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Published on: 14th October 2026   |   Rachael de Carle

Reflecting on Two Engaging Days at DVD 2026

Following a successful return to DVD, the Universal Networks team left UTAC Millbrook with valuable insights, new connections and a renewed appreciation for the collaboration that continues to drive innovation across the defence sector.

This year’s theme, “Connected for Combat: Aligning People, Systems and Decisions,” highlighted the growing importance of integration, resilience and collaboration across defence. As a specialist provider of harsh-environment connectivity solutions for defence and mission-critical applications, we saw many of these themes reflected in the conversations taking place on our stand.

people on exhibition stand

Key Themes and Conversations from DVD 2026

One of the strongest themes throughout DVD was the drive towards greater integration across defence, industry and government. Discussions focused on improving resilience, accelerating technology integration and ensuring systems can work together seamlessly to support operational requirements. For Universal Networks, this reinforces the importance of reliable communications infrastructure that enables information, systems and personnel to stay connected when it matters most.

We also spoke with organisations about a range of connectivity challenges, including deployable communications, infrastructure resilience and emerging technologies. There was growing interest in how robust communications infrastructure can support autonomous systems, UAVs, drones and tethered drone applications, where secure, reliable and high-bandwidth connectivity is essential for supporting communications, data transfer and operational capability.

The Role of SMEs in Defence Innovation

This year’s event also reinforced the important contribution SMEs make to defence innovation and capability delivery. As an SME, Universal Networks values the opportunity to engage directly with customers, understand emerging requirements and contribute specialist expertise in deployable and harsh-environment connectivity to the wider defence supply chain.

Events such as DVD continue to demonstrate how collaboration between organisations of all sizes helps drive innovation and deliver meaningful outcomes.

A Big Thank You for Visiting Us

We would like to thank everyone who visited the Universal Networks stand during DVD 2026 and took the time to speak with our team.

The conversations we had around connectivity challenges, operational resilience, deployable communications and emerging defence technologies provided valuable insight into the priorities shaping the sector. We greatly appreciate everyone who shared their experiences, requirements and future plans, and we look forward to continuing those conversations in the months ahead.

people at dinner table

Looking Ahead

While DVD2026 may be over, the conversations started at the event are continuing. We look forward to building on those discussions and supporting defence organisations with reliable connectivity solutions for the challenges ahead.

Weren’t able to attend DVD 2026? Keep an eye on our website and LinkedIn, where we’ll soon be sharing a closer look at our virtual stand, including the deployable connectivity solutions, defence applications and technologies that generated the most interest throughout the event.

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