Trade mission to Turkey – Shipbuilding and Maritime Industry
April 14, 2026
Market exploration to UK – Furniture industry
June 10, 2026
Trade mission to UK – Security and Defence
Dates: 30 November – 3 December 2026
Target region: United Kingdom, London & Cambridge
Organizer: in2newmarkets
Funding program: Market Entry Program of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy (BMWE)
Registration deadline: 31 July 2026 (or until all spots are filled)
Why the United Kingdom?
Market
opportunities
The United Kingdom is carrying out a comprehensive modernisation of its armed forces as part of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025, with a strong focus on autonomous systems, drones and digitally networked battlefields. The UK has launched UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) to accelerate investments in drone and counter-drone technologies and to strengthen research, development and prototyping support, particularly for SMEs and innovators. A dedicated defence drone strategy foresees investments of around GBP 4.5 billion over the next decade to harmonise the introduction of unmanned aerial systems across the Army, Navy and Air Force. In addition, up to GBP 8 billion are expected to be invested in tactical communication systems.
• Drone and Counter-Drone Providers: German companies offering reconnaissance drones, inspection drones, cost-efficient UAVs, maritime unmanned systems, as well as technologies for the detection and defence against drones, will find strong demand in the
UK market. Solutions for critical infrastructure protection, sensors and jamming systems are particularly relevant.
• Secure Communication and Networking Providers: There is increasing demand for robust communication systems, real-time data transmission, software-defined radios, satellite- based communication and integrated voice, data and video platforms for military use.
• Cybersecurity and Resilience Companies: German companies specialising in encryption, secure networks, cyber protection and the safeguarding of critical digital infrastructure can benefit from the growing need for resilient and secure defence systems.
• Artificial Intelligence and Data Processing Providers: The UK market offers opportunities for companies active in AI-supported analysis, automated image recognition, data fusion and decision-support systems for military applications.
• Autonomous Systems and Robotics Companies: There is strong demand for autonomous vehicles and systems, human-machine interaction and solutions for complex operational environments in defence and security applications.
• Sensor and Key Component Suppliers: German companies providing high-performance sensors, navigation systems, miniaturised technologies, energy systems and communication modules can position themselves as suppliers to the British defence sector.
• System Integration and Platform Solution Providers: Significant opportunities exist for companies that can integrate existing systems, develop open architectures and provide interoperable software solutions and interfaces.
• Cooperation and Supply Chain Opportunities: The Trinity House Agreement between Germany and the United Kingdom facilitates stronger bilateral cooperation, joint development projects and closer integration into defence supply chains.
Your benefits at a glance:
• Individual B2B meetings with pre-identified British business partners and decision- makers
• Opportunity to present your products and cooperation offers at a presentation event with representatives from the private and public sectors
• Networking with companies, associations, institutions and other stakeholders from the British defence and security sector
• Visits to selected companies, innovation centres and reference projects in London and Cambridge, such as the Harwell Campus Defence and Security Cluster and the TTP Campus in Cambridge
• Country briefing on the market environment, regulatory framework and business opportunities in the United Kingdom
• Market information first-hand through a handout, webinar before the trip and an on-site country briefing
• Support in market entry and partner search through in2newmarkets and its local partners
• Participation under particularly favourable conditions through BMWE funding
Which companies will I meet?
There is no fixed, pre- defined list that is the same for all participants. After your final confirmation of participation, we or our local partner will contact you by phone to conduct a preparatory kick-off meeting and discuss the program details as well as the B2B meetings.
This conversation serves as an opportunity to get to know each other and to clarify your goals and expectations for the business trip, so that we can organize the B2B meetings in a more targeted and tailored way.
The more specific information we receive from you, the better we can adapt the program planning to your needs.
Costs:
The project is part of the Market Entry Program for SMEs and is subject to De Minimis regulations.
The participant contribution depends on the size of the company:
• €250 (net) for companies with an annual turnover of less than €2 million and fewer than 10 employees
• €850 (net) for companies with an annual turnover of less than €150 million and fewer than 750 employees
• €1,500 (net) for companies with an annual turnover of €150 million or more, or with 750 employees or more
Travel, accommodation, and subsistence costs must be covered by the participants themselves.
A maximum of 12 companies can participate. Registrations will be considered in the order in which they are received, with priority given to SMEs over large enterprises.
Preliminary Program
• Sunday, 29 November 2026:
Arrival and welcome dinner
• Monday, 30 November 2026:
Country briefing on market conditions and opportunities for German companies, followed by site visits, for example to the Harwell Campus with its Defence and Security Cluster or Space Cluster.
• Tuesday, 1 December 2026:
Presentation event with representatives from the private and public sectors, networking and individual B2B meetings, as well as site visits in London.
• Wednesday, 2 December 2026:
Networking and individual B2B meetings at the TTP Campus in Cambridge.
• Thursday, 3 December 2026:
Final B2B meetings and site visits in London, followed by a feedback session and concluding discussions.
Subject to change.
