DNASTREAM at JOSCAR Live 2026: British Suppliers, AI and Supply Chain Security
Last week, DNASTREAM attended JOSCAR Live 2026 at Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. Bringing together buyers and suppliers from across the defence, aerospace and security community, the event provided an opportunity to share ideas and understand procurement priorities.
Our main takeaways centred on three connected themes: the importance of supporting British suppliers, the changing role of AI in business, and the need to protect data throughout the supply chain.
Strengthening the UK Supply Base
Geopolitical uncertainty was a recurring theme throughout the day. Conversations explored how recent disruption to resources and supply chains is influencing the way organisations approach procurement, assess risk and plan for the future.
Against this backdrop, there was a clear emphasis on investing in British suppliers, with particular attention given to small and medium-sized enterprises. The discussions highlighted the importance of giving SMEs more opportunities to contribute their expertise, innovation and specialist capabilities to the defence and aerospace sectors.
For us, this reinforced the value of building strong relationships within the UK supply chain. Understanding suppliers’ capabilities and creating opportunities for collaboration can help organisations respond to changing requirements while supporting the development of British industry.
AI Is Changing the Business Landscape
AI was another major talking point, with discussions exploring how it is changing the way businesses operate and make decisions.
For defence and aerospace organisations, the potential applications are significant. From improving visibility across operations to helping teams interpret information and respond to changing demands, AI offers opportunities to support more informed and efficient working.
Our takeaway was that adopting AI requires a clear understanding of the business problem it should solve. Its value depends on the quality of the information behind it, the processes it supports, and the confidence people can place in its outputs.
Keeping Supply Chain Data Secure
Alongside the opportunities presented by AI, conversations repeatedly returned to data security.
Defence and aerospace supply chains involve sensitive information moving between customers, suppliers and technology providers. Protecting that information requires organisations to understand where their data is stored, who can access it and how it is managed across those relationships.
As businesses introduce new systems and AI tools, these questions become increasingly important. Security needs to be considered from the outset, with clear responsibilities and controls across the supply chain.
For DNASTREAM, this was a particularly relevant discussion. It reinforced the importance of helping organisations develop their technology capabilities while maintaining confidence in the security and control of their business data.
Taking the Conversations Forward
JOSCAR Live offered a valuable opportunity to hear the challenges and priorities shaping the defence and aerospace community.
The themes were closely linked. Stronger British supply chains depend on capable suppliers and trusted relationships, while the adoption of new technology depends on secure data and sound governance.
Thank you to Hellios, the speakers and everyone we connected with for an insightful day.
Get in contact with DNASTREAM to support your organisation’s technology, operational and secure hosting needs.
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