The Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2025 event, held on 26–27 March 2025 at the Farnborough International Exhibition & Conference Centre, marked a transformative year for the UK’s premier defence procurement showcase.
For the first time, DPRTE adopted a two-day format, giving attendees a more immersive opportunity to engage with expert speakers, explore cutting-edge solutions, and build stronger industry partnerships.
This year’s event took place against the backdrop of a significant boost in UK defence spending, with the government announcing an increase of £2.9 billion in 2026, followed by an additional £2.2 billion in 2027. This surge in funding brings a renewed sense of opportunity for those across the defence supply chain — from established primes to innovative SMEs.
Infrastructure and Estates Zone
The Infrastructure and Estates Zone at DPRTE 2025 offered a comprehensive, future-focused view of how the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is investing in the built environment to support military capability, sustainability, and supply chain innovation. Bringing together experts from across government, industry, and advisory bodies, including the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), AWE, ADS Group, and more, the two-day programme delivered critical insights into ongoing and upcoming opportunities across one of the UK’s largest and most complex estates.
Delivering Defence Capability at Scale
The scale of the defence estate—and the importance of its upkeep—was powerfully illustrated by DIO, which manages over 141,000 bed spaces and completes 1,200 maintenance tasks every day. DIO’s leadership provided insight into their Strategic Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) approach, encouraging suppliers to take a longer-term, collaborative view of their relationship with defence.
Lee Taylor, Supplier Relationship Management Lead at DIO, described how the organisation is evolving to better align industry relationships with operational goals, using tools like joint account planning, strategic alignment mapping, and performance monitoring. For suppliers, this signals a shift toward more transparent, outcomes-focused engagement, and a greater emphasis on delivering social value, innovation, and long-term resilience.
Investing in Nuclear Infrastructure
A highlight from day one was the session from AWE, whose work underpins the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent (CASD). With a budget of approximately £1.4 billion annually, AWE is managing over 100 capital infrastructure projects as part of its Future Infrastructure Programme (FIP) and Future Materials Campus (FMC).
These projects, taking place across Aldermaston, Burghfield, Blacknest, and Coulport, include facility upgrades, life-extension of ageing assets, and the construction of new, specialist buildings. AWE highlighted the importance of integrated delivery models, strategic partnerships, and modern methods of construction to ensure delivery is on time, within budget, and fit for purpose. This offers significant opportunity for those in construction, project management, engineering design, and safety consultancy, particularly those able to operate within secure, highly regulated environments.
Preparing for the Post-PFI Era
The MOD’s transition away from legacy Private Finance Initiative (PFI) contracts was another key focus. Presentations from DIO and DE&S mapped out the timeline for PFI replacement programmes across a number of major sites, including RAF Lyneham, Northwood HQ, MOD Corsham, and Main Building Whitehall.
These projects represent new opportunities for suppliers to shape and deliver facilities management (FM), utilities, and site services over the coming decades. The MOD is seeking best-in-class FM services that are data-informed, digitally managed, and capable of integrating sustainability, compliance, and operational support. For prospective suppliers, aligning with the MOD’s focus on smart maintenance regimes, circular economy principles, and strategic collaboration will be key to success.
Optimising the Defence Estate
Another major strand of the programme was the Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio (DEOP). Chris Ward, Deputy Head of DEOP, presented the vision to create “a better structured, more economical estate that more effectively supports military capability.” Already, DEOP has committed £1.18 billion to 14 infrastructure project contracts and 10 service project contracts, all under the NEC4 contract model.
The DEOP framework prioritises a collaborative approach, with alliance partners participating in joint working groups, health and safety leadership, sustainability planning, and a Common Design Framework to promote consistency and adaptability. For contractors and consultants, this means opportunities not only to deliver specific builds but also to shape policy, design standards, and programme governance.
Building Resilience Through Nature and Innovation
Environmental resilience was a core theme throughout the zone. A session led by Arcadis focused on the role of soil health, biodiversity, and nature-based solutions (NBS) in the future of the MOD estate. With the MOD being one of the UK’s largest landowners, the potential for the defence estate to support national nature recovery targets is substantial.
