UK DSEI Roundtable Highlights Defence Tech Push Amid Strategic Review

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A high-level Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) UK roundtable has brought together Ministry of Defence (MoD) officials and leading defence industry representatives to advance the UK’s defence technology strategy. The discussion focused on accelerating the development and deployment of cutting-edge capabilities and supported the broader objectives of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review.

The event, held in July 2025, was attended by Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP, alongside executives from firms such as Qinetiq, Dell, 4GD and Capita Defence. The roundtable emphasised support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to fast-track dual-use innovations from concept to combat readiness. A recurring theme was the need for a sustainable pipeline of technical talent to underpin the UK’s long-term military capability.

Minister Eagle stressed the urgency of modernisation, stating, “Threats around the world are changing fast and we will rely on the ingenuity of businesses of all sizes to take cutting-edge concepts from the drawing board to our Armed Forces on the frontline.” Grant Burgham, Director of DSEI UK, said the event showcased genuine alignment between government, major contractors, and SMEs in developing scalable, next generation defence solutions.

This renewed industry engagement is in step with the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, which prioritises the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous systems, long-range precision weapons, and enhanced cyber capabilities. The review also outlined procurement plans that include up to 12 SSN-AUKUS submarines under the trilateral agreement, and increased investments in digital targeting technologies.

A central goal of the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy is to halve procurement timelines and boost equipment availability by 50 per cent. Officials aim to achieve this through closer collaboration with suppliers and early-stage engagement with innovators via the Defence Suppliers Forum. Industry leaders have welcomed the emphasis on predictability, competitiveness and sovereign capability.

Further, the strategy is expected to institutionalise long-term funding, strengthen export potential, and promote skilled workforce development, seen as essential for both national security and economic growth. This pragmatic focus aligns with centre-right principles of industrial self-reliance, strategic clarity, and fiscal accountability.

As the UK prepares for DSEI 2025, which will be held in September at London’s ExCeL arena, themes such as agile acquisition, dual-use innovation, and defence workforce transformation are set to dominate. The roundtable demonstrated that ambition alone is not enough; structured action and public–private cooperation is key to achieving meaningful progress.