Following last month’s successful inaugural DPRTE Summit held at the Clock Tower in Manchester, the organisers of Defence Procurement, Research, Technology & Exportability (DPRTE) 2026 are preparing to announce the full speaker programme for the upcoming event, which stands as a cornerstone engagement for the UK’s defence acquisition community.
The announcement, expected shortly, will provide the industry with a detailed view of the high-level policy discussions, procurement insights, and supply chain development opportunities that will define the agenda. For businesses currently operating within or seeking to enter the Ministry of Defence supply chain, the speaker list serves as a critical indicator of the strategic themes that will shape future procurement requirements.
BIP Solutions, the organisers, have already announced the themes for the specialised zones, which include:
- Innovation and Future Defence: Discover the technologies shaping the future of defence.
- Infrastructure and Estates: Explore the latest developments in defence infrastructure and asset management.
- Supply Chain and Market Engagement: Connect with suppliers and learn about new market opportunities.
- Commercial Transformation: Gain insights into the evolving commercial landscape of the defence industry.
- UK Defence Industry: Network with the key players in the UK’s defence sector.
- Export Readiness: Learn how to navigate the complexities of defence exporting.
As the UK’s leading defence procurement event, DPRTE provides an essential platform for engagement between the Ministry of Defence, prime contractors, and the wider supply chain, with a particular focus on SMEs. The agenda is designed to address the most pressing issues facing the sector, from the implementation of procurement reform and the MOD’s industrial strategy, to the integration of novel technologies and the imperative for supply chain resilience. The forthcoming speaker confirmations are anticipated to include senior representatives from key government departments, influential trade bodies, and leading academic institutions.
The detailed programme will offer potential delegates and exhibitors a clear understanding of the knowledge-sharing and networking opportunities available. Sessions are expected to provide direct access to the decision-makers and policy experts who are shaping the future of UK defence capability. As the defence landscape continues to evolve in response to geopolitical and technological change, the insights offered by the DPRTE 2026 speakers will be invaluable for any organisation looking to align its strategy with the UK’s national security priorities. Further details on the confirmed speakers and their session topics will be released in the coming days.
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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