DPRTE 2027, taking place March 23–24 in Farnborough, United Kingdom, returns as the UK’s leading platform for defense procurement and supply chain collaboration.
Further details will be announced soon. In the meantime, please refer to the previous event information below.
Officially supported by the Ministry of Defence, the two-day event brings together government officials, industry leaders, and suppliers to address procurement priorities and shape the future of UK defense acquisition.
Image credit: DPRTE
This year’s event will reflect developments from the recently released Strategic Defence Review and evolving Defence Industrial Strategy. With a national commitment to allocate 5% of GDP to security by 2035, including 3.5% for core defense, DPRTE 2026 will be a key touchpoint for understanding new funding streams, policy shifts, and supplier opportunities.
What’s On?
The event features multiple Knowledge Transfer Zones, a Keynote Arena, and a Product Showcase, offering attendees access to insights, technologies, and defense-focused networking.
Keynote Arena
Now in its 13th year, the Keynote Arena brings together senior MOD leaders, policy influencers, and defense stakeholders for strategic insight and sector-wide discussion.
Product Showcase
DPRTE 2026 offers direct engagement with suppliers delivering defense-related products and services. Over 3,000 key decision-makers are expected to attend, representing MOD and the wider acquisition community with an annual spend exceeding £37 billion.
Knowledge Transfer Zones
- Infrastructure & Estates: Led by the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), this area explores estate modernization, recapitalization, sustainability, and digital infrastructure.
- Innovation & Future Defense Technologies: Focused on AI, autonomy, cyber, and cross-domain integration, this zone showcases MOD innovation pathways through DASA and related bodies.
- International Collaboration & Exporting: Connects UK suppliers with global demand and export support. Topics include export readiness, strategic markets, and UKDSE engagement.
- Supply Chain & Market Engagement: Enables direct connections between suppliers and primes. Discussions focus on supplier expectations, subcontracting, and procurement access.
- UK Defence Industry Growth & Development: New for 2026, this zone addresses regional growth, SME support, sovereign production, and dual-use technologies.
- Commercial Transformation: Emphasizes workforce development, DEI, retention, and skills aligned to the goals of the Strategic Defence Review.
- Micro and Small Business Zones: Affordable, dedicated areas for SMEs to enter or expand within the defense sector.
Image credit: DPRTE
Speakers
Confirmed speakers include:
- Deborah Haynes, Security and Defence Editor, Sky News
- Marc Priestly, Former Senior Mechanic, McLaren F1
- Samira Braund, Defence Director, ADS
- Lisa Quest, Partner, Oliver Wyman
- Andrew Kinniburgh, Director General, MAKE UK Defence
- Phil Waterhouse, Group Corporate Affairs Director, APCL Group
- Trevor Taylor, Defence Consultant, RUSI
- Annie Iakovaki, Head of Industrial Supply Chains, Digital Catapult
- Luke Pollard MP, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, MOD
- Rupert Pearce, UK National Armaments Director, NAD
- Jim Carter, Director General Commercial and Industry, NAD Group
- Victoria Cope, Commercial Director, Defence Digital
Why Attend?
MOD & Public Sector Personnel:
Free to attend. DPRTE offers MOD and government buyers a space to assess innovation, align with procurement priorities, and meet new suppliers.
Private Sector & Suppliers:
With over £288 billion earmarked for equipment and support over the next decade, DPRTE offers a direct route into MOD procurement pathways. The event supports supplier engagement with MOD, primes, and Tier 1 contractors through workshops, speaker sessions, and dedicated exhibition zones.
Why Exhibit?
Image credit: DPRTE
Exhibitors will connect with thousands of procurement professionals and potential partners from across the MOD and wider supply chain. Packages are available to suit all organization sizes, from micro-businesses to major contractors, and offer the opportunity to:
- Build new relationships
- Generate leads
- Showcase capabilities
- Access exclusive insights
- Engage directly with procurement decision-makers
Where is DPRTE 2026?
Farnborough International Exhibition Centre
Farnborough, United Kingdom
The venue is accessible in 35 minutes by train from London Waterloo and is near the M3 motorway. Free parking is available on-site. Heathrow Airport is 30 minutes by car, and Gatwick 50 minutes. Farnborough Airport, adjacent to the venue, serves international private flights.
To learn more about DPRTE 2027, to register to attend or exhibit, please click below .
