NATO Interoperability and Industrial Insight at DPRTE 2026

January 21, 2026

The upcoming DPRTE 2026 exhibition at Farnborough International is set to address the critical requirement for NATO interoperability within the UK defence supply chain.

As the global security environment evolves, the alignment between military operational requirements and industrial capability has become a priority for the Ministry of Defence and its international partners. A central feature of the event will be a high-level panel discussion titled “NATO and Alliances: Interoperability and Industry,” which aims to provide businesses with actionable insights into the Alliance’s long-term capability requirements and the procurement landscape following the Strategic Defence Review.

We are delighted to announce that Sir Stuart Atha KBE CB DSO, the current Chair of the NATO Industry Advisory Group (NIAG) and former Deputy Commander of the Royal Air Force, will be joining the session. With a career encompassing the introduction of the Typhoon into service and senior command during major operations, Sir Stuart now serves as the industrial advisor for NATO, bridging the gap between high-level policy and the commercial sector. His participation underscores the importance of the NIAG mandate, which provides essential industrial advice to NATO’s leadership, ensuring that the supply chain is factored into strategic decision-making at the earliest stages.

The panel will also include contributions from Professor Mark Webber of the University of Birmingham and a representative from the NATO Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA).

For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and dual-use technology providers, the inclusion of NATO DIANA is particularly significant. The accelerator is designed to support the development of cutting-edge technologies that can be applied to both civilian and military sectors, offering a clear pathway for non-traditional defence suppliers to enter the international market. This focus on “plug-and-play” technology and seamless interoperability across the NATO footprint is a key commercial driver for UK suppliers seeking to scale their operations globally.

For prime contractors and sub-contractors alike, understanding these frameworks is essential for ensuring supply chain resilience and alignment with international standards. The session will explore how modern procurement and training strategies are being reshaped by lessons learned from recent global conflicts, providing a roadmap for industrial participation in future programmes.

DPRTE 2026 offers a vital platform for industry professionals to engage with these developments directly.

Delegates can secure their attendance for the event, taking place this March at Farnborough International, by visiting the official registration portal at www.dprte.co.uk

This gathering represents a critical opportunity for the UK defence sector to synchronise its industrial output with the strategic demands of the NATO Alliance.