01 September 2025 – Make UK Defence, the leading champion of the UK defence supply chain representing over 700 members across the country and growing every month, is proud to showcase its members at this year’s DSEI – the world’s leading defence and security exhibition. Its members range from the largest defence primes to the small, family-owned SMEs deep in the supply chain.
The Make UK Defence team and 52 of its members will be at stands N4-110 – N4-120, highlighting the strength and capabilities of the UK defence manufacturing sector and facilitating engagement between SMEs, primes and key stakeholders across the global defence ecosystem. As the leading champions of the defence supply chain, Make UK Defence know that the UK defence industry is both a foundational pillar of our deterrence and a strong engine for economic growth.
As the UK’s champion for SMEs and the supply chain, Make UK Defence have long argued that the defence supply chain is a strong engine for economic growth – supporting thousands of highly skilled jobs and apprenticeships in communities across the country and often in post-industrial towns in need of good quality jobs. From a survey response to Make UK Defence members exhibiting at DSEI, seven in ten of respondents noted expanding their workforces in the last year, with some SMEs doubling their headcounts – demonstrating that the defence supply chain provides high quality jobs and economic growth for the UK.
Make UK Defence members are also an essential pillar of our UK deterrence, European security and NATO’s warfighting capability. According to the same survey, over three quarters have sold into MOD programmes in the past twelve months; six in ten are currently exporting to one or more NATO Allies; and a quarter of respondents are involved in operations or initiatives in Ukraine. Make UK Defence strongly welcomes the Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, which sets out a comprehensive plan to boost skills in manufacturing through new Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, funding for defence-related training, and investment in university facilities. This aligns with findings from the survey, which show that six in ten of respondents are already partnering with local colleges and universities across the country — including in Birmingham, Cornwall, Lincolnshire, and Portsmouth, as well as in Wales and Scotland — on programmes such as T-levels, apprenticeships, internships, and graduate schemes.
Make UK Defence Director-General Andrew Kinniburgh said: “DSEI is a vital platform for the UK’s defence manufacturing sector.
“As the UK’s leading champion of the defence supply chain, Make UK Defence is proud to represent our defence companies of all sizes, including the largest primes, mid-tiers and SMEs. We champion our member’s innovation, ensure their voices at the very heart of are heard Government, and we work tirelessly to help members win work in UK Defence.”
