We’re thrilled to reveal that the speaker programme for DPRTE 2026 is nearly finalised – and it’s shaping up to be the most influential and diverse lineup in the event’s 13-year history.
From government ministers shaping defence policy to industry leaders representing 1,600+ UK defence companies, from NATO strategists to innovation pioneers, this year’s Keynote Arena and Knowledge Transfer Zones will bring you the voices that are defining the future of UK defence procurement, capability development, and supply chain resilience.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
🔹 Direct Access to MOD Leadership Hear from the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, the UK National Armaments Director, and the Commercial Director of Defence Digital – the officials driving procurement reform and the Strategic Defence Review implementation. These are the decision-makers determining where £288 billion in defence investment flows.
🔹 Industry Voices That Represent YOU CEOs and directors from ADS, Make UK Defence, and leading defence companies will speak candidly about what industry needs from government, where SMEs fit in the evolving supply chain, and how primes are building resilience through their supplier networks.
🔹 NATO & International Strategy With NATO realignment, AUKUS partnerships, and Ukraine lessons shaping defence strategy, we’re bringing NATO advisors and international experts to help UK suppliers understand the geopolitical drivers behind procurement priorities and export opportunities.
🔹 Innovation & Technology Leaders From cyber security specialists to digital transformation experts, from R&D directors at AWE to digital catapult leaders – discover where MOD innovation funding is concentrated and how to position your technology for rapid deployment.
🔹 Infrastructure & Supply Chain Transformation Infrastructure procurement specialists, facilities management leaders, and supply chain resilience experts will detail the £5 billion Defence Estate Optimisation Programme and emerging opportunities across construction, digital infrastructure, and sustainment services.
🔹 Procurement & Commercial Reform Hear directly from those redesigning how MOD buys defence capability -the new frameworks, agile models, and “Accelerating Commercial Pathways” that are fundamentally changing supplier engagement and bid processes.
🔹 Export & International Growth MOD export advisors and international collaboration specialists will open doors to the £14.5 billion UK defence export market – with practical guidance on AUKUS partnerships, NATO certification, and global market access.
🔹 Thought Leadership & Strategic Insight Journalists, security experts, procurement law professors, and defence economists will provide external perspective on trends shaping defence strategy, supply chain resilience, and long-term industrial capability.
Across 6 Knowledge Transfer Zones + The Keynote Arena, you’ll gain insight into:
- ✅ Policy priorities driving procurement decisions
- ✅ Where demand is emerging across defence programmes
- ✅ How to win contracts in the reformed MOD
- ✅ Routes to international markets and partnerships
- ✅ Innovation funding and technology transition pathways
- ✅ Infrastructure and sustainment opportunities
- ✅ Supply chain resilience and regional growth
- ✅ Cybersecurity, digital transformation, and emerging tech
A Word on Diversity:
This year’s speaker programme reflects the full breadth of UK defence: women leaders in commercial transformation and inclusive leadership, international experts shaping NATO strategy, regional voices representing SME and mid-tier suppliers, and innovators from startups to established primes.
What’s Coming Next:
Over the coming weeks, we’ll be sharing detailed posts spotlighting key speakers, their expertise, and the sessions they’re leading. Follow along as we introduce:
- Government & Policy Leadership – The MOD officials implementing defence strategy
- Industry Visionaries – CEOs and industry representatives shaping supply chain resilience
NATO & International Strategy – Alliance-building and global procurement
Innovation & Technology – Where R&D investment is flowing and how to access it - Infrastructure & Transformation – The £3-5 billion estate modernization opportunity
- Exports & Global Growth – Unlocking the £14.5 billion international market
- Commercial & Procurement Reform – How MOD is changing the way it buys
- Supply Chain & SME Success – Routes to market for smaller suppliers
Plus: Special features on women in defence leadership, emerging technologies shaping capability, and lessons from Ukraine on rapid defence modernization.
Don’t Miss Out:
Whether you’re a supplier seeking to understand where demand is emerging, a prime contractor strengthening your supply chain, an innovator with breakthrough technology, or a policymaker shaping industrial strategy – DPRTE 2026 is where the UK defence community converges.
The speakers, the zones, the Meet the Buyer Hubs, and the networking will give you the insight, connections, and clarity to position your organisation for success in 2026 and beyond.
👉 Register now to secure your place: www.dprte.co.uk/booknow
📅 Dates: 25-26 March 2026 | Location: Farnborough International
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.
RELATED ARTICLES
April 2, 2026
Homeland - UK and Ireland Sign Refreshed Defence MoU to Enhance Joint Procurement and Maritime Security
UK and Ireland Sign Refreshed Defence MoU to Enhance Joint Procurement and Maritime Security The UK Ministry of Defence and the
April 2, 2026
Homeland - MOD Initiates £9 Billion Housing Strategy with RAF Brize Norton Development
The Ministry of Defence has announced the commencement of the first new-build service family housing project in nearly a decade,
