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The West of England Aerospace, Defence and Advanced Manufacturing Forum (WEAF) is a pivotal trade association supporting the growth of aerospace, defence, advanced manufacturing in the South West.
WEAF represents South West supply chain companies who make up one of Europe’s largest advance manufacturing clusters, WEAF empowers its members – ranging from SMEs to global companies – by providing robust access and representation to key decision makers across industry at international, national, and regional levels.
Colin Turner, CEO of WEAF, said: “Following the publications of the UK’s Strategic Defence Review WEAF is pleased to be attending DSEI UK 2025 in London. This event provides a great opportunity for WEAF to showcase the defence capabilities that are established in the South West, by our members, and discuss with delegates the further growth and innovation opportunities that the region can provide to support the UK’s Future Force.”
The South West stands as a crucial defence hub, home to leading aerospace and defence companies and specialised clusters in aerospace, naval, helicopters, cyber, and space sectors.
Major aerospace and defence companies such as Airbus, Rolls-Royce, Leonardo, Boeing, MBDA, BAE Systems, Moog, Safran, Babcock, Lockheed Martin, Qinetiq, and Thales are all based within the region.
The South West has a significant defence industry, contributing £2.8 billion in GVA and supporting over 61,000 highly skilled jobs. According to UK Government, UK MOD expenditure directly supported 33,600 jobs in the South West in 2022/23[1].
With the region’s strong industrial assets, innovation clusters, and research institutions, the South West can align directly with national defence priorities.
Colin commented further: “Realising the region’s potential requires coordinated action across academia, industry, and policy. With proactive engagement, the South West can become the UK’s leading defence innovation engine, and we are looking forward to moving important discussions forward at the show into firm actions to support industry and R&D within our region.”
WEAF is dedicated to ensuring that its members are at the forefront of shaping the UK’s capabilities and delivering technologies for the Future Force and will be available on Stand N4-314 at DSEI UK 2025 – Excel, London – 9 – 12 September 2025.
[1]https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-supported-employment-estimates-202223/mod-supported-employment-estimates-202223
Opportunities for WEAF Members at DSEi
We’ve developed a range of packages designed to ensure your business gains visibility among thousands of visitors at DSEi – the largest defence exhibition in the UK. Even if you cannot attend in person, WEAF will ensure you are seen, and that your brand is represented with this affordable offer.
We’re offering a limited number of cost-effective sponsorship and publicity opportunities on our stand and we’re right at the heart of the show!
Email events@weaf.co.uk to find out more – Don’t miss out!