Conversations and Collaboration in a Changing Defence Landscape
SVGC had the privilege of attending and exhibiting at DPRTE 2026, one of the UK’s leading defence procurement events.
With over 6,000 attendees, the event brought together a powerful cross-section of the defence ecosystem, including MOD representatives, prime contractors, SMEs, academia, and industry bodies. The scale of engagement this year was a strong reminder of both the complexity of the sector and the shared commitment to collaboration and progress.
For SVGC, this year’s event felt particularly impactful. Increased footfall at our stand and the breadth of conversations we had reflected a growing interest in the capabilities we bring to the sector.
We were proud to showcase our work across:
Bringing these capabilities together created a more compelling and holistic story and it was clear that this resonated with attendees.
The Value of Being There, In Person
In an era dominated by digital transformation and ongoing conversations around AI, DPRTE reinforced something simple but powerful: face-to-face engagement still matters.
The opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, meet new contacts, and build on existing relationships proved invaluable. In several cases, conversations helped connect previously separate threads, turning awareness into understanding.
One such moment came in discussions with the Office for Small Business Growth, where in-person engagement helped bring together SVGC’s work with TechUK and our broader collaborative efforts in a way that hadn’t fully landed before.
Delivering Digital Advantage
A key highlight of the event was SVGC’s Managing director Andrew Dixon’s panel session, Delivering Digital Advantage, held on the Innovation and Future Defence Tech Zone stage.
Joining Andrew were Jeremy Wimble and Paul Vingoe, with the discussion exploring how the sector can unlock innovation and deliver meaningful digital progress.
The session drew strong attendance and sparked important dialogue around the realities facing defence today.
Speaking in his role as Chair of the Defence & Security SME Board at TechUK, Andrew highlighted both the opportunity and the friction within the sector:
“What came through quite clearly from the discussions was that there is a very strong interest and desire to invest in defence. However, this is often being held back through a lack of clarity of MOD investment plans or information on how SMEs can work together.”
A central theme of the discussion was the role of collaboration, particularly through initiatives like the Defence Backbone and Collaborative Clusters, in helping SMEs connect, share ideas, and collectively solve complex challenges.
“There were some great discussions around how collaboration can bring SMEs together to share ideas, tackle challenges, and support innovation across the sector.”
The panel reinforced a clear message: the appetite for progress is there, but unlocking it will depend on clearer pathways, stronger collaboration, and continued dialogue between government and industry.
Signals from the Sector
Beyond individual conversations, DPRTE offered a broader view of where the defence sector is heading.
There was a noticeable shift in focus across the exhibition floor. Alongside digital capabilities, there was a renewed visibility of manufacturing, particularly “hard” engineering and production.
At the same time, the conversation around AI appears to be maturing. While AI continues to be an important part of the landscape, including in SVGC’s own work delivering targeted, high-value solutions, there is a growing recognition that hype must now translate into tangible outcomes.
This raises important questions for the sector, particularly around how organisations like the MOD will navigate AI transformation in a meaningful and effective way.
Looking Ahead
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway from DPRTE 2026 was the energy in the room.
Despite well-documented challenges across the defence landscape, there remains strong interest, investment appetite, and a willingness to collaborate.
For SVGC, the event reinforced the importance of showing up, contributing to the conversation, and continuing to connect people, ideas, and capabilities.
We’re delighted to confirm that we’ll be returning for DPRTE 2027, and we’re already thinking about how we can build on this year’s success to showcase even more innovative solutions.
DPRTE continues to be a valuable moment in the defence calendar, and we look forward to what comes next.
