Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 45 of his department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, in what way is CDS balancing investment between front-line capabilities and the foundational enablers that sustain the force in protracted, high intensity warfare.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) outlines how Defence will outpace threats through sustained investment in warfighting readiness, the rapid introduction of new capabilities, and the integration of advanced and emerging technologies across the force. This requires a model of constant innovation and there is therefore no end state for the Integrated Force.

In addition to investing in front-line capabilities, the DIP invests significantly in the foundational enablers required to sustain the force in times of war. This includes a £11.1 billion investment over the next four years in weapons and munitions. The DIP also secures funding for those capabilities critical to deploying, sustaining, and recovering the force, with £2.9 billion over the next four years invested in Joint Support Enablers and Defence Medical Services. Investments also