Notable exhibitors

Companies exhibiting at Dvd Expo 2026 include 3M INDIA LTD., Aconda Industrial Carriers, Acquisition Systems Ltd, Active Electronics and Advanced Expert Systems Ltd.

3M INDIA LTD.
Aconda Industrial Carriers
Acquisition Systems Ltd
Active Electronics
Advanced Expert Systems Ltd

Event overview

Overview

DVD2026 is the UK's biennial defence industry exhibition, sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group and Army Headquarters – the MOD teams responsible for equipping and supporting the UK's Armed Forces for current and future operations.

Held at UTAC Millbrook on 16.

September 2026, the event brings together defence industry, delivery teams, and users of land equipment for two days of collaboration, innovation, and demonstrations

TL;DR

1DVD2026 is the UK's biennial defence industry exhibition, held on 16-17 September 2026 at
2Sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group and Army Headquarters
3Theme: 'Connected for Combat – Aligning people, systems and decisions'- 34
4The event focuses on collaboration, innovation, and demonstrations for the land equipment sector
5A dedicated SME Zone for UK-based start-ups and businesses with fewer than 250 employees

Attendees, exhibitors & solutions

Who this event is for

Visitor profile

Typical attendee groups you can expect to meet.

MOD/UK Government personnel involved in defence acquisition and capability planning

Exhibitors' guests and invited industry representatives

Defence media and research establishment professionals

Emerging businesses showcasing within the new SME Zone

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

Exhibitor profile

Main supplier and exhibitor segments present at the show.

Prime defence contractors and system integrators in the land equipment sector

Suppliers of vehicles, life-saving equipment, and logistics services

Technology innovators in sensors, software, and integrated systems

UK-based start-ups and SMEs with fewer than 250 employees, particularly those in the dedicated SME Zone

Companies seeking to engage directly with MOD decision-makers and understand current capability gaps

Location & Facilities

Venue

Open in Google Maps

UTAC Millbrook

Station Lane, MK45 2JQ Millbrook, United Kingdom

Facilities

Parking

Free on-site parking available. Follow event signage and marshal directions

Food options

On-site Catering

On-site dining

Parking: Free on-site parking is available at UTAC Millbrook. Follow event signage and marshal directions to parking areas. If using a SatNav, use postcode MK45 2JH to be directed to the event entrance

Gate: UTAC Millbrook is a private secure site with manned gatehouses and CCTV. Visitors should follow event signage and instructions from security personnel on arrival

Attend

Entry & tickets

Trade-only

Event days & opening times

DayOpening hours

Event daysWednesday 16th September 0900hrs to 1700hrs

Event daysThursday 17th September 0900hrs to 1600hrs

Who runs the show

Organisers

National Armaments Director Group

Organiser and Sponsor

Website

Army Headquarters

Organiser and Sponsor

Website

What's on

Programme

Topic tracks

Innovation ShowcasesSeminars and WorkshopsDirect Engagement

Government supporters

National Armaments Director Group

UK Ministry of Defence organisation responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing and harbouring the UK's national arsenal and defence estate

Army Headquarters

MOD team responsible for equipping and supporting the UK's Armed Forces for current and future operations

How the last edition performed

Previous edition

Current edition

2026

No official 2026 edition metrics have been published

Forecast — not final

Growth over time

New this edition

1
SME Zone
A dedicated zone for UK-based start-ups and businesses with fewer than 250 employees, introduced for the 2026 edition to provide smaller firms with direct access to defence decision-makers
Source

Testimonials

DVD provides a critical opportunity in the Defence diary to discuss those goals and objectives; to update our industry partners; and to see, first-hand, the remarkable innovation that industry has to offer; and indeed, to be challenged by alternative viewpoints
Lt Col Martin Hickie · DVD Programme Manager · DVD2024 · 2024

