A powerful marker of momentum, more than 120 delegates from across the UK and Australia joined our first jointly hosted Women in Defence and National Security Network Australia and Women in Defence UK webinar. Bringing together primes and SMEs from both nations — BAE Systems, Mack Valves, Babcock International and KDC — the session strengthened the critical mass we are building across our communities.
The event, held on 14 April 2026, opened with a pre recorded address from Australia’s Minister for Defence Industry, the Honourable Pat Conroy MP. He applauded the collaboration and underscored the essential role women play in the “whole of nation defence effort.” That message resonates strongly with the UK Government’s own whole of society approach to war readiness and with our purpose in convening this discussion: to connect industry, share experience and accelerate innovation.
Shifting procurement, shifting pressures
The conversation moved at pace across the realities shaping defence today. The war in Ukraine, conflict in the Middle East and the unrelenting cyber threat landscape are all reshaping procurement. The panel was clear: short term operational demands continue to outpace long term planning and investment, and SMEs often feel the strain most acutely.
Babcock International highlighted its new supply chain charter, a practical step to engage SMEs more consistently, share intelligence and help smaller companies thrive within a complex ecosystem. The message was simple: a resilient defence sector depends on the health of its entire supply chain.
Attracting and retaining women
Across both nations, industry is working hard to bring more women into defence and keep them. Family friendly policies, flexible working, and visible leadership pathways are becoming standard practice. Primes and SMEs alike are investing in early career engagement from STEM outreach in schools and universities to internships and apprenticeships designed to open doors for young women.
Retention remains a challenge, but the panel emphasised that honest dialogue and flexible working patterns, including job shares, are proving effective in helping women balance home and work commitments
AUKUS and mobility
AUKUS was recognised as a significant opportunity to deepen collaboration and share best practice. It also has the potential to create more mobility for women and men seeking international experience, making career pathways more dynamic and attractive.
Inspiring the next generation
One of the most persistent hurdles is attracting young people into the sector. The panel agreed that parents, teachers, and young women need greater visibility of the breadth of roles available across defence. Without that awareness, the sector risks missing out on the talent it needs to scale and evolve.
A shared commitment to progress
Feedback during and after the webinar was overwhelmingly positive. Delegates valued the candour, the cross national collaboration and the practical insights shared. Most importantly, there was a strong sense that this conversation is only the beginning.
More joint webinars are planned throughout 2026 and with them, more opportunities to deepen relationships, challenge assumptions and drive the institutional change our sector needs.