Arcadis presented case studies from across the UK where sustainable land use and soil stewardship were integrated into defence and civilian infrastructure planning. For example, rewilding industrial land near Wrexham or optimising surplus topsoil on projects in Poynton. These examples highlight opportunities for landscape designers, soil scientists, environmental engineers, and sustainability specialists to contribute meaningfully to estate development.
Towards Net Zero and a Decarbonised Estate
Veolia addressed the growing urgency to decarbonise the defence estate, where ageing infrastructure and high operational emissions—estimated at 2.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually—present significant challenges. Veolia’s solutions span waste, water, and energy systems, from microgrids and renewable energy to advanced water reuse and hazardous waste treatment.
The company outlined its unique position to support the MOD in meeting its Net Zero 2050 targets and called on suppliers to collaborate in building a climate-resilient defence ecosystem. This resonates with the broader MOD strategy to embed sustainability and social value across procurement and operational delivery.
Human-Centred Design for Modern Defence
Another compelling theme was the human factor in defence infrastructure. AtkinsRéalis led a session on optimising performance and wellbeing through human-centred design. Drawing from internal research and insights from ex-military personnel, the session showed how design impacts everything from mental health to morale, retention, and operational effectiveness.
Key findings included the importance of natural light, access to green space, thermal comfort, and acoustic design—factors not traditionally prioritised in defence construction. The MOD is now recognising these as vital to both recruitment and retention, particularly in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) and Service Family Accommodation (SFA). For suppliers, this points to future opportunities in modular builds, retrofit, and smart accommodation solutions.
Final Takeaways for Defence Suppliers
The Infrastructure and Estates Zone at DPRTE 2025 demonstrated how the defence estate is evolving in response to a complex landscape—marked by rising geopolitical pressures, ageing infrastructure, net zero commitments, and changing workforce needs. For suppliers, the zone highlighted:
- Long-term capital programmes across nuclear, secure, and specialist infrastructure
- Modern FM and PFI replacement opportunities aligned to sustainability and value
- Collaborative delivery models under frameworks like DEOP
- Environmental integration, including biodiversity net gain and sustainable land use
- A growing emphasis on wellbeing, accommodation quality, and user-centred design
- The MOD’s clear focus on building resilience, flexibility, and partnership into procurement
For those in construction, consultancy, engineering, environmental sciences, or FM, the message was clear: there are multiple pathways into MOD estate delivery—and those who can bring innovation, agility, and values-based delivery will find a welcome door.
Looking Ahead to DPRTE 2026
Following the success of this year’s expanded two-day format, DPRTE 2026 will return to the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre on 25–26 March 2026.
With estate optimisation, decarbonisation, and modernisation all high on the agenda, next year’s event will offer even more valuable insight for those operating in the construction, engineering, facilities management, and environmental sectors.
Whether you’re looking to hear directly from MOD estate leaders, connect with prime contractors, or explore collaboration opportunities with SMEs and innovation bodies, DPRTE 2026 is the must-attend event for any organisation involved in the future of the UK defence estate.
Register your interest now to stay up to date on stand bookings, speaker announcements, and delegate registration:
https://www.dprte.co.uk/dprte-2026-waitlist/
How Defence Contracts International Can Support Your Business
For suppliers looking to break into or expand within the defence infrastructure and estates space, Defence Contracts International (DCI) provides essential support.
DCI offers access to real-time alerts on tenders, framework agreements, contract awards, and emerging opportunities across the MOD and wider public sector. With filters tailored to your capabilities—whether in construction, sustainability, FM, or engineering—DCI ensures you never miss a chance to compete for work that aligns with your strengths.
Beyond tender alerts, DCI also delivers strategic insights, defence sector intelligence, and tools to help you identify trends, monitor competitors, and position your business for success.
From major capital build programmes to SME-friendly service contracts, DCI connects you with the information and intelligence you need to thrive in the UK defence market.
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Post written by: Matt Brown
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