Due to high visitor numbers, the biennial defence industry show had to end registration early, for the first time in almost two decades
Beechwood Equipment · Exhibitor · Beechwood Equipment · 2024

Next edition outlook

2026-09-16 – 2026-09-17

confirmed

DVD2026 is set to build on the success of DVD2024 with the theme 'Connected for Combat – Aligning people, systems and decisions', reflecting a critical evolution in how modern capability is generated. The event will introduce a dedicated SME Zone for UK-based start-ups and businesses with fewer than 250 employees, providing smaller firms with direct access to defence decision-makers. With substantial investment in the Land Domain outlined in the UK's Defence Investment Plan 2026, DVD2026 will demonstrate how elements of equipment can work together to reinforce one another and strengthen capabilities

Introduction of a dedicated SME Zone for UK-based start-ups and growing businesses Greater emphasis on autonomous systems and integrated capabilities in line with future force design models Increased direct engagement with the newly formed National Armaments Director Group Focus on 'Connected for Combat' theme, aligning people, systems and decisions in response to Defence Reform

Impact

A bigger and stronger platform

DVD2024 marked more than two decades of the most significant exhibition for the Defence industry, DE&S Delivery Teams, Army HQ and the Defence community users of Land Equipment. The event brought together industry, delivery teams and users of Land Equipment for two days of collaboration, innovation and demonstrations-. Highlights included the public debut of the Challenger 3 main battle tank prototype-, a strong showing of Boxer variants-, the unveiling of the first UK prototype Boxer Armoured Mortar Variant-, and NP Aerospace's record year with seven integrated vehicles and a £71 million CVSSP contract announcement. The show also welcomed Women in Defence UK for their first-ever DVD appearance

Audience quality

High-value decision-makers

Attendance at DVD2024 was restricted to MOD/UK Government personnel, exhibitors' guests, media and other invited visitors-. Non-MOD/UK Government (civilian) visitors could attend only if sponsored by an exhibiting company, DE&S exhibiting teams, the National Armaments Director Group, Army HQ, or a relevant UK Government Department-. The event attracted a high-quality audience of military, governmental and defence industry professionals, with international representation including OCCAR and NATO partners. Pre-show expectations were in the region of 6,000 visitors and around 200 industry exhibitors

Exhibitor outcomes

Real business growth

DVD2024 provided exhibitors with a critical opportunity to engage directly with MOD decision-makers, showcase innovations, and secure major contracts. NP Aerospace announced a £71 million CVSSP contract with UK MOD at the show. ISTEC announced delivery of 65 GPMG gun mounts for MLRS A2 with a combined contract value exceeding £1.5 million-. The event enabled coordinated engagement through informal discussion, briefings, demonstrations, and live displays, with stakeholders from across the MOD invited to attend to broaden perspectives and encourage innovation. Exhibitors reported strong engagement with end users and primes, with one describing 'laser-sharp focus on UK & Allies Ground vehicle fleets, strong engagement with the end user and ever-improving collaboration with primes'

Intelligence

Market context

Key market insights, trends, news and related events to help you understand the bigger picture.

United Kingdom / Europe

Why it matters

DVD2026 is more than a trade show; it is a critical live event where the integration of lethal, resilient systems meets the reality of modern battlefield requirements. Deliberately scheduled in the years between the biennial DSEI show, DVD is an essential event in the defence diary, enabling coordinated engagement through informal discussion, briefings, demonstrations and live displays. The event provides a unique opportunity for industry to gain a better understanding of MOD needs through direct engagement with Army and insight from the National Armaments Director Group on procurement and support issues. With the introduction of the SME Zone and the Defence Office for Small Business Growth, DVD2026 is actively opening the door for smaller, innovative suppliers to engage with the defence sector. Against the backdrop of the UK's massive Defence Investment Plan – with £19.2 billion committed to the Land Domain and over GBP20 billion to multiply the Army's lethality tenfold – DVD2026 serves as a vital waypoint in demonstrating how elements of equipment can work together to reinforce one another and strengthen capabilities. The event ensures that both established Primes and the UK's most innovative SMEs are fully integrated into the future of Land Warfare

Industry trends

Key trends shaping this market and its wider industry.

