What we took from DVD 2026
As a team, we have been reflecting back on two busy days at DVD2026 which took place in mid-September. The event reinforced something we have been talking about for some time at tlmNexus: Defence does not need more information. It needs better-connected, trusted information that helps people make better decisions.
This year’s theme, Connected for Combat – Aligning people, systems and decisions, could hardly have been more relevant to our work. Jointly sponsored by the National Armaments Director Group and Army Headquarters, DVD brought together MOD stakeholders, Army users and industry at UTAC Millbrook, with every exhibition stand sold out.
The Digital Backbone session was a particular highlight for us. The discussion around connectivity, digital infrastructure and the ability to turn information into operational advantage was both inspiring and highly pertinent. The challenge is not simply connecting technology; it is making sure the people who depend on it can find, trust and use the right information at the right time.
That theme appeared elsewhere at the event. The programme included “One System, One Picture: DEEAMS enabling Army Readiness”, alongside sessions addressing early market engagement, technology reaching the front line at pace, and closer Defence–industry collaboration.
There was significant senior Defence engagement, with speakers including National Armaments Director Rupert Pearce, Director Land Environment Major General Lizzie Faithfull-Davies, Deputy Chief of the General Staff Lieutenant General Sir Simon Hamilton, and other senior Army and NAD Group leaders.
For the tlmNexus team, exhibiting gave us the opportunity not only to demonstrate what we do, but to have some valuable conversations with key buyers and hear directly about the priorities shaping future capability. We had some excellent conversations with the Canadian and French delegations, thanks to Make UK Defence who made the introductions.
We came away with plenty to follow up, and with an even greater conviction that connecting information, creating trust in that information and making it usable at the point of decision are becoming fundamental to Defence readiness.