This September, industry and defence in the Land Equipment sector will meet at UTAC Millbrook for two days of coordinated engagement through informal discussions, briefings, demonstrations and live displays. Jointly sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group (NAD Group) and Army Headquarters, DVD2026 provides a critical platform for industry and MoD stakeholders to align people, systems and decisions through lived experience.

The central narrative for DVD2026 is Connected for Combat

DVD2026 Themes

• A New Strategic Narrative: This year underscores an increasingly integrated operating model under the newly formed NAD Group. This approach ensures the UK’s Land Enterprise remains agile and ready for future challenges through frank, face-to-face conversations about mutual requirements.
• Engineering Lethality and Resilience: Maintaining a competitive edge requires integrating new technologies at the speed of relevance. The event showcases innovations in sensors, software and integrated systems to ensure hardware works cohesively within a modern digital framework, protecting soldiers while enhancing lethality.
• The SME Zone: A significant addition for 2026 is the dedicated SME Zone, designed to remove barriers for UK-based start-ups and businesses with fewer than 250 employees. This initiative provides a clear pathway for new suppliers to move innovative concepts from the exhibition floor to the frontline.
• 20/40/40 Military Strategy: DVD2026 will enable Army leadership to describe emerging concepts—shaped by a future force design model grounded in autonomous warfare trends—and demonstrate how elements of the land system integrate to deliver coherent capability.

DVD2026 Visitor Benefits

• NAD Group & Army HQ: Gain enhanced land equipment knowledge, market awareness to inform capability planning and direct engagement with industry to understand the innovations that protect the nation.
• NAD Group: Direct industry engagement to develop ideas, generate a greater understanding of technology and provide integrated capabilities more efficiently for armed forces and allies.
• Industry: Engage directly with decision-makers to understand MoD needs and procurement processes. Smaller firms can also access the Defence Office for Small Business Growth for commercial engagement advice.
• Networking: The opportunity to collaborate with colleagues and peers from across the UK to shape the future of Land Warfare.

Visiting DVD2026

Dates: 16 and 17 September 2026 

Location: UTAC Millbrook, Bedfordshire

Attendance at DVD2026 is restricted to MoD/UK Government personnel, exhibitors’ guests, media and other invited visitors. All visitors should currently be engaged with the defence acquisition industry through the NAD Group, the armed forces, defence media or research establishments, including emerging businesses showcasing within our new SME Zone.

Non-MoD/UKGOV (Civilian) visitors can only attend if sponsored by an exhibiting company, the NAD Group, Army HQ or a relevant UK Government Department.

For the latest updates, follow @DVD Event on LinkedIn and X