Autonomous Warfare and Future Force Design

DVD2026 is shaped by a future force design model grounded in autonomous warfare trends, reflecting a critical evolution in how modern capability is generated. The event will demonstrate how elements of the Land system integrate to deliver coherent capability, with the British Army's approach to mass and lethality at the forefront

Source

Massive Investment in Land Domain

The UK Ministry of Defence's Defence Investment Plan 2026 sets out £19.2 billion of investment in the Land Domain between FY2026/27 and FY2029/30. The UK plans to spend over GBP20 billion (nearly USD26.6 billion) to rapidly multiply the British Army's lethality tenfold through autonomous systems, long-range missiles, AI, and armoured vehicles. Over the four years covered by the DIP, GBP1.1 billion has been earmarked for Ajax armoured fighting vehicles, GBP1.1 billion for Challenger 3 production, and GBP2.2 billion for Boxer armoured vehicles

Source

Increased Focus on SME Integration

For the first time, DVD2026 is introducing a dedicated SME Zone to remove barriers to entry for small businesses. This gateway is designed for UK-based start-ups, spin-outs and growing businesses with fewer than 250 employees that are not already working within defence. The Defence Office for Small Business Growth, established in January 2026, will provide advice on how smaller firms can engage commercially with the Land Enterprise. This supports the government's pledge to increase spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028

Source

Integrated Operating Models and Defence Reform

The DVD2026 theme, 'Connected for Combat – Aligning people, systems and decisions', underscores an increasingly integrated operating model between the British Army, the Ministry of Defence, and the NAD Group. This approach is a direct response to Defence Reform, aiming to ensure that the UK's Land Enterprise remains ready for future challenges

Source

Emergence of Uncrewed and Autonomous Ground Vehicles

The DIP outlined £150 million to commence a programme to rapidly develop and produce uncrewed vehicles for the Army through UK industry, accelerating industry-led R&D of heavy and medium uncrewed ground vehicles. ARX Robotics UK began manufacturing GEREON uncrewed ground vehicles in Britain in April 2026, investing £45 million in UK production capacity for up to 1,800 vehicles annually

Source

Market news

Latest updates from across the market.

2026-06-25

Britain builds its 100th Boxer armored vehicle for the army

Team Boxer UK delivered the 100th Boxer Mechanised Infantry Vehicle to the UK Ministry of Defence on June 25, 2026, built at facilities in Telford and Stockport. The programme involves Rheinmetall, ARTEC, the British Army, NAD Group, and Defence Equipment

Read

2026-06-30

UK unveils GBP300bn Defence Investment Plan

The UK unveiled its long-awaited Defence Investment Plan on 30 June, confirming an additional GBP15 billion for defence over the next four years. For the land domain, ringfenced funding is now confirmed for uncrewed and DTW-focused programmes. The Government will invest £11 billion in munitions and weapons over the next four years

Read

2026-04-15

ARX Robotics begins manufacturing autonomous ground systems in UK

ARX Robotics UK began manufacturing autonomous ground systems in Britain following its first contract with the British Army. The company is investing £45 million to support manufacturing of up to 1,800 robotic vehicles annually, creating at least 90 skilled jobs

Read

2026-08-03

Industry poised for British Army's Land Mobility Vehicle tender

The British Army's Land Mobility Programme (LMV) – the Land Rover replacement – remains a major procurement opportunity. Trials are planned for October 2026 to January 2027, with the programme likely to continue through the 2030s

Read

2026-08-04

Report warns UK faces armored vehicle gap by 2027

Britain had received 100 of 623 ordered Boxer vehicles by June 2026, with Warrior's planned retirement set for 2027, raising concerns about a potential armoured vehicle capability gap

