UK Defence Conferences and Summits in 2026: A Guide
08.04.26
08.04.26
With the spring season underway, the UK defence conference season is moving into its most intensive period. From high-level geopolitical strategy in London to the massive global stage of Farnborough Airshow, here is your updated guide to the essential UK defence summits for the remainder of 2026.
London Defence Conference (LDC)
Date: April 2026 (Ongoing/TBC)
Location: Bush House, London
Focus: Geopolitics, NATO strategy, and international alliances.
Why it matters: This is the “brain trust” event. It’s where the high-level policy for AUKUS and the 2.5%–3% GDP spending debate is refined by senior ministers and top-tier academics.
Military Robotics & Autonomous Systems
Date: 13–15 April 2026
Location: London
Focus: AI-driven ground tech and uncrewed systems.
Why it matters: A deep dive into how the British Army is integrating robotics into the “Future Soldier” framework.
Undersea Defence Technology (UDT)/ITEC
Date: 14–16 April 2026
Location: ExCeL, London
Focus: Submarines, mine countermeasures, and sub-sea security. Training and simualation.
Why it matters: This is two combined events for undersea warfare and training and simulation, which have been established for several years.
CYBERUK 2026
Date: 21–23 April 2026
Location: SEC, Glasgow
Focus: Digital defense and national resilience.
Why it matters: NCSC’s 10th Anniversary. This is the flagship event for the digital frontline, focusing heavily on AI-driven cybersecurity and sovereign data protection.
Combined Naval Event (CNE)
Date: 19–21 May 2026
Location: Farnborough International
Focus: Surface fleet modernisation and maritime strategy.
Why it matters: Billed as Europe’s ‘leading forum for naval and maritime collaboration’, it bridges the gap between technical shipbuilding and global maritime power projection.
The Spectator National Security Summit
Date: 1 June 2026
Location: Westminster, London
Focus: Policy, finance, and the “Defence Investment Plan.”
Why it matters: A vital forum for understanding the economic reality of defence. It brings together political figures and industry leaders to discuss the 5% GDP ambition and defence as a driver for UK PLC.
Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT)
Date: 17-19 July 2026
Location: RAF Fairford
Focus: Aerospace, space and defence.
Why it matters: While primarily a popular public airshow, in recent years it has been used by many companies to launch and display products and brief media in the lead up to FIA.
Farnborough International Airshow (FIA)
Date: 20–24 July 2026
Location: Farnborough
Focus: Aerospace, space, and global defence trade.
Why it matters: The undisputed highlight of the year. FIA 2026 will be the primary showcase for critical programmes such as Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and next-gen uncrewed aerial systems.
Global MilSatCom
Date: 2–5 November 2026
Location: London
Focus: Military satellite communications and Space Domain Awareness.
Why it matters: As the “High Ground” becomes increasingly contested, this is the essential summit for secure communications and orbital defense strategy.
Make UK Defence Summit
Date: 18–19 November 2026
Location: British Motor Museum, Warwick
Focus: Manufacturing, supply chain, and SME networking.
Why it matters: The closing act of the year focus on delivery. If the year’s earlier summits are about what we need, this is the event that determines how the UK industry builds it.
Looking for support or advise on how best to leverage events during this busy show year? Get in touch.
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