Returning on the 30 September – 1 October April at the Hilton Syon Park in London, UK, Defence Estates & Infrastructure is the market leading conference to propel business within the defence infrastructure supply chain.

Key topics include:

• Responses to UK’s SDR

• Investment into accommodation

• Nuclear infrastructure

• Hard/Soft FM

• Strategic supplier relationship management

• The role of defence infrastructure in today’s threat landscape

Download the official agenda by submitting the form to the right to find out what you can expect from 2025's conference >>

Launched in 2016 in support of the 2015 Strategic Defence and Security Review, the Defence Estate Optimisation (DEO) Portfolio is one of the UK’s most ambitious long-term infrastructure programmes. Its goal: to modernise, reduce, and improve the defence estate so it better supports future military capability.

This infographic provides a snapshot of the DEO Portfolio. The DEO aims to reduce the size of the built estate by 30% by 2040, ensuring it is better aligned with the needs of a modern, agile military force. The infographic highlights key milestones, from the programme’s inception to recent governance improvements and sustainability achievements.

It showcases landmark projects- past and present - that reflect how the estate is being reshaped to support operational readiness, troop wellbeing, and environmental goals. It also illustrates how three core organisations - the MoD, Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and Crown Commercial Service (CCS) - work in partnership to deliver this nationwide transformation efficiently and effectively. 

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025 sets out the UK’s long-term defence priorities in response to a changing global threat landscape. It aims to strengthen capability, modernise infrastructure, and ensure the armed forces are prepared for future operational demands. Section 7.11 of the review focuses specifically on infrastructure, highlighting persistent underinvestment and the need for a more coordinated, well-funded approach across the Defence estate.

Key areas covered include:

* A new Recapitalisation Plan to prioritise investment and consolidate estate needs

* Urgent upgrades to Service Family and Single Living Accommodation

These themes will be explored in detail at Defence Estates & Infrastructure 2025, bringing together MOD leaders, industry, and stakeholders to plan the next phase of delivery.

Ahead of the upcoming Defence Estates and Infrastructure Conference, we spoke with Caroline Compton-James, Deputy Chief Executive at SCAPE, to explore how the organisation is supporting public sector clients in delivering critical infrastructure projects with pace, innovation, and social impact.

With more than 25 years of experience across the built environment – including senior roles in both government and industry – Caroline offers a valuable perspective on the evolving defence landscape, the future of procurement, and the importance of effective public–private collaboration.

In this interview, she shares SCAPE’s current involvement in the defence sector, outlines upcoming framework developments, and reflects on the opportunities emerging from the latest strategic review.

Take a look at the accounts and job titles you can expect to encounter onsite at Defence Estates and Infrastructure 2025.