About UKTI DSO

UK Trade & Investment Defence & Security Organisation (UKTI DSO) aims to help UK companies to export.

UKTI DSO provides the essential government-to-government dimension to help the UK defence and security industry to build and maintain relationships with overseas customers. They provide support to industry to ensure products and services are promoted in an effective manner to meet the customer’s requirements and are supported by industry throughout the life of the equipment.

UKTI DSO provides specialist export advice and practical assistance, working closely with industry and the Ministry of Defence, Home Office and with Other Government Departments and Agencies.

UKTI DSO has two Regional Directorates staffed by experts on specific countries or geographic areas who are the first point of contact for overseas customers and for UK companies. They lead on all aspects of the export of defence and security equipment and services to the countries for which they are responsible, and they support specific industry-led overseas marketing campaigns.

The Business Development Directorate manages events and exhibitions, undertakes market analysis, support for SME and MSB companies and provides Key Account Management for a number of major UK defence and security manufacturers. Business Development works in conjunction with the other directorates to help UKTI DSO deliver efficient and effective services to industry.

UKTI DSO works with the UK regional International Trade Advisors (ITAs) who advise UK companies on exporting and help them use all UKTI DSO services including in-country specialists. UKTI DSO also engages closely with industry bodies and trade associations to help the industry.

Regional Directorate Americas, Pacific and East Asia

Covers the following: All of the Americas, Australia, New Zealand, and East Asia with representatives in Australia, Brazil, Brunei, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Republic of Korea, Thailand and Vietnam.

Regional Directorate Africa, Europe, Middle East Central & South Asia

Covers the following: Africa, Europe (including the Russian Federation) Sub Continent, Levant , Pakistan, UN and NATO, with representatives in Greece, India, Kuwait, Libya, Oman, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and UAE.

The Regional Directorates coordinate Government support and provide advice to defence companies on specific markets and projects. They are expert in their particular geographical areas and are the normal point of contact for both overseas customers and UK companies for all matters relating to prospective sales of defence equipment and services in their geographical area of responsibility.

Political and economic factors vary from country to country, and industry requires precise background information so that it can market its products as effectively as possible. The RDs can offer advice on such matters as the status of ongoing sales negotiations, other countries’ Defence hierarchies, current and prospective procurement programmes and representation in country. Overseas customers expect the UKTI DSO to know about the UK defence industry and look to the RDs for help and assistance when they visit the UK. UK industry expects the UKTI DSO to be up to speed with events overseas.

The Defence and Commercial staff of UK embassies overseas have a responsibility to support exporters but in certain key markets, there are defence specialists providing support for British companies looking to export to their particular market.

Sectors: Defence & Security
Export Action Plan