UK Chief of the Defence Staff, Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KBC ADC, stresses “added importance of DSEI” within context of “various challenges across the globe.”
Admiral Sir Tony Radakin KBC ADC has launched the key theme for DSEI 2025, the UK’s flagship defence event, saying:
“The theme for DSEI of preparing our future armed forces is crucial. What is particularly significant for our senior leaders is how to prepare our Armed Forces for future challenges. That as the theme for DSEI 2025 is really important and really helpful for all of us in UK defence.”
The overarching theme for DSEI has been announced today as ‘Preparing the Future Force’, this will focus on the strategic, technological, and organisational shifts necessary to build and maintain a future-ready UK Armed Forces.
Held biennially in London, DSEI is a pivotal event for the defence industry to showcase newly developed and in-service capability to the global defence market in the halls of ExCeL, London.
DSEI also plays host to a conference for senior military, politicians and industry leaders to speak on key topics of current importance and for the future. The conference will be driven by the main theme Preparing the Future Force, and three sub-themes will guide discussions across the event:
1 Securing Advantage: Agile Acquisition & Supply Chain Security
This theme explores how defence organisations can enhance their agility through faster acquisition processes and stronger, more resilient supply chains. With emerging threats and geopolitical tensions constantly reshaping the global landscape, ensuring supply chain security is vital to sustaining military readiness and securing operational advantage.
2 Driving Advantage: Digital Transformation as a Force Multiplier
Digital transformation is transforming modern warfare, and this theme will explore how the integration of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber capabilities, and data analytics, is multiplying force effectiveness. DSEI 2025 will highlight the role of digital infrastructure in enhancing decision-making, operational efficiency, and interoperability across defence ecosystems.
3 Maintaining Advantage: Workforce Management & Talent Acquisition
As technology continues to evolve, so too must the workforce that operates it. This theme addresses the challenge of recruiting, training, and retaining top talent in the defence sector. It will focus on the importance of workforce diversity, leadership development, and continuous learning in maintaining a competitive edge.
Grant Burgham, DSEI Director, said:
“With the themes for DSEI 2025 announced, it helps to set the framework for the event. DSEI is the premier event of its kind and is crucial in bringing together the UK Government, armed forces from across the globe and industry representatives from allied nations and partners. The significant buy-in from the top of UK defence is incredibly welcome and helps us to deliver the best event possible to our customers.
“DSEI is proud to play a key role in promoting the UK’s defence ethos, agenda and leadership while encouraging opportunity and cooperation with our global allies. The growing demand for DSEI has resulted in an expanded floor space dedicated to providing a platform for technology companies which spans both traditional and non-traditional defence businesses.”
