarm-based attacks. Successful demonstrations and trials indicate medium maturity and steady progress. International partnerships, such as the UK–Ukraine collaboration, underscore formalization and industrial production capabilities.
Still, key challenges remain: accelerating industrial production, standardization across manufacturers, and ensuring the survivability of detection and communications systems in EW-contested environments.
Artificial Intelligence as a Core Driver in DefenseTech Systems
DSEI made it clear that artificial intelligence (AI) is no longer merely a supporting element but a core component of advanced defense systems. This trend spans across domains—from swarm management and counter-drone systems to real-time operational intelligence processing—highlighting AI’s role in connecting sensors, communications, and effectors.
Regarding swarm control, showcased solutions demonstrated how AI algorithms enable effective management of large drone groups. AI handles dynamic task allocation, load balancing, and maintains decentralized connectivity, reducing reliance on human operators and improving reaction speed on the battlefield.
In counter-drone systems, AI is key to rapid identification and classification. The aforementioned MyDefence electronic library [see above] illustrates how advanced algorithms allow for real-time identification of new drones, reduce false alarms, and deliver tailored responses to emerging threats.
Operational systems demonstrated how AI supports full situational awareness in complex scenarios—from generating real-time target lists, to coordinating rapid strike missions, and assessing battle damage (BDA). AI turns raw sensor data into immediately actionable intelligence.
Emerging trends indicate that in the coming years, AI will become one of the pillars of DefenseTech. Operationally, it will enable deployment of large, synchronized swarms, rapid threat identification, and high-speed intelligence-to-strike loops, far surpassing what human operators alone can achieve.
On the industrial side, the market is expected to converge around new standards for communication, intelligence, and information management. Dual-use AI systems will also be applied to critical infrastructure protection and civilian domain management, alongside military use.
Strategically, AI is becoming a national sovereignty asset: control over algorithms, models, and data sets will become a key strategic advantage. Hence, countries are investing in local development and international partnerships to avoid over-reliance on foreign technology.
At the same time, significant challenges remain: ensuring resilience and reliability in jamming-heavy environments, addressing ethical and legal responsibility concerns, and maintaining human oversight in critical combat decisions.
Cyber as a Core Layer
The attention cyber received at the exhibition cemented its role as a foundational layer across all defense and DefenseTech systems. Discussions in forums and the Tech Zone highlighted cyber’s role as the link between sensors, communications, C2, and AI.
Beyond technical capabilities, emphasis was placed on securing the digital supply chain as a fundamental condition for operational resilience. Thales unveiled its Datacryptor Model 5 (DCM5) at DSEI—a quantum-resistant encryption system. [8] This solution is designed to ensure cryptographic sovereignty in a future where quantum computing threatens traditional encryption. Its unveiling clearly reflects preparations for an era in which encryption resilience will be a national strategic asset, not merely a technological one.
In parallel with technology, significant focus was placed on supply chain resilience. Professional forums stressed the need to secure manufacturing and development chains, and to cultivate digitally and cyber-skilled human capital, particularly for secure development processes.
The focus on collaboration with civil industry and startups was highlighted as a key strategy to bridge gaps, increase agility, and ensure rapid response to emerging threats. [9]
Insights from the exhibition show that encryption, identity management, and communication hardening systems have reached a high level of maturity and are already being implemented by security forces. In contrast, real-time multi-domain data fusion and standardization of security interfaces are at a medium-to-high maturity level—demonstrations and operational successes exist, but further steps are needed to unify protocols and ensure broad interoperability across vendors.
Conclusion
DSEI 2025 revealed the trends shaping the future: a multi-layered defense approach is becoming the main line of defense against complex threats; AI is accelerating decision-making and enabling autonomous swarm and system management; and cybersecurity and secured supply chains are emerging as prerequisites for defense and economic sovereignty.
Within this mosaic, Israeli technologies stood out as unique solutions in electronic warfare, C-UAS systems, and AI-driven threat analysis, serving as vital enablers for Western and international forces.
The combination of rapid Israeli innovation and multinational frameworks positions Israel as a strategic technology partner, offering tangible advantages in a world where victory will depend on the ability to integrate defense layers, ensure systemic resilience, and implement real-time innovation.
The author is a security, cyber and HLS technology expert and consultant to government ministries and defense industries. He holds a master’s degree, as well as civil and national qualifications in the realm of HLS and Cyber Security. He has experience in consultation and business development for security companies and groups in matters of planning and building defense, innovation and security technology, exercises, and training in security and cyber.
[1] https://i-hls.com/he/archives/104039
[6] https://breakingdefense.com/2025/09/rafael-unveils-iron-beam-450-laser-air-defense-for-dsei/
[7] https://www.dsei.co.uk/news/dsei-uk-2025-uk-mass-produce-ukrainian-interceptor-drone
[9] https://i-hls.com/he/archives/128800
