The deadliest and most advanced weapons in the world are currently being displayed for top military brass at a conference centre in east London.
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) weapons conference at the ExCeL Centre in the London Borough of Newham - not far from the Olympic Park - is the largest arms fair on the planet, featuring state-of-the-art vehicles, firearms, protective equipment and communications technology.
Its website describes it as a 'must-attend' event that 'brings together the entire defence and security industry to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relationships, and generate new business opportunities.
Firearms: A salesman extols the virtues of these Belgian rifles at the the world's largest arms fair in London. The UK is the world's sixth-largest arms exporter, falling out of the top five for the first time this year after being overtaken by China
More deadly than the male: A woman aims a Sig Sauer M400 rifle. The manufacturer claims it has 'unparalleled accuracy'
The arms fair 'provides a unique opportunity for government ministers, senior civil servants and all politicians with an interest in UK defence and security exports to see this vitally important industry in action', the website says.
James Cook of The Kernel was one of the few journalists allowed to attend the event.
He described it as 'one of the most secure places in the world' and said there are five different security checks and a large number of armed police.
'DSEI is home to a mind-boggling array of weaponry. Missiles, assault rifles and drones are all on show,' Mr Cook said.
A peace protestor's banner hangs outside the exhibition
Protestors say the arms trade fuels misery throughout the globe
'I ask my handlers what kind of people attend a weapons conference and they look mildly uncomfortable, before eventually telling me that as well as representatives of foreign governments, there are also private defence contractors shopping for weapons.
'Weapons dealers and exotically-dressed army officers examine rifles in detail, pulling triggers, staring down barrels and occasionally making “pow” noises before they place them back on the perspex rack.'
The biennial event draws a large crowd of protestors who object to arms dealers being able to display their wares on British soil.
Hardware: An attendee gets to grips with a belt-fed machine gun
Armed forces and military contractors from all over the world are at the event
It features state-of-the-art vehicles, firearms, protective equipment and communications technology
Serbian military hardware, including explosives, is displayed at the Defence and Security Equipment International
Weapons locker: A delegate holds an Austrian Glock 22 pistol
The event has been blasted by the Green Party's Caroline Lucas, who claims illegal torture weapons are being promoted there.
Read more: Machine guns, missiles and even warships: The huge array of military equipment available in London at world's largest arms fair | Mail Online
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) weapons conference at the ExCeL Centre in the London Borough of Newham - not far from the Olympic Park - is the largest arms fair on the planet, featuring state-of-the-art vehicles, firearms, protective equipment and communications technology.
Its website describes it as a 'must-attend' event that 'brings together the entire defence and security industry to source the latest equipment and systems, develop international relationships, and generate new business opportunities.
Firearms: A salesman extols the virtues of these Belgian rifles at the the world's largest arms fair in London. The UK is the world's sixth-largest arms exporter, falling out of the top five for the first time this year after being overtaken by China
More deadly than the male: A woman aims a Sig Sauer M400 rifle. The manufacturer claims it has 'unparalleled accuracy'
The arms fair 'provides a unique opportunity for government ministers, senior civil servants and all politicians with an interest in UK defence and security exports to see this vitally important industry in action', the website says.
James Cook of The Kernel was one of the few journalists allowed to attend the event.
He described it as 'one of the most secure places in the world' and said there are five different security checks and a large number of armed police.
'DSEI is home to a mind-boggling array of weaponry. Missiles, assault rifles and drones are all on show,' Mr Cook said.
A peace protestor's banner hangs outside the exhibition
Protestors say the arms trade fuels misery throughout the globe
'I ask my handlers what kind of people attend a weapons conference and they look mildly uncomfortable, before eventually telling me that as well as representatives of foreign governments, there are also private defence contractors shopping for weapons.
'Weapons dealers and exotically-dressed army officers examine rifles in detail, pulling triggers, staring down barrels and occasionally making “pow” noises before they place them back on the perspex rack.'
The biennial event draws a large crowd of protestors who object to arms dealers being able to display their wares on British soil.
Hardware: An attendee gets to grips with a belt-fed machine gun
Armed forces and military contractors from all over the world are at the event
It features state-of-the-art vehicles, firearms, protective equipment and communications technology
Serbian military hardware, including explosives, is displayed at the Defence and Security Equipment International
Weapons locker: A delegate holds an Austrian Glock 22 pistol
The event has been blasted by the Green Party's Caroline Lucas, who claims illegal torture weapons are being promoted there.
Read more: Machine guns, missiles and even warships: The huge array of military equipment available in London at world's largest arms fair | Mail Online
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