DSEI 2025: Where Ambition, Innovation and Real Constraints Meet in UK Defence

London, 20 September 2025: The latest Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) at ExCeL London was more than a showcase of defence tech, it was a stage where strategy, risk, and opportunity danced a delicate tango. With over 35,000 professionals from 75 nations gathering, the exhibition brimmed with promise: AI-sensors, modular unmanned platforms, resilient cybersecurity. But amid the gleam of innovation, the UK government held back on major procurement announcements. At Larkspur International, we know that behind this pause are powerful signals for those who want to lead, not follow- working alongside the government supporting their priorities.

Innovation Meets Restraint: Reading Between the Lines

Every stand at DSEI spoke to the future: hybrid warfare, secure logistics, new cyber defences. Yet the rhetoric from government was more “strategy,” “vision,” and “potential” than “contracts,” “deliverables,” or “schedules.” That doesn’t mean a lack of intent, it reflects the complexity of our times: constrained budgets, geopolitical flux, and substantial strategic risk. For industry players, this means the advantage will go to those who can anticipate change, adapt quickly, and align with government priorities before they become formalised.

At Larkspur, our edge is exactly that: combining policy-expertise, regulatory insight, and business strategy so that clients don’t just respond but shape the agenda working closely with international governments.

Structural Reform: Laying the Groundwork for Tomorrow

The Ministry of Defence (MoD) is clearly in transformation mode: new leaders at the top levels (CDS, First Sea Lord, Chief of the Air Staff), the establishment of the Military Support Headquarters (MSHQ), and an effort to strengthen decision pathways. These are not cosmetic changes, they are structural moves designed to clarify roles, reduce friction, and deliver when timing and execution matter.

One gap remains: the National Armaments Director (NAD), a role crucial to turning strategy into procurement, remains unfilled. Without this juncture, big-ticket announcements are harder to commit to. It suggests that businesses wanting to engage with government will need to work earlier, with greater visibility, and with an eye on how policy is translating into capability.

Leadership Clarity: Driving the Agenda Forward

Amidst the ambiguity, two speeches provided notable clarity. The 1SL’s address was direct, setting firm milestones for the Royal Navy and Royal Marines to become a war-fighting force: enhanced lethality by 2027 and full-spectrum readiness by 2030. This is a clear directive for industry to align with precise timelines; a challenge Larkspur supports through our ability to expedite opportunities and reduce regulatory barriers.

The CAS’s focus on the F-35A’s integration into a tactical nuclear posture marked a significant shift for the Royal Air Force and UK deterrence strategy. This evolution demands robust, interoperable C4ISR networks, aligning with Larkspur’s mission to deliver secure communication solutions that enable operational success in complex environments.

Spotlight on Innovation: Concepts Shaping the Future

Several innovations captured attention, blending ambition with practical questions:

• Lockheed Martin’s TF-50: Presented in the RAF’s Red Arrows livery, this proposed Hawk T2 replacement integrates advanced training technologies, leveraging international collaboration to prepare pilots for the F-35 era.
• Aeralis’ Aerflex: UK-based Aeralis stood out with its modular, sovereign training platform, Aerflex. Designed to adapt from basic flight training to advanced tactical roles, it offers a cost-effective, UK-built solution that reduces reliance on foreign supply chains. Aeralis aims to disrupt the training market by delivering flexibility and affordability, aligning with the UK’s need for resilient, scalable capabilities. Their approach resonates with Larkspur’s focus on fostering business-to-government growth through strategic engagement and market intelligence.
• AJAX IFV (Stretched Ares): This modular platform, optimised for urban combat, impressed with its sensor integration but sparked questions about funding feasibility, given past programme challenges and the Warrior programme’s suspension.
• BMT’s Ellida Multi-Role Support Ship concept also gained traction, supporting the Royal Navy’s shift to distributed operations with versatile amphibious capabilities.

The Path Ahead: Budget Clarity and NATO Opportunities

DSEI 2025 was a compelling showcase of reform and innovation, tempered by procurement caution. The Autumn Budget and year-end defence settlement will be pivotal in determining whether funding matches ambition, a critical moment for industry to influence outcomes.

For businesses, the call to action is clear: engage proactively, not only with UK policymakers but across NATO. Interoperability through secure, scalable systems is paramount, balanced with sovereign resilience. At Larkspur International, we empower clients to navigate these complexities, combining policy expertise with commercial execution to remove barriers, reduce risks, and drive growth. Our work in the intersection of business and government ensures clients are placed to seize opportunities in this evolving landscape.

Opportunity for Those Who Lead, Not Follow

At this inflection point, the winners will be those who do more than wait. Those who:

• Understand the levers of government- procurement, regulation, legislation and create value before others realise opportunity exists.
• Build visibility and credibility steadily, ensuring that when decisions are made, their expertise and solutions are already recognised.
• Plan for multiple scenarios- because agility won’t just be an advantage; it’ll be essential.

Larkspur International exists to operate where Government meets Business Growth. Where others advise, we Act. 

What did you take away from DSEI? Let’s connect to explore how we can shape the future together.

Lee Hannaford is Director of Defence, Security, and Intelligence at Larkspur International. Follow us on LinkedIn for insights on bridging government and business for growth. #DSEI2025 #UKDefence #NATO #Innovation