Why Scotland is a strategic powerhouse in the UK defence sector
For the first time, DPRTE (Defence Procurement, Research, Technology and Exportability) is coming to Scotland, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s rapidly expanding defence sector. Its arrival this year, follows the announcement of the Scottish Defence Growth Deal (DGD), a £50 million partnership launched in March 2026 to boost Scotland’s defence sector, with a focus on maritime, space, quantum, and advanced engineering. Alongside this, the establishment of two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges further signals long-term investment in skills and capability. Against this backdrop, the decision to bring DPRTE to Scotland during a period of clear sector expansion is both timely and significant.
The Scottish DPRTE Summit 2026 will bring together key players across Scotland’s defence landscape and represents a landmark moment for the industry.
Following the release of the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy in 2025, the UK’s approach to capability, resilience, and delivery has evolved. For Scotland, this shift has created an opportunity to strengthen its position among the four constituent nations, demonstrating both strategic importance and delivery capability.
In his article Reflections from DPRTE 2026, Defence Sector Lead Keith Richardson shared his perspective on the forthcoming Defence Infrastructure Plan (DIP). While the plan remains unpublished, estimates suggest up to £700m of strategic pipeline work may be delivered across the public sector. A key question remains around how the DIP will commit to major capability pathways and where investment will be prioritised. What is clear, however, is that the sector is experiencing real momentum, with a substantial pipeline of work emerging. Much of this progress hinges on the direction of the DIP, which is actively in development. Expectations among sector leaders are that Scotland will play a pivotal role in helping to deliver its ambitions.
At present, Scotland’s defence sector employs over 37,000 people, according to industry estimates, and this figure is expected to grow further following the DGD. Already recognised as a vital hub for military excellence, technological innovation, and economic development, Scotland provides advanced capabilities that support the effectiveness of the UK Armed Forces. From major air defence bases to specialist Army units, the breadth of activity across land, sea, air, and emerging domains, highlights Scotland’s critical contribution to national security. The continued investment in infrastructure, skills, and innovation only strengthens this position.
At Cundall, we have a deep understanding of the operational, technical and human requirements unique to defence environments - in Scotland, across the UK and internationally. Our projects reflect the diversity of the sector, with projects ranging from technical operational facilities to single living accommodations supporting the operational output as well as the lived experience of armed forces personnel. This breadth of experience demonstrates both the complexity of defence environments and the opportunities for thoughtful, future-focused design. Defence is not just about protecting the country; it is also about building long-term resilience and supporting the local Scottish communities connected to it.
The decision to hold DPRTE in Glasgow this year reinforces Scotland’s growing importance within the UK’s defence landscape including the UK’s Continuous At-Sea Deterrent based at HMNB Clyde. It also supports the Clyde Transformation Programme (CTP), a multi-decade programme aimed to modernise infrastructure, transform operational output, increase the lived experience, and a change in support from industry, supply chains, academia and government. This highlights both the strength of the existing ecosystem and the opportunity for future collaboration across the supply chain. More broadly, it demonstrates the value of the UK union in delivering security, prosperity, and opportunity for communities across Scotland. Through continued investment, innovation, and partnership, the defence sector will remain a cornerstone of Scottish industrial strength and economic resilience for generations to come.
If you are attending DPRTE Scotland and would like to arrange a meeting, please get in touch with Keith Richardson or Tony Centola, Building Services Partner.