Read

2026-06-17

NADG and Army Headquarters announce DVD2026 narrative

The National Armaments Director Group and Army Headquarters officially announced the central narrative for DVD2026: 'Connected for Combat – Aligning People, Systems and Decisions', reflecting a critical evolution in how modern capability is generated

Read

UK and European Defence Exhibition Circuit 2026-2027

September 2026 – September 2027

DVD2026 sits within a busy calendar of UK and European defence exhibitions. It is deliberately scheduled in the years between the biennial DSEI show (next in September 2027), making it a critical touchpoint for the land equipment sector. The circuit includes major international events such as MSPO in Poland (September 2026), Eurosatory in France (even years), Farnborough International Airshow (July 2026), and DSEI UK (September 2027). For land systems specifically, DVD is the premier UK-focused event, complemented by international shows that offer broader global reach

20–24 Jul 2026

Farnborough International Airshow (FIA) 2026

Farnborough, United Kingdom

MOD will be present

website

8–11 Sep 2026

Międzynarodowy Salon Przemysłu Obronnego (MSPO) 2026

Kielce, Poland

MOD will be present

website

16–17 Sep 2026

DVD2026 (Defence Vehicle Dynamics)

Millbrook, United Kingdom

The event being profiled – central to the land equipment circuit

website

30 Sep – 2 Oct 2026

Azerbaijan Defence Exhibition (ADEX) 2026

Baku, Azerbaijan

MOD will be present

website

20–22 Oct 2026

Milipol Qatar 2026

Doha, Qatar

MOD will be present

website

3–6 Nov 2026

EuroNaval 2026

Paris, France

MOD will be present

website

7–10 Sep 2027

DSEI 2027 (Defence and Security Equipment International)

London, United Kingdom

DVD is deliberately scheduled between DSEI shows

website

Pre-DVD (Jul–Sep 2026)

Farnborough International Airshow 2026MSPO 2026

Farnborough (July) and MSPO (early September) precede DVD2026, offering early-season defence networking and intelligence

DVD2026 Focus (Sep 2026)

DVD2026

The premier UK biennial land equipment exhibition, held at UTAC Millbrook on 16-17 September 2026

Post-DVD (Oct–Nov 2026)

ADEX 2026Milipol Qatar 2026EuroNaval 2026

Regional and specialist events following DVD, offering opportunities to extend connections into new markets

Next Major UK Defence Show (2027)

DSEI 2027

DSEI 2027 (7-10 September) is the next major UK biennial defence exhibition, covering all domains

Event dates sourced from UK Government Defence Export Exhibition Calendar and official event websites

Plan your trip

Travel & logistics

Local currency · GBP

Arrival airports

Choose from the following airports, with convenient access to the event and venue.

LTN

London Luton Airport

Nearest commercial airport. Taxi costs approximately £50-£90 ($65-$115)-. No direct train; requires changes-. Private airfield Cranfield Airport is 10 minutes away for private/charter flights

Approximately 13 miles (21 km)

to venue

25-30 minutes by car

by car

LHR

London Heathrow Airport

Major international hub with extensive flight connections. Taxi or private transfer recommended

Approximately 50 miles (80 km)

to venue

60-90 minutes by car

by car

STN

London Stansted Airport

Alternative international airport. Car or taxi recommended; limited public transport options

Approximately 45 miles (72 km)

to venue

60-75 minutes by car

by car

Cranfield Airport

Nearest private airfield for charter and private flights -. Designated helicopter landing sites also available at Millbrook

Approximately 5 miles (8 km)

to venue

10 minutes by car

by car

Hotel tiers

A range of accommodation options near the venue and across key areas.

