Rushmoor Borough Council is proud to announce that one of the borough’s largest employers has agreed to be the headline sponsor at the Armed Forces Day National Event in June.
As Platinum sponsor QinetiQ, which has its headquarters in Farnborough and employs 1,200 people, will be at the heart of the pageantry. It will play a central role in enabling this highly respected national event to be proudly hosted within the traditional home of the British Army and the birthplace of British military aviation.
Deputy Leader of Rushmoor Borough Council, Councillor Sophie Porter said: “We are thrilled that QinetiQ is the first to come on board as a sponsor of the 2026 Armed Forces Day National Event.
“As well as honouring the past and celebrating the present, the event aims to inspire future generations particularly at the special day we have planned for schools. With QinetiQ specialising in delivering critical, mission-ready military capability to the UK armed forces and its allies, I am excited to see how their presence will fire the imagination of local young people and perhaps encourage them to consider a career in the science and technology sector.”
Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer, QinetiQ, said: “Throughout our 25-year history, we’ve been a vital part of the UK’s defence industrial base, working alongside armed forces personnel at sites across the country and around the world.
“We’re one of the biggest employers in Farnborough and Aldershot and our people, many of whom are veterans or reservists, have deep connections to the military, either through their families or the highly skilled work they do to support warfighting readiness.
“We’re excited to be partnering with Rushmoor Council and the Ministry of Defence to deliver this year’s Armed Forces Day, celebrate our incredible armed forces personnel and highlight the role that local companies, like QinetiQ, play in providing the UK’s defence and national security.”
The Armed Forces Day National event takes place from 27 to 28 June and will attract large public audiences and participation from high-profile, prestigious guests. If you are a local business and would like to show your support for the armed forces community, please email AFD2026@rushmoor.gov.uk to find out about available sponsorship opportunities.
The Mayor of Rushmoor and Steve Wadey, Group Chief Executive Officer of QinetiQ.
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