Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 19 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy - Public Summary, how he will harness the power of data and AI to deliver and track defence diplomacy.

Through the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence will enhance how its data, digital, and AI platforms support Defence to plan and deliver defence diplomacy activity. Defence is already utilising these platforms through its Strategic Effects Cycle to support the prioritisation of defence diplomacy activity.

The Ministry of Defence will use data and AI to support implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy and improve how we deliver and track defence diplomacy. This will include using our existing data and digital platforms to support the long-term planning of targeted and impactful High-Level International Engagement; using the new digital Pan Defence Skills Framework to track the training and skills of our personnel to support career progression and how international postings are assigned; and using data and AI to draw insights on how our defence diplomacy activity is contributing to strengthening our international relationships.