DSEI UK hosts discussion on accelerating defence tech
The Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) UK has hosted a roundtable focused on the acceleration of defence technology development to counter evolving threats.
The discussions saw participation from the UK Ministry of Defence (MoD) Minister for Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle, alongside experts from Qinetiq, Dell, 4GD, and Capita Defence.
The exclusive gathering aimed at addressing how the MoD and broader sectors could enhance support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in bringing new technologies from concept to deployment.
Additionally, participants examined the impact of dual-use technologies on traditional procurement processes and strategies to cultivate a robust talent pool for defence innovation.
Industry and government leaders agree that the UK’s defence infrastructure needs to adapt to effectively meet the constantly changing threat environment, taking into account insights from ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and the Middle East.
Eagle said: “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.
“Events like DSEI and this roundtable bring that expertise together and our new Defence Industrial Strategy will show how we’ll build a stronger defence sector to support fast, flexible approaches that help us develop technology quickly.”
These pressing issues are set to feature prominently at the upcoming DSEI UK event scheduled for September 2025 at Excel London.
It will likely inform discussions in the MoD’s anticipated Defence Industrial Strategy.
DSEI UK serves as a pivotal platform for fostering partnerships between industry stakeholders and government entities, contributing to strategic dialogues about defence capabilities and preparedness on a global scale.
DSEI UK director Grant Burgham said: “It was important for DSEI UK to convene this roundtable. It reinforced our commitment to supporting innovation by creating a space where government, large suppliers and SMEs can come together to tackle shared challenges and accelerate the adoption of next-generation solutions.”
Earlier in July 2025, a UK MoD official claimed that the recent growth in the defence budget has exceeded the last recorded military equipment deficit in 2023.
