Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst, Member of Parliament for Solihull West & Shirley and Co-Chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Defence Technology, attended the Combined Naval Event at Farnborough last week, engaging with senior leaders from across the UK’s maritime defence industry.
In the face of growing global uncertainty and intensifying threats to the international rules-based order, the naval event served as a timely reminder of the strategic importance of a strong, technologically advanced Royal Navy. Dr Shastri-Hurst reaffirmed his belief that robust defence investment is not only a matter of national security but also of industrial resilience and economic leadership.
“The UK defence sector stands at the forefront of innovation and sovereign capability,” Dr Shastri-Hurst said following the event. “As Parliamentarians, it is imperative that we work closely with industry to ensure our Armed Forces are equipped to meet the challenges of tomorrow and that our defence companies receive clear, confident signals of intent from Government to support long-term investment.”
The naval event brought together representatives from defence primes, SMEs, service personnel, and strategic partners, showcasing the cutting-edge platforms and systems that will define the next generation of maritime capability. Discussions centred on the need for cross-sector collaboration, faster procurement pathways, and a clear, consistent pipeline of orders to maintain industrial momentum.
Dr Shastri-Hurst has long championed the role of defence as a catalyst for regional growth and sovereign capability. His visit to Farnborough continued his commitment to strengthening the UK’s defence posture and supporting British industry in delivering world-class capability to those who serve.
