About us
As an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Defence, we deliver equipment and support services to the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force.
Responsibilities
We are responsible for:
- delivering over 80 percent of the UK’s largest and most complex defence projects – from fighter jets to food deliveries, from patrol boats to protective clothing
- delivering world-class equipment and support services to the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force
- negotiating and managing defence contracts on behalf of the UK Armed Forces.
- developing, supplying, and maintaining military equipment
- decommissioning and disposal when equipment reaches the end of its service life
- supporting operational outputs such as Defence Munitions sites across the UK, the British Forces Post Office, and Salvage and Marine Operations
Priorities
Our priorities are:
- keeping our nation safe and prosperous
- representing value for money for the taxpayer
- providing essential support to global defence operations
- working as One Defence team
Who we are
DE&S employs approximately 12,500 civil servants and military personnel around the UK and overseas. Our headquarters are in Bristol.
Read more about who we are.
DE&S was launched as an arm’s length body of the Ministry of Defence in 2014, with unique management freedoms delegated by HM Treasury and the Cabinet Office. We are governed by our CEO, Executive Committee, and the Board of Non-Executive Directors.
Read more about our governance.