Consulting firms joins defence event DSEI as sponsors and knowledge partners
A three-day event aimed at connecting military organisations with global public and private stakeholders has kicked off in London. Many of the world’s largest consulting firms are supporting the Defence & Security Equipment International fair as key knowledge partners, speakers and sponsors.
Hosted annually in London, the Defence & Security Equipment International UK (DSEI UK) is an event which welcomes the world’s leading military organisations and most influential stakeholders. The fair connects potential customers to expertise, advanced weaponry producers, and defence system suppliers – while also providing a platform for the industry and its clients to address some of the leading issues facing their work.
According to the DSEI UK website, as “the flagship defence event for the UK”, this sees it promote “the UK’s defence ethos, agenda and leadership”, while also “encouraging opportunity and cooperation with our global allies”. Among those global allies, there will be a pavilion organised by Saudi Arabia’s General Authority for Military Industries, also featuring key entities including the General Authority for Defense Development, Saudi Arabian Military Industries, Saudi Chemical Company, and the World Defense Show (WDS) – highlighting the Gulf nation’s commitment to its robust military industries sector, as it seeks to diversify its economy ahead of its Vision 2030 deadlines.
Alongside these exhibitors, Saudi Arabia and its surrounding states will have some representation from Big Four firm EY. The firm is an official silver-tier sponsor of the event, as well as backing its maritime suite – and its experts will also be travelling from the Middle East and North Africa to support the event.
Partners
Commenting on the firm’s involvement, Turki Alajmi, the defence consulting leader of EY in MENA, said, “It’s an honour to connect and engage with all the key decision-makers, defence industry experts, and innovative solution providers across the defence and security sectors in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and worldwide.”
Other leading firms involved in the event include fellow Big Four firm Deloitte, which is listed as DSEI UK’s international partner. DXC Technology – a platinum-tier sponsor – and Strategic Collaboration Partner PA Consulting are also central to the event, with other main event sponsors including Capita, Fujitsu, IBM, Newton.
As mentioned, EY is a knowledge partner for the maritime industry segment track. But the firm is also joined in that segment by Accenture, Capita, Deloitte and Newton. Meanwhile, several consultancies are knowledge partners of other tracks, including and CGI for the waterborne suite.
Speakers
The 2025 incarnation of DSEI UK centres on the pivotal theme of “Preparing the Future Force”, which the organisers say aims to address “the evolving demands of defence in an increasingly complex global landscape”. Launched by Admiral Sir Tony Radakin, the theme “underscores the UK’s commitment to building adaptable, innovative, and resilient Armed Forces for the challenges ahead”. Part of this will include surging geopolitical tensions, with wars in Europe and the Middle East seeing the proliferation of drones and artificial intelligence into warfare – in a way DSEI UK contended was “transforming the battlefield”.
The world of government and politics inevitably featured in various forms. The current UK Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry Maria Eagle is listed as a speaker, as is her predecessor, former MP Jeremy Quinn. Elsewhere, leading military figures will also be offering their thoughts, from UK Space Command Commander Major General Pail Tedman, to NATO’s Innovation Fund Chief Adoption Officer John Ridge.
Firms closely associated with the nation’s defence and digital systems will also feature prominently – with Lockheed Martin International President Michael Williamson scheduled to speak. And Polly Scully, UK defence lead with Palantir – an AI and surveillance giant – is also billed.
Offering up expertise from a consulting perspective, BAE Systems Digital Intelligence is well-represented, with Director for UK Government Relations James Baker and Education Director Richard Hamer both speaking. Bill Biggs of Defence Equipment & Support and Vinayak Narayan of Sirius Analysis also attend from firms similarly in the fields of intelligence and IT support – alongside Capita Managing Director Adrian Morley.
Korn Ferry Partner Camelia Ram will offer expertise from the firm’s HR perspective. Meanwhile, Deloitte Senior Manager in HR transformation Bal Jutla will also speak on the matter.
As noted, EY will have an extensive speaker base. UK and EMEIA Defence Leader Idris Memon, Defence Senior Advisor Richard Spencer, Government Technology Leader, Adam Hughes, and Global Lead for Workforce and Citizens, Josie Cluer are listed as speakers for DSEI UK 2025.
PA Consulting may be the most thoroughly represented advisory firm at the event, though, with eight speakers. These include Managing Consultants Adam Meadus and Allen Antrobus, Strategic Advisor Nicholas Borton, Principal Consultant Sally Garcia, Associate Partner Duhita Govindji, Global Lead for Cyber Cate Pye, and Partner Chris Rocks.
