The Defence Procurement Research and Technology Exhibition (DPRTE) 2026 is set to commence next week at Farnborough International, with a host of heavy-hitters confirmed to speak.
As the Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to navigate a landscape of rapidly evolving global threats, the upcoming event serves as a critical forum for aligning industrial capabilities with national security requirements. With less than one week remaining until the doors open, the MOD has confirmed a significant delegation of high-level officials who will lead discussions on the future of the UK defence ecosystem, emphasising that the supply chain is now viewed as a critical strategic capability rather than a purely logistical function.
Central to the agenda is the MOD’s commitment to achieving warfighting readiness through a more resilient and innovative connection with industry partners. Julie Brettell, the Defence Commercial and Industry Supply Chain Director at the MOD, is among the newly announced headline speakers. Her address is expected to outline the vision for a more integrated industrial base, providing attendees with clarity on how commercial strategies will evolve to support long-term stability. This is particularly relevant for both prime contractors and small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs) looking to align their business models with the MOD’s overarching objectives.
Further technical and architectural insights will be provided by Ed Fairhurst, Deputy Director of Supply Chain Architecture at the MOD. His session will focus on the ongoing redesign of supply chain frameworks for the digital age, a move designed to enhance transparency and responsiveness across the sector. Additionally, Nathan Hinchliffe, Head of Market Engagement for the MOD Co-ordination Authority, will detail the specific mechanisms through which the MOD intends to coordinate and collaborate with the private sector. These insights are essential for businesses seeking to understand the formal routes of engagement and the expectations placed upon suppliers within the £288 billion equipment plan.
The delegation also includes Ange Baker, Programme Head at MOD Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S), and Fiona Cowan, SCRIPT-TL at the MOD, ensuring that the event covers the full spectrum of procurement and programme management. For organisations operating within the UK defence sector, DPRTE 2026 represents a final opportunity this year to engage directly with the decision-makers responsible for shaping procurement policy.
As the event approaches, the availability of tickets is limited, reflecting the high demand for access to the MOD’s procurement leadership. Participation is recommended for any entity seeking to secure its position within the future UK defence supply chain.
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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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