Make UK Defence
Make UK Defence is a national not-for-profit, member owned defence trade association, part of Make UK – the manufacturers’ organisation.
We champion and support the UK’s innovative and diverse defence supply chain.
Our mission is simple
Opportunities
- Meet the buyer sessions hosting 750 meetings per year between prospective suppliers and customers.
- Regular briefing webinars on MOD updates & programmes.
Policy Representation
- Representing our members’ capabilities and challenges at the highest levels in Westminster & Whitehall and provide high quality engagement opportunities for members with key policymakers in government.
- Delivering tangible policy wins for our members in lockstep with our National Advisory Board & Sector-specific Working Groups to improve and reform the defence supply chain.
Networking
- The best networking community in the UK defence industry.
- Dozens of in person events both regionally and nationally every year.
- Access membership capability platform.
Fit for Defence Programme
Make UK Defence offers a bespoke business improvement programme for organisations of all sizes and experience in the sector.
Our team of specialists assess your organisation’s strengths and weaknesses and develop a bespoke action plan to maximise your future growth.
Our specialists can help you:
- Craft your business strategy
- Create impactful marketing plans
- Refine your environment, health and safety processes
- Improve your bidding successes.
- Enhance your cyber security capability
- Develop your export strategy.
To find out more, complete the form below or call us on 0808 168 5874
Defence Summit
Shaping the future of UK defence at a pivotal global moment. Join us on 18th & 19th November 2026. Secure your tickets now.
Our Events
Make UK Defence events bring together industry leaders, SMEs, and government to share insight, build connections, and explore new opportunities.
Defence Membership Benefits
We offer different membership levels, each providing tailored benefits to match your needs and ambitions in the defence sector.
A Practical Guide to Defence
The UK defence sector is growing rapidly, creating major opportunities for manufacturers, but for many, knowing where to start can be a challenge.
That’s why Make UK Defence, in partnership with Lloyds, created A Practical Guide to Working in Defence — a clear, accessible resource designed to help SMEs enter, grow, and succeed in the defence supply chain.
Our Strategic Partners
Our Strategic Partners are leading organisations that support our members and help shape the defence sector.
They bring expertise, insight and opportunities to the network, working with us on events, initiatives and thought leadership to strengthen the wider supply chain.
https://www.airbus.com/en/about-us/our-worldwide-presence/airbus-in-europe/airb…
https://www.anduril.com/
https://www.awe.co.uk/
https://www.baesystems.com/en/home
https://www.bipsolutions.com/
https://www.boeing.com/
https://www.chemring.com/
https://www.gdls.com/
https://www.lockheedmartin.com/
https://www.mbda-systems.com/country-uk?rc=1
https://www.pearson-eng.com/
https://www.qinetiq.com/en/
https://rbsl.com/
https://www.rusi.org/
https://www.saab.com/
https://www.siemens.com/uk/en.html
https://www.thalesgroup.com/en
Our Charity Partners
Have a question in mind?
Or just not sure where to start? Get in touch and we’ll point you in the right direction.
Whether you’re exploring the defence sector for the first time or looking to make the most of your membership, our team is here to help.
You might want to:
- Find out more about joining Make UK Defence
- Ask about our events, Meet the Buyer sessions or networking opportunities
- Learn how to connect with Primes, the Ministry of Defence and wider industry
- Get support with business growth, marketing or capability development
- Explore programmes like Fit for Defence
- Understand how to access member benefits and resources
- Discuss partnership or collaboration opportunities
Just let us know what you’re looking for, and we’ll make sure the right person gets back to you.