Defence: Innovation and Technology
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 61 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a revitalised system for science and technology and innovation that more directly responds to the annual problem set provided by the MSHQ and the National Armaments Director.
Answered by Ministry of Defence
The Government is implementing Recommendation 7 of the Strategic Defence Review through reforms to Defence's Science, Technology and Innovation system, ensuring it is better aligned to Defence priorities and able to deliver technological advantage at greater pace.
The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) continue to provide Defence's core research, analysis and evaluation capabilities, including long-term and applied research and the development of technologies critical to national security. The Ministry of Defence has also established UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), delivering the Strategic Defence Review recommendation to provide dedicated funding to support innovative UK companies and accelerate the adoption of technologies that strengthen Defence and Security capability. Together with the Defence Investment Unit, these organisations form a more integrated science, technology and innovation system within the National Armaments Director Group.
The Ministry of Defence has also launched the Defence Universities Alliance, bringing together 35 universities to strengthen collaboration on research, skills and talent development, and is implementing a new approach to horizon scanning and strategic foresight. This work has been informed by engagement across Government and supports the Department's wider Science, Technology and Innovation ambitions set out in both the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy.
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