Q3 Issue 2026
Welcome to the latest issue of International Defence Buyer. There is a recurring theme running through many of the conversations we have had with industry for this edition. Defence organisations are not simply being asked to acquire more capability. They are being asked to acquire it faster, integrate it more effectively and ensure that it remains useful in an operating environment that is changing remarkably quickly.
That challenge is evident across this issue. On land, we examine how mobility and flexibility are becoming increasingly important to survivability, looking beyond vehicles themselves to mobile air defence, rapidly deployable masts and systems that allow forces to establish capability, operate and move before becoming vulnerable. Contributions from BAE Systems, Patria and Mast System provide industry perspectives on what this means in practice.
The same requirement for adaptability extends into the counter UAS environment. Our Innovator interview with William Guyan, Senior Vice President, Business Development and President at Leonardo DRS, explores how persistent drone threats are changing approaches to detection. His discussion of distributed radar networks, mobility and layered defence raises an important point for procurement teams. Detecting a threat early remains fundamental, but resilience increasingly depends on ensuring that losing one sensor does not mean losing the wider picture.
Elsewhere, Anthony Heath, Director, Defence Industry, UK at Defence SA, discusses the strengthening relationship between South Australia, the UK and Europe. With AUKUS reshaping industrial relationships and Adelaide preparing to host UDT Australia, the conversation provides a timely perspective on undersea defence, international partnerships and the importance of building industrial capacity alongside operational capability.
We also look ahead to AFRIDEX in Lagos, examining how its inaugural edition intends to connect African defence requirements with international technology and indigenous industrial development. Sustainment, training, local capability and partnership will be as important as the equipment on display.
One date firmly in our diary is the inaugural Euro Defence Expo, EUDEX, in Essen. With European defence investment accelerating, the timing of a new forum bringing together industry, military leaders and policymakers is particularly interesting. Our Events section also include exhibitor profiles from the likes of Calian, ASELSAN, HMG Paints and more!