Premium

Flitwick

USD 200–350 / night

Flitwick Manor Hotel is a historic country house, BW Premier Collection property, just a 10-minute drive from UTAC Millbrook

Mid-range

Bedford

USD 90–180 / night

Options include Mercure Bedford Centre Hotel (from £71 / ~$93) and Holiday Inn Express Bedford (from £52 / ~$68). Both are approximately 15-20 minutes' drive from the venue

Mid-range

Milton Keynes

USD 100–200 / night

Wide selection of hotels including Novotel, Holiday Inn, and Delta by Marriott. Approximately 25-30 minutes' drive from UTAC Millbrook

Budget

Bedford / Marston Moretaine

USD 60–100 / night

Travelodge Bedford Marston Moretaine and other budget chain hotels in the Bedford area. Approximately 15-25 minutes' drive from the venue

Local transport

Get around the city with these convenient transport options.

(Car)

Estimated cost£5-£10

Best forM113,A421.3.3,Marston Moretaine,.Beancroft Road,,Marston Moretaine.T,,Millbrook.,Marston Social Club,Millbrook.,1,UTAC Millbrook

M113

(Taxi)

Estimated cost£8-£20

Best forFlitwick,7(2.09)

Flitwick.(,XL,).Uber

(Taxi)

Estimated cost$30–$40 (£23-£31)

Best forBedford,12(12.6)

(Train)

Estimated costCost TBA

Best forBedford St JohnsWest Midlands Railway,Millbrook (Beds)

13.MillbrookUTAC

(Bus)

Estimated costCost TBA

Best forBedfordSt John's StreetGrant Palmer68,Lockheed Martin

34.,UTAC Millbrook

Plan your trip

Visa & entry documents

Check the latest visa requirements and entry guidelines before travelling.

Visa required

ATA Carnet: accepted

Type	Who needs it	Fee	Processing
Standard Visitor Visa (Business)	Nationals of visa-required countries listed in Appendix Visitor of the UK Immigration Rules, who are visiting the UK for business activities including attending trade fairs and exhibitions for promotional work only (no direct sales)	$176.00	3 weeks (standard); priority (5 working days) and super-priority (next working day) services available for an additional fee
Long‑term Standard Visitor Visa	Frequent business visitors to the UK who require multiple entries over 2, 5, or 10 years	$659.00	3 weeks (standard)

Citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Brazil, Mexico, and many other countries do not require a visa for short business visits (up to 6 months). However, from 25 February 2026, most visa‑exempt travellers must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) before travel. The ETA costs £16 (rising to £20 from 8 April 2026) and is valid for 2 years. The full list of visa‑exempt nationalities is maintained in Appendix Visitor of the UK Immigration Rules

The UK accepts ATA Carnets for the temporary import of goods for trade fairs, exhibitions, and professional equipment. The Carnet allows duty‑free and tax‑free temporary import for up to one year. From 1 June 2026, the UK, EU, Norway, and Switzerland have introduced digital ATA Carnets (e‑carnets) Exhibitors should apply through their national chamber of commerce or authorised issuing body. Goods must be re‑exported within the authorised time limit (usually up to 24 months) Consumable goods and items intended for sale are excluded

Official visa page

Weather

September in Bedfordshire: average daytime high 19°C (66°F), nighttime low 11°C (52°F)- -. Expect 6-7 rainy days during the month- -. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and comfortable footwear suitable for outdoor demonstrations and uneven terrain

Plan for the climate

Check temperatures and pack accordingly

Venue connectivity

UTAC Millbrook is located just off Junction 13 of the M1 motorway, midway between London and Birmingham-. Nearest railway stations: Flitwick (5-minute drive) and Milton Keynes (25-minute drive). The venue is accessible via the A421 and local roads. On-site parking is free

Ride-hailing

Taxis

Public transit

Car rentals

Cultural notes

Useful information to help you have a smooth and respectful visit.

