Defence and Security Industry Day (DSID) - Strengthening Partnerships

On 28 June 2025, the Defence and Security Industry Day (DSID) took place. This event occurred with support from the British High Commission in Singapore and UK Defence and Security Exports. It was hosted on the hangar deck of HMS Prince of Wales during its port call in Singapore. More than 30 UK companies participated in the event, highlighting the UK's commitment to strengthening industrial ties between the UK and Singapore.

Importance of the Event

The DSID was an essential platform for showcasing advancements in defence technology. It provided an opportunity for industry leaders to network and explore potential collaborations. Notably, Lord Coaker, Minister of State for Defence, emphasized the importance of this event during his opening speech. He stated:

“As one of the most advanced and capable ships in our fleet, it makes an ideal setting to showcase some of the UK and Singapore’s world-leading technology and the innovation of our defence companies.”

Live Demonstrations

Gravity Industries drew significant attention during the event. They showcased their impressive jet suits in a live flight demonstration. This allowed attendees to witness cutting-edge technology firsthand.

MBDA exhibited its Meteor beyond-visual-range air-to-air missile. They also showcased the SPEAR air-to-surface missile, highlighting the advancements in the UK’s defence capabilities.

Another highlight was the UK DragonFire directed-energy weapon demonstrator. This innovative technology was developed by a collaboration involving MBDA UK, QinetiQ, Leonardo, GKN, Arke, BAE Systems, and Marshall Land Systems.

Advanced Communication Systems

Airbus Defence and Space presented the Proteus Unity through-rotor modem. This software-defined radio delivers secure and high-throughput IP connectivity through rotor blades. Such innovations are critical for modern military operations.

Mr. Martin Kent, His Majesty's Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, highlighted the UK's commitment to defence spending. He stated:

“This year, we committed to the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the Cold War. Close to 4 percent of our £53.9 billion annual defence budget is dedicated to research and development. And this is set to increase to 7 percent by 2030.”

The Future of Defence Collaboration

Bringing together advanced systems and senior decision-makers, DSID serves as a vital platform. It allows defence and tech companies from the UK and Singapore to explore collaboration possibilities. This event strengthens partnerships between the defence industries of both nations.

Image Gallery from the Event

Below are some images captured during the event, showcasing various technologies and presentations.

This event undoubtedly marks a significant step towards enhancing defence relationships between the UK and Singapore. Both nations are committed to investing in their future security through collaborative efforts and innovations.