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Defence and aerospace sit at the centre of national strategy and public accountability.
The defence, security and aerospace industries today hold greater political, economic and public sway than in a generation. At a time of rising international tensions, the UK Government has also made clear that defence is no longer simply about national security – it’s about the nation’s prosperity agenda on a global scale.
Defence is now regarded as a catalyst for innovation, a magnet for investment, and a source of economic growth across the supply chain. We are advising leaders on how to respond, building organisations’ reputations, their approach to stakeholders, and assisting directly with procurement programmes and government engagement.
In a fast-moving global arena with opportunities for established players and new entrants alike, we are helping organisations engage with the new defence paradigm.
Clarion Defence organises Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI), the UK’s flagship defence and security exhibition, delivered under contract with HM Government and attracting global political, military and industry attention.
Luther Pendragon delivers a continuous stakeholder engagement and communications programme that underpins DSEI’s relationship with Government, Parliament, industry and the media. We manage structured engagement with the Ministry of Defence, HM Treasury and the Department for Business and Trade, alongside MPs and peers from across parties.
Our work includes an annual Parliamentary reception for 200 senior stakeholders, ongoing briefings, and on-site parliamentary engagement at the biennial exhibition. Messaging aligns DSEI’s objectives with Government priorities on exports, skills and innovation. The programme has sustained political backing through multiple elections, secured increased Government support for the 2025 exhibition, and protected DSEI’s reputation during periods of protest and geopolitical sensitivity.
Boeing is one of the world’s leading aerospace and defence companies, with global operations spanning commercial aviation, defence systems and advanced manufacturing.
Luther Pendragon supported Boeing to raise its profile with UK political decision-makers and establish the company as a trusted long-term partner to Government. We developed a targeted public affairs strategy to demonstrate Boeing’s economic contribution, defence capability and alignment with UK priorities, while addressing political sensitivity around trade, procurement and social value.
The work helped position Boeing as a credible UK prime contractor. The company secured defence contracts worth more than $6bn, including Apache, P-8 and Wedgetail programmes, and significantly expanded its UK footprint with major investments in Sheffield and RAF Lossiemouth.