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Armed Forces: Digital Technology

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22878

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Recommendation 5 of the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, whether he has a) established the fundamental capabilities of a core common platform and b) received a quarterly report from the Chief Information Officer.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

Since publication of the Strategic Defence Review, the Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in establishing the foundations of a core common platform under the authority of the Chief Information Officer. This includes work to strengthen Defence's Digital Backbone, develop common digital and data services, improve interoperability and data sharing, and establish the governance arrangements required to support a more integrated force. Progress is subject to regular senior-level oversight.

While the fundamental capabilities are being developed and expanded, work to establish the full core common platform remains ongoing. A formal quarterly reporting process from the Chief Information Officer to the Secretary of State has not yet been fully implemented; however, progress has been reported through ministerial and departmental governance structures as part of wider Strategic Defence Review implementation activity.

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