Exclusive look at the critical sessions and senior leaders driving the conversation on defence strategy, innovation, and supply chain resilience.
The UK’s premier defence procurement event is building momentum. With DPRTE 2026 just three months away (25-26 March, Farnborough), organisers have released the full Keynote Arena agenda (Sponsored by Kuehne + Nagel) – revealing a programme packed with government ministers, industry leaders, and strategic experts tackling the most pressing challenges facing defence procurement today.
A Programme Shaped by Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy
The agenda reflects the seismic shifts in UK defence policy. From implementing the Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) to navigating emerging threats and technological innovation, the two-day programme is structured to equip delegates with both strategic intelligence and commercial insight.
Day One: Building Consensus on Delivery and Strategy
The event kicks off with a ministerial address, followed by critical sessions including:
“Implementing DIS: What Does Mutual Success Look Like?” (10.50-11.25) Featuring government and industry heavyweights, this session will explore how the Defence Industrial Strategy is being operationalised. With speakers including Jim Carter (Director General Commercial and Industry, NAD Group), Andrew Kinniburgh (Director General, MAKE UK Defence), and Phil Waterhouse (Group Corporate Affairs Director, APCL Group), delegates will gain insider intelligence on how policy is translating into procurement reality.
“The Role of the National Armaments Directorate Group” (12.00-12.25) Rupert Pearce, UK National Armaments Director, will provide critical insight into how NAD is reshaping defence procurement and what this means for suppliers positioning themselves in the market.
“From Pitlane to Procurement: F1 Insights to Drive Innovation” (13.00-13.35) In a departure from conventional defence discourse, Marc Priestly, former Senior Mechanic at McLaren F1, will share how high-performance engineering cultures drive innovation – offering lessons for defence procurement teams.
“Financing the Future of Defence” (13.40-14.15) This is where financial reality meets strategic opportunity. With £288 billion in defence equipment spending committed over the next decade, understanding how this investment is financed is critical.
This session brings together:
- Lisa Quest, Partner and Head of UK&I at Oliver Wyman, providing commercial strategy insights
- John Godfrey, Managing Director for Public Affairs, Policy and Research at TheCityUK, offering rare expertise on the intersection of finance and defence policy
- Sherin Aminossehe, Director of Growth and Missions at the Ministry of Defence, explaining government’s investment strategy
- Kevin Craven, Chief Executive Officer of ADS
“Building a Resilient and Secure Defence Supply Chain” (14.20-14.55) With supply chain resilience at the top of government’s agenda, Samira Braund (ADS), Trevor Taylor (RUSI), and Luke Butler (University of Nottingham) will explore how to balance innovation, security, and commercial sustainability.
Rounding off the day is a session on Frontline Delivery.
Day Two: Threats, Technology, and Tactical Foresight
Day two shifts focus to emerging security challenges and technological transformation:
“Are We Ready? Lessons from The Wargame” (10.50-11.20) Deborah Haynes, Sky News Security and Defence Editor, opens the second day with analysis of real-world defence scenarios and what they mean for procurement readiness.
“AI & Autonomy: Procurement & Effect in the Digital Era” (11.25-11.55) Victoria Cope (Defence Digital) and Annie Iakovaki (Digital Catapult) will address the critical question facing defence suppliers: How do we procure AI and autonomous systems effectively and securely?
“Wargames Interactive Feature” (13.00-13.45) An immersive session bringing defence strategy to life, with Deborah Haynes guiding delegates through real geopolitical scenarios.
“From Conflict to Capability: Lessons from Ukraine for UK Defence and Industry” (13.50-14.20) Denys Demko, Economic Secretary at the Embassy of Ukraine, provides frontline perspective on how actual conflict reshapes defence capability requirements and procurement priorities.
“NATO and Alliances: Interoperability and Industry” (14.25-15.00) Prof. Mark Webber (University of Birmingham) explores how NATO commitments are driving UK defence industrial strategy and creating supply chain opportunities.
Why This Agenda Matters for Defence Suppliers
The speakers represent a rare convergence of power, expertise, and decision-making authority:
✓ Government ministers and senior MOD officials setting strategy and budget allocation
✓ Leading defence industry figures sharing commercial realities and market intelligence
✓ Academic experts and think tanks providing independent analysis
✓ International perspectives on allied requirements and emerging threats
For suppliers, this isn’t theoretical discussion. These sessions will reveal:
- Where government is allocating the £288bn defence budget
- What the Defence Industrial Strategy means for contracts and supply chain partnerships
- How to navigate emerging procurement frameworks around AI, sustainability, and resilience
- What capability gaps exist and how industry can fill them
Early Pricing Window Closing: 2025 Rates Expire December 31st
With the full programme now visible, demand for tickets is accelerating. 2025 delegate pricing is available until December 31st (Full Event: £245 + VAT | Single Day: £195 + VAT). After the new year, prices increase.
Over 3,000 defence sector decision-makers are expected to attend – including MOD procurement leaders, Tier 1 contractors, SME suppliers, and international partners. Networking opportunities include dedicated “Meet the Buyer” sessions, product showcases, and multiple knowledge transfer zones.
How to Register and Access the Full Agenda
Venue: Farnborough International
Dates: 25-26 March 2026
Post written by: Vicky Maggiani
Vicky has worked in media for over 25 years and has a wealth of experience in editing and creating copy for a variety of sectors.
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