Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 53 of his department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, in what way does his department draw on the available S&T and innovation expertise to inform procurement decisions.

The MOD draws on science and technology (S&T) and innovation expertise across the Department, including the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL), the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), academia and industry, to inform procurement decisions. As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, expert S&T and innovation views are included the highest levels of decision making to help shape the strategic vision for Defence investment and support its delivery.

The Department also collaborates with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the Department for Business and Trade, UK Research and Innovation, and the Advanced Research and Invention Agency to help ensure taxpayer-funded research supports Defence priority problem sets. This helps inform capability and procurement decisions by assessing technological opportunities, risks and maturity against Defence needs.