Seven arrested at anti-weapons expo protest in Sydney

Seven people have so far been arrested as hundreds of protesters have gathered outside a major arms expo in Sydney.

The protest against the Indo Pacific International Maritime Exposition kicked off at about 6.30am in Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, across from the International Convention Centre where the event is being held.

About 200 people had arrived as of about 7.30am.

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Many waved Palestinian flags or held protest signs.

The three-day expo is the "premier commercial maritime and naval defence exposition, connecting Australian and international defence, industry, government, academia and technology leaders, in the national interest", according to the NSW government.

A heavy police presence is also at the scene, including mounted officers, to prevent protesters blocking attendees from entering the building.

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The riot squad is also on hand, amid reports some of the protesters had managed to get into the convention centre's underground carpark.

There had been two outbreaks of violent behaviour earlier in the morning, which resulted in two groups of people being arrested.

"We're here to peacefully protest against a convention of war criminals," one of the organisers told Today.

"The United Nations has found genocide in Gaza. This convention is a clear breach of international law.

"Everyone knows that, the government knows it, and here they are going ahead with it anyway, with a thousand cops to protect the war criminals."

The convention will be held from November 4 to November 6.

This year's expo includes its largest-ever contingent of US companies, with a total of 74 on hand as the Australian government presses ahead with its Defence Strategic Review.

The convention's theme for 2025 is "Strength at Sea = Security and Prosperity at Home".

"Over the past 25 years, Indo Pacific has grown into a globally recognised event that reflects the importance of Australia's maritime sector and the need for defence and industry to work closely to propel this sector forward," Justin Giddings, chief executive of organiser AMDA Foundation said.

"Working alongside the Royal Australian Navy, we've built an event that's not just about showcasing capability, it's about creating real conversations and opportunities that help shape the future of maritime security."

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