INTRODUCTION Contributed by: Andrew Sanderson, Kingsley Napley LLP
Looking ahead The opportunity in 2026 is clear: governments need capability, production capacity, innovation and trust - ed partners. Yet success will depend on more than a strong product. Businesses must understand the public-law framework, political objectives and secu - rity culture of each market; choose partners carefully; protect technology; and build export, cyber, integrity and supply-chain compliance into delivery. The jurisdictional sections in this guide explain how those common pressures translate into local rules and practice. Read together, they show a defence market becoming larger and faster, but also more strategic, regulated and interconnected. The author hopes the guide helps readers identify both the opportunities and the points at which early legal and commercial planning can prevent delay, dispute or loss of market access.
Anti-bribery controls must be tailored to actual routes to market and supported by due diligence on agents, partners and beneficial owners. Books and records, approval controls and protected reporting channels matter as much as contractual representations. Environmental and social considerations have not disappeared, although their application to defence varies. Energy security, climate resilience, hazardous materials, modern slavery, workforce welfare and the environmental impact of production and disposal can affect eligibility, financing and delivery. Contractors should distinguish mandatory requirements from pol - icy aspirations and avoid unsupported claims, while preparing for more detailed supply-chain information requests.
8 D EFENCE CON TRACTS 2 026
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