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Defence: Software

Asked by Luke AkehurstLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 21 May 2026UIN 963

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Department recognises that software firms are increasingly vital to defence research and development, providing specialised expertise and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While traditional prime contractors continue to play a key role in large-scale system integration and delivery, software companies complement this by accelerating technological advancement and agility.

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