Italy and Leonardo protagonists at the DSEI fair: GCAP at the center of the 2025 edition in London (September 9-12)

From September 9 to 12, 2025, London hosts the Defense and Security Equipment International (DSEI), the largest European fair dedicated to defense and security. The event, as always hosted at the ExCel Centre, records record numbers: over 1,600 exhibitors from more than 90 countries and 45,000 people expected for the event.

An event that every two years transforms the British capital into the beating heart of the global defense industry, with areas dedicated to land, sea, air, space, cyber, and AI, without neglecting innovation in emerging sectors such as drones and autonomous systems.

The Italian presence is particularly significant. Alongside historic names like Beretta, Benelli, and Fiocchi, with “father” Leonardo leading as a reference point for the national defense industry, Italy brings to London (as of today while we write) 39 exhibitors, confirming the vitality of a sector that continues to innovate and consolidate international partnerships. The complete list of participating Italian companies is available on the official DSEI website at this link.

GCAP: the program that marks the future

Great anticipation for the focus on the GCAP (Global Combat Air Programme), the next-generation aeronautical program featuring United Kingdom, Italy, and Japan.

Only recently, the European Commission approved the creation of a joint venture between BAE Systems and Leonardo, a step that confirms Italy's industrial and technological weight in this project destined to revolutionize air combat by 2040.

The official DSEI website describes the GCAP as a true “cornerstone of aerospace innovation”, highlighting how the fair will offer visitors the opportunity to delve into the dynamics of this international collaboration, explore technological opportunities related to the development of the sixth-generation fighter, and meet directly with the leaders driving this transformative program.

Drones and UCAV: the new frontier of defense

The DSEI 2025 dedicates ample space to the evolution of remotely piloted systems, complementing traditional exhibition areas with the latest innovations in the field of UCAV (Unmanned Combat Air Vehicle), platforms that are reaching increasingly advanced operational capabilities.

Among the most interesting demonstrations are the Shadow Fox by L3Harris, an Autonomous Surface Vehicle capable of operating beyond the line of sight, and the USV Pioneer by ACUA Ocean, a SWATH platform with a load capacity of up to 6.5 tons and zero-emission autonomous missions. Two concrete examples of how autonomy and artificial intelligence are profoundly transforming the very concept of military operations.

Leonardo: 360-degree innovation

In London, Leonardo will present the best of its expertise in all operational domains:

• Land → electronics for land defense, radar systems, communications, and mission systems
• Sea → sonar, naval radars, integrated combat systems
• Air → aircraft, helicopters, avionics, programs like GCAP
• Space → through Telespazio and Thales Alenia Space (strategic partnerships)
• Cyber → cybersecurity and digital resilience solutions

The Italian company confirms its role as an international technological hub, one of the few players capable of integrating research, innovation, and operations in all domains: land, sea, air, space, and cyber. With revenues in 2025 amounting to 17.8 billion euros, an order portfolio of 44.2 billion, over 60,000 employees, and 129 sites worldwide, Leonardo establishes itself as a global industrial champion.

Copyright Leonardo S.p.A.

Thanks to 2.5 billion in annual investments in research and development and the fact that 64% of funding sources are linked to ESG parameters, the company demonstrates the ability to combine innovation, sustainability, and international competitiveness.

Italy at the forefront

The presence of Leonardo and numerous Italian companies at DSEI 2025 demonstrates that Italy is not just a spectator, but a protagonist of global defense.

In an international context characterized by growing instability and technological competition, our country brings industrial expertise, innovative solutions, and a strong spirit of cooperation to London.

With the GCAP and such a broad participation, Italy confirms itself at the forefront of the future of international defense and security.

For all information and updated details, you can consult the official website: www.dsei.co.uk.