Event poster for Digital Defence Leaders 2026, held on September 23-24 at Excel London.

Co-located with

Logo for Digigov Expo 26, taking place on September 23-24 at Excel London, with colorful design elements.

A senior leadership summit exploring how digital capability, data and emerging technologies are transforming the future of UK defence and national security

Innovation. Resilience. Readiness.

Why Digital Defence Leaders?

Digital capability is no longer a support function, it is the core of modern defence. This summit explores the critical intersection of technology and national security.


Line drawing of a closed book with the letters "SDR" on the cover, a bookmark hanging from the bottom.

Strategic Defence Review
Deep dives into secure data environments, AI-driven decision-making and cyber resilience.

Diagram showing a gear with five connected human icons representing a team or network.

Critical Networking
Connect directly with senior peers, government innovators and industry partners.

Icon of a calendar with a star, a speech bubble, and a megaphone, representing an event or announcement.

The Ecosystem
A dedicated leadership hub within DigiGov Expo 2026, the UK’s leading public sector tech event.

A green line drawing of a light bulb combined with a gear, symbolizing innovation or ideas and engineering.

Mission Readiness
Explore how digital transformation directly enhances operational capability and readiness.

Previous Defence Speakers at DigiGov

Who Attends Digital Defence Leaders?

How does UK Defence build and protect its digital edge?

Aligned to the Strategic Defence Review, the summit will explore how defence organisations are strengthening capability, resilience and operational effectiveness through core digital priorities:

  • Digital is no longer a support function. We cover how data, connectivity and digital systems give Defence a real operational edge across land, sea, air, cyber and space. 

  • Defence systems are constant targets. 

    Our event themes focus on protecting classified networks, tactical communications and critical infrastructure so missions can continue even under attack. 

  • AI has groundbreaking potential, but in Defence it must be secure, ethical and reliable.

    We explore how AI and advanced data capabilities can be used safely in operational environments. 

  • Security can’t be bolted on at the end. Systems should be designed to be secure from day one - reducing vulnerabilities before they become risks. 

  • Defence relies on a complex industrial base. It talks about how to reduce risk across suppliers and strengthen trusted UK-based capability in critical technologies. 

  • Much of Defence still runs on ageing platforms and infrastructure. The challenge is modernising without disrupting readiness, upgrading while staying mission-capable. 

Victoria Cope, Ministry of Defence at DigiGov Expo

Join the public sector defence community at the Excel, London

23rd - 24th Sept 2026

9.30am - 4.45pm