Red Arrows to Open DSEI

It is expected – subject to weather conditions – that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will formally open Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) next week, with their signature nine aircraft flypast.




DSEI is a seminal event for global defence and security, held in partnership with the UK Ministry of Defence and Department of International Trade.

Air Marshal Gerry Mayhew, Deputy Commander Operations, Royal Air Force said: “It is with great pleasure that the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, will mark the official opening of DSEI 2021. The exhibition is an important showcase for world-leading innovation and technology from British industry, that provides the RAF and UK Defence the continued ability to remain ahead of our competitors”.

With a week until DSEI opens, Event Director, Grant Burgham, said: “the industry is getting ready to come back together at DSEI and we look forward to welcoming our exhibitors, speakers, visitors, delegations, Government stakeholders, and the Armed Forces for a week of exclusive demonstrations and presentations. What better way to kick-off one of the UK’s first major international events in recent years than with a greeting from the Red Arrows”.

DSEI is held biennially at ExCeL London. This edition will host over 1000 companies at the live event and through its complementary digital platform, DSEI Connect.

More details about how DSEI visitors can view the flypast will follow in the coming days.

Location: UK