Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Written Ministerial Statement of 1 April 2025 on Defence Reform, HCWS573, whether the creation of the National Armaments Director Group will result in the (a) abolition, (b) absorption and (c) resubordinating absorption of Defence Digital.

The far-reaching changes in this Defence Reform programme will help cut waste, boost British growth and jobs and fast track the technologies of the future into the hands of our frontline forces.

It is too early to specify the overall staffing requirements for the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This will be subject to refinement as planned implementation continues, and in response to operational and policy requirements as they emerge.

The NAD Group will benefit from a streamlined approach to governance overseen by a Leadership Board. This will send reports and advice to senior committees, e.g. the Ministry of Defence Executive Committee; and will receive reports and advice from supporting committees e.g. its Challenge Board, Strategy and Policy Board, and management boards of Defence Support, and of the delivery and enabling organisations: Defence Equipment and Support; Defence Digital; Defence Infrastructure Organisation; and, Defence Science and Technology Laboratories, which are now part of the collective NAD Group, and whose heads will all sit on the NAD Group Leadership Board.