Punctuality and Professionalism

British business culture values punctuality. Aim to arrive 5-10 minutes early for meetings and sessions-. Dress smartly — business attire or smart casual is appropriate for a defence industry exhibition

Communication Style

Politeness is key. Use 'please' and 'thank you' frequently-. Criticism is often softened with diplomacy — 'perhaps you might consider…' is a common phrase-. Small talk about the weather, travel, or the event itself is a good icebreaker

Networking and Handshakes

A firm handshake with eye contact and a smile is the standard business greeting-. Avoid overly personal topics until a relationship develops-. Business cards are exchanged with a polite, unobtrusive gesture

Queuing and Personal Space

Queuing is taken seriously in the UK — always wait your turn-. Respect personal space and avoid physical contact beyond a handshake in business settings

Practical guides

Visitor & Exhibitor Essentials

Everything needed to arrive prepared, navigate the event, and make the visit productive.

Flights

Destination: London Luton Airport (LTN)

Book flights to London Luton (LTN) for closest access. London Heathrow (LHR) and Stansted (STN) are alternative options with more international connections but longer transfer times. Pre-book airport transfers for fixed rates

Visa

Business visitors attending DVD2026 may require a Standard Visitor Visa unless they are from a visa‑exempt country. Visa‑exempt nationals must obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) from 25 February 2026. Attendees from visa‑required countries should apply for a Standard Visitor Visa well in advance (at least 3 weeks before travel)

Estimated cost: Not yet confirmed

Processing: 3 weeks (standard); priority services available

Applicants should provide a letter of invitation or proof of registration for DVD2026, a passport valid for at least 6 months, and evidence of sufficient funds. The Standard Visitor Visa permits attendance at trade fairs for promotional work only — direct sales are not allowed

Official

Hotels

Find a stay near the venue with options for every budget.

Areas to stay

Flitwick (closest to venue) · Bedford (largest selection, good transport links) · Milton Keynes (wide variety, good dining and shopping)

Premium

$200 - $350 per night

Mid-range

$90 - $180 per night

Budget

$60 - $100 per night

Transport

Get to the venue and around the city with these options.

Airport → venue: London Luton Airport (LTN) is the nearest commercial airport, approximately 25-30 minutes' drive. Taxis and private transfers are recommended. Train via Luton Airport Parkway to Bedford or Flitwick, then taxi, is also possible

Hotel → venue: Taxi or private car is the most convenient option. Flitwick (10 mins), Bedford (15-20 mins), Milton Keynes (25-30 mins). Ride-hail services (Uber, local firms) are available

Ride-hail: Local taxi and private hire firms operate 24/7, including Skyline Taxis, Key Cars, and Speedline Taxis. Uber operates in Bedford and Milton Keynes

Public transit: Limited public transport to UTAC Millbrook. Nearest railway stations: Flitwick (5-10 min drive) and Milton Keynes (25 min drive). Some events may operate dedicated shuttles from Milton Keynes Central station

Parking: Free on-site parking is available at UTAC Millbrook, with marshals directing attendees to parking areas

Weather

Plan and pack for the event climate.

Month: September

Temperature: 11°C to 19°C (52°F to 66°F)

Seasonality: Moderate rainfall — average 6-7 rainy days and 45-50mm precipitation

Packing: Pack layers: light jacket or sweater for cool mornings/evenings, waterproof coat for rain, comfortable closed-toe shoes for walking on outdoor terrain. An umbrella is also advisable

Itinerary builder

Add priorities and side trips to make the most of your visit.

Add side trips

Default day plan

08:30Arrive at UTAC Millbrook, park, and proceed to registration
09:00Exhibition opens; visit key exhibitor stands and attend morning briefings
12:30Lunch break and networking
14:00Attend afternoon demonstrations and panel sessions
17:00Exhibition closes for the day

Plan your trip

Planning

Best day to visit: Wednesday 16 September

The first day typically has the full programme and highest attendance, offering maximum networking and demonstration opportunities

T-90

DVD2026 — (,,MOD)

T-30

(,) — SME,WiFi

T-14

MOD

Sample visitor itinerary

Route-optimised day