Our experience at DSEI UK 2025

DSEI 2025 was our first appearance as TB2 Aerospace UK Limited. As a new company, we arrived with energy, focus and a clear sense of purpose. Although the three of us brought different professional backgrounds to the event, we shared one aim: to understand where our work fits within current defence needs and how we can support partners across the sector.

Each member of the team approached the week with distinct goals. Business development was naturally a major part of our plan, but we also set time aside to examine technology, watch demonstrations and hold detailed discussions with specialists from across the supply chain. This mix of commercial and technical engagement helped us test our thinking against current trends rather than rely on assumptions.

Shifts across the defence sector

Several of us have attended DSEI for many years, yet the pace of change between the 2023 and 2025 exhibitions was noticeable. Much of this is linked to the conflict in Ukraine, which has driven rapid adjustments in tactics, procurement and expectations. The practical lessons drawn from live operations have brought certain technologies into sharp focus while slowing interest in others.

One point stood out for us. Despite the clear interest in uncrewed systems, the event had fewer examples of heavier lift UAVs and UGVs than we expected. This gap is important, because many armed forces are dealing with questions about how to transition between crewed systems and a broader mix that includes aerial, ground and surface platforms without crews on board.

Why this matters to TB2 Aerospace UK

This shift sits directly within our area of work. Our DROPS platform and our consultancy projects both address the need for practical integration of crewed and uncrewed systems. Effective logistics, reliable control systems and proven safety measures matter just as much as raw capability.

Engagements during DSEI confirmed that many organisations are searching for steady, workable progress in this area. They want systems that support day-to-day tasks, not only concepts for future use. That matches our approach and reassured us that TB2 Aerospace UK is aligned with what the market actually needs.

Looking ahead

Our first DSEI as a UK company gave us useful insight, strengthened existing contacts and opened new conversations. More importantly, it helped us confirm that our focus on reliable logistics and controlled integration of uncrewed systems is well suited to the current defence climate. For a young company, it was a valuable start to our presence in this sector.