Work and Money

With more than 1300 exhibitors from 27 countries, the Defence Systems & Equipment International defence exhibition is a bizarre sight to behold – tanks, guns, and ships all tested by people in smart, expensive suits or military uniforms.

It’s much like any other trade show at Excel, except many of these products are designed to kill or, at least, defend against attack.

This event, which happens every two years, was the largest ever. And it met opposition in equal measures. At least 17 protesters were arrested on the first day, mostly for trying to get into the exhibition.

But direct action was not everyone's choice - local Christian groups and peace campaigners held a candlelit vigil. Other activists donned suits and painted their faces with ghoulish white paint, in mockery at the real visitors to the show.

London Mayor Ken Livingstone has also condemned the fair, saying that he would not choose to have it in London because of the large cost of the police force needed to protect it.

DSEi attracts global defence firms

Meeting tanks with a tank

East London-based anti-capitalist group, Space Hijackers, drove a real tank towards the exhibition centre, painted white and stuffed with activists, in the hope of breaking down the fences at the entrance.

"Every two years when the arms fair happens in London, we try and do something to get in the way but every time we get thrown out," said Peter Brownell from the Space Hijackers.

In the end, a heavy police presence meant the tank didn't manage to get much further than Canning Town, a few hundred metres away.

Giving ground to the protestors

Despite opposition, Excel has already been booked for the next DSEi show in 2009.

But there is evidence that the DSEi is responding to criticism. Although protestors were held back by police, they were given a spot to protest from which they would be seen by visitors, according to Al Lockwood, a spokesperson for the DSEi.

The organisers have also been keen to highlight the humanitarian technologies on display, including a revolutionary water bottle that instantly sterilises dirty water without heating. The government's Defence Export Services Organisation (DESO) demonstrated novel robots designed to diffuse bombs with a remote control.

John Tolhurst from the DESO said, "We fully respect the demonstrators but we'd like to remind them that we're not just about tanks, ships and aircraft."

To see pictures from the show and listen to the organisers and protestors, click on the link above.

angela.saini@bbc.co.uk