Fife Defence Ready International Programme 2026 / 2027
Register your interest in the Defence Ready International Programme 2026/27, a specialist programme helping ambitious Fife businesses build the knowledge, capability and connections needed to access UK and international defence opportunities.
Defence supply chains are not limited to established defence contractors. Businesses operating in manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, technology, cyber security, construction, logistics, professional services and other supporting sectors may all have relevant products, services or expertise.
Delivered by Fife Council’s Trade Development Programme in partnership with Make UK Defence, the programme combines practical workshops, one-to-one coaching, mentoring and a supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027.
Please note: Registering through Eventbrite records your interest in the programme. It is not an application and does not guarantee a programme place. A separate application form will be provided following registration.
WHAT THE PROGRAMME INCLUDES?
Fife Defence Supplier Event 2026
Wednesday 9 September 2026, 9.00am to 3.30pm
Participants will have access to the Fife Defence Supplier Event, providing an opportunity to meet industry representatives, hear about emerging opportunities and gain insight into upcoming projects and market requirements.
Find out more: https://www.investfife.co.uk/event/fifedefencesupplierevent2026/
New to Defence Workshop
Tuesday 29 September 2026, afternoon – time and venue TBC
This half day introductory workshop is designed for businesses that are new to defence and have not previously participated in a Defence Ready programme.
Participants will explore:
- How the UK defence market operates
- The structure of defence supply chains
- Key organisations and stakeholders
- Routes to market
- What businesses need to operate within the defence sector
- Opportunities for SMEs and non-traditional defence suppliers
Defence Procurement and Buyer Engagement Workshop
January or February 2027 – date and venue TBC
This interactive workshop will help participants understand how defence procurement works and how to engage effectively with buyers.
Businesses will:
- Explore the procurement process from MoD requirements through to contract delivery
- Learn how opportunities flow through prime contractors and wider supply chains
- Understand buyer expectations and supplier requirements
- Refine their value proposition for defence markets
- Practise presenting their products and services
- Receive feedback and guidance from defence specialists
Defence Ready International Main Workshop
Wednesday 30 September 2026 – time and venue TBC
This full day workshop for all programme participants will cover:
- Recent developments within the UK Ministry of Defence
- UK defence procurement and supply chain structures
- UK and international defence opportunities
- Export markets and routes to market
- Export risks and how to manage them
- Support available through UK Defence Exports
- Engaging with defence buyers and prime contractors
Subject to availability, representatives from the UK MoD Export Team will participate and provide further insight into export opportunities and international defence markets.
One-to-One Coaching and Mentoring
Each business will receive tailored coaching and mentoring from defence specialists. This support will help participants address business-specific challenges, strengthen their capability and improve their readiness for defence markets.
DSEI Germany 2027 Supported Learning Journey
Tuesday 9 to Friday 12 March 2027, Hannover, Germany
The programme culminates in a supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027. Participants will gain direct exposure to international defence manufacturers, buyers, procurement teams, prime contractors and supply chain opportunities.
Find out more: https://www.investfife.co.uk/event/dsei-germany-2027-supported-learning-journey/
WHY TAKE PART?
The programme will help participating businesses:
• Develop a practical understanding of defence markets, procurement and supply chains
• Benefit from specialist workshops, coaching and mentoring
• Identify strengths, weaknesses and priorities for improving defence readiness
• Refine their value proposition and prepare for buyer engagement
• Build relationships with defence specialists, buyers, prime contractors and other businesses
• Explore UK, European and wider international opportunities
• Become better positioned to bid for and win defence contracts
WHO SHOULD APPLY?
The programme is open exclusively to businesses based in Fife.
Applications are welcomed from both established defence suppliers and businesses exploring the sector for the first time. Relevant sectors may include manufacturing, engineering, fabrication, technology, cyber security, construction, logistics, professional services and other areas with transferable capabilities.
Applicants should be willing to engage fully with the workshops, coaching and wider programme activities.
COST
A business contribution of £500 + VAT is required from each successful applicant.
This includes:
• Access to the full Defence Ready International Programme
• Workshops and specialist training
• One-to-one coaching and mentoring
• Defence readiness support
• The procurement and buyer engagement workshop
• Participation in the supported learning journey to DSEI Germany 2027
No payment will be taken when submitting an application through Eventbrite. Successful applicants will receive a formal offer and payment instructions.
HOW TO APPLY
Register your interest through Eventbrite by 5pm on the 27th of September 2026.
Once registered, InvestFife will contact you with:
• A link to the separate programme application form
• The application deadline
• Further information about the assessment and selection process
• Details of the programme commitment and business contribution
Only businesses that complete the separate application form will be considered for a programme place.
CONTACT
To discuss whether the programme is suitable for your business, contact Kieran Hunter at kieran.hunter@fife.gov.uk.
