DSEI UK 2025 Tech Zone reflects MoD’s call for rapid defence innovation

Above: DSEI 2023 official opening.
Courtesy Clarion

Tech giants like Amazon Web Services (AWS), Garmin Europe Ltd, and Capgemini will exhibit — showing that defence is no longer the domain of traditional contractors alone. AWS will demonstrate its cloud infrastructure, edge computing and satellite capabilities for military command and control. Garmin brings battlefield-ready flight tech, GPS, and wearables, whilst Capgemini is looking to bring its digital transformation and technology services to the defence industry.

Unveiled in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, the MoD’s future force vision prioritises investment in digital, autonomous and space-based systems, recognising that the UK must adapt “at the speed of relevance” to meet a complex and evolving threat landscape. 

The Tech Zone is set to reflect these themes as it will be home to the UK Strategic Command, UK MoD Science & Innovation, and Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S). Commander Strategic Command, General Jim Hockenhull KBE, ADC, recently stated in a DSEI UK interview that “much of the groundbreaking work is being done outside of defence organisations and DSEI (UK) allows us to have that partnership with industry to find new ways of doing things”.

Defence has long been a driver of technological advancement but in today’s hyper-connected world, the proliferation of defence technology has accelerated exponentially. The conflict in Ukraine has demonstrated the value of low-cost, expendable unmanned aerial systems (UAS) which have proven effective against even the most high-end, sophisticated systems. 

Reflecting this pivot, the Tech Zone has become one of the key drivers of growth at DSEI UK 2025, with the show organisers responding to this demand with the zone being housed in the expanded part of the Excel. DSEI UK will give a platform for start-ups, medium-sized and larger enterprise developing novel technologies including AI, autonomous systems, cloud computing, big data and advanced analytics (BD&AA), as well as disruptive innovation such as quantum computing. 

Grant Burgham, DSEI UK Director, commented: “In recent months there has been a spotlight on the urgent requirement to keep pace with the rapid technological change that’s reshaping the defence sector. As we approach this year’s DSEI UK, we’re seeing that momentum firsthand, with a wave of technology companies exhibiting, many from outside the traditional defence sector.

"This adds to the event’s appeal as these companies exhibit alongside longstanding defence companies, with deep knowledge of the sector. We’re looking forward to providing all companies the opportunity to showcase how their solutions can shape the next era of defence technology.”