The Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2026 exhibition has further solidified its status as the UK’s premier defence supply chain event with the announcement of two major keynote additions: Kateryna Chernohorenko, Ukraine’s former Deputy Minister of Defence for Digital Development, and Sir Stuart Atha KBE CB DSO, Chair of the NATO Industry Advisory Group (NIAG).
As the UK defence community awaits the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review, these appointments signal a clear focus for the 2026 event: the integration of rapid digital innovation and the critical necessity of Allied interoperability. Taking place on 25-26 March at Farnborough International, the event will provide the industry with a firsthand look at how the Ministry of Defence intends to modernise its frameworks to meet 21st-century threats.
The Industrial Conscience: NATO and Global Alliances
Complementing this frontline perspective is Sir Stuart Atha, who brings a wealth of strategic experience from both the frontline and the boardroom. As the Chair of the NIAG and a senior leader at BAE Systems, Sir Stuart will participate in the “NATO and Alliances: Interoperability and Industry” session.
Joined by Vice Admiral Andy Kyte (MOD Chief of Defence Support) and representatives from NATO DIANA, the panel will explore how the UK supply chain must evolve to support the “plug-and-play” requirements of the Alliance. With a 35-year career in the RAF – including commanding the Typhoon Force and serving as Deputy Commander of the RAF – Sir Stuart provides the essential bridge between operational requirements and industrial capability.
From the Frontline: Digital Transformation at Speed
Kateryna Chernohorenko joins a high-level panel titled “From Conflict to Capability: Lessons from Ukraine for UK Defence and Industry.” Having served as Deputy Minister from 2023 to 2025, Chernohorenko was the architect behind the “Army of Drones” project and the NATO-certified DELTA battlefield management system.
Her participation, alongside Denys Demko (Embassy of Ukraine) and Andrii Romanchuk (EUCON Legal Group), offers UK suppliers an unprecedented case study in “speed of relevance.” Her team’s success in launching the Army+ and Reserve+ digital ecosystems under active conflict provides a blueprint for how the UK can streamline its own procurement and digital deployment.
A Crucial Window for the Supply Chain
For the 2,000+ professionals expected to attend, these sessions represent more than just high-level briefings; they are tactical intelligence. As the MOD begins to operationalise the Defence Industrial Strategy and deploy its £288 billion equipment budget, understanding the shift toward digital resilience and international standardisation is essential for contract success.
Organisers have reminded prospective attendees that the January Promotion is currently active. By using the code Jan20, delegates can secure their attendance at a discounted rate before the offer expires on 31 January.
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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