Wincanton, a prominent logistics and supply chain partner in the defence sector, has been confirmed as the Headline Sponsor for the Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2026 event.
This partnership highlights the critical role of logistics and supply chain resilience in the UK’s defence capabilities. DPRTE 2026, which is officially supported by the Ministry of Defence, will take place on 25-26 March 2026 at the Farnborough International Exhibition and Conference Centre, serving as a key engagement point for the entirety of the defence acquisition community.
With over 60 years of experience, Wincanton, now part of GXO, delivers integrated end-to-end supply chain solutions across the air, land, and sea domains. The company’s expertise encompasses inbound and outbound logistics, inventory control, asset movement, and specialist packaging, making it a strategic partner to the MOD and its prime contractors. Wincanton’s headline sponsorship of the UK’s leading defence procurement event underscores the increasing focus on the agility and reliability of the supply chain as a fundamental component of national security and operational readiness. For suppliers, this partnership signals the high value placed on robust logistics frameworks within major defence programmes.
DPRTE 2026 will provide a vital platform for businesses to explore opportunities and align with the sector’s strategic direction. The event is structured around key themes that are directly relevant to the supply chain, including dedicated Knowledge Transfer Zones focused on ‘Innovation and Future Defence Technologies’, ‘Supply Chain and Market Engagement’, and ‘UK Defence Industry Growth & Development’. These zones offer suppliers, from established prime contractors to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), direct access to insight and engagement with leading figures from the MOD, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl).
The event facilitates tangible business development through structured networking and engagement opportunities, such as the ‘Meet the Buyer’ programme, which allows suppliers to hold pre-arranged one-to-one meetings with key procurement decision-makers. The inclusion of Partner Pavilions and dedicated zones for micro and small businesses further ensures that companies of all sizes can effectively showcase their capabilities and identify new routes to market. For organisations looking to enter or expand their footprint in the defence sector, DPRTE 2026 offers an indispensable opportunity to connect with the key organisations and understand the evolving requirements of the UK’s defence procurement landscape.
Registration for the event is now open.