Defence leaders have unveiled the theme for DSEI UK 2027, 'Delivering the Integrated Force', stressing the importance of accelerating military capability delivery and strengthening collaboration. The National Armaments Director, Rupert Pearce, and the Chief of the Defence Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, highlighted the urgent need for the UK and its allies to move faster to maintain an advantage over potential adversaries.
Mr Pearce, responsible for defence acquisition, stated there is an urgent need to accelerate delivery and ensure defence remains ready for future threats, noting a timeframe until the end of 2030 to deter and be ready to fight. He also emphasised embedding innovation throughout defence to rapidly identify, develop, and integrate new technologies.
Sir Richard Knighton underscored the necessity for the UK and its partners to maintain a competitive advantage in a global environment, describing it as a "race" to be faster and better than adversaries. He added that closer collaboration across military personnel, industry, scientists, technologists, and acquisition specialists is vital.
DSEI UK 2027 will bring together government, military, industry, and international partners at ExCeL London from 7 to 10 September 2027. The event will discuss challenges including innovation, industrial capacity, international collaboration, and digital transformation.