Apex Europe: 400 military buyers registered for London show next week
A new defence event, Apex Europe, opens in London next week with roughly 400 military and government end users among around 800 registered attendees, a buyer-to-seller ratio its organisers say is unusual for a defence show. For an SME without a BD team, a room where buyers outnumber sellers is worth knowing about. Details on sectors covered or access arrangements are not in the signal.
Source →MOD defence spending with UK industry hits record 34.1 billion
Government defence spending with UK industry rose 3.2% to 34.1 billion in 2025/26, with the MOD citing benefits to SMEs and communities across the UK. This is a headline figure, not a breakdown by sector or contract type, so its direct pipeline value to any individual SME is unclear at this stage. It does, however, confirm the overall budget direction of travel and gives weight to reindustrialisation framing the MOD has been using in recent months.
Source →RAF stands up first dedicated satellite protection squadron
The RAF has launched No. III Space Effects Squadron, described as its first unit dedicated to countering hostile threats to UK satellites. This signals an institutional commitment to space domain protection, which is relevant to firms working in C4ISR, electronic warfare, or any capability that touches on satellite communications, space situational awareness, or counter-space effects. No procurement activity or supplier engagement is mentioned in the signal.
Source →Ukraine states drones account for over 95% of combat strikes
Ukraine's former defence minister has said drones now deliver more than 95% of combat strikes, alongside the launch of a new "Army of Robots" programme building on the earlier Army of Drones initiative. For UK SMEs in autonomous systems or drone-adjacent capability, this is a data point on operational demand that is increasingly shaping UK and allied procurement thinking. It also signals that Ukraine-related procurement and co-development opportunities are likely to continue growing in scope.
Source →BAE Systems secures UK artillery support agreement
BAE Systems has secured a UK artillery support agreement, though the signal contains no detail on contract value, scope, duration, or which artillery programmes are covered. For SMEs in land systems, munitions support, or maintenance services, this is worth monitoring as prime-level support contracts of this kind often carry sub-contract and supply chain requirements. The signal is thin and further detail would be needed before drawing any firm conclusions about access points.
Source →Autonomous systems demand is hardening into institutional procurement across multiple allies, while the MOD's record spending figure and a buyer-heavy London event next week both point to near-term access opportunities for SMEs who can get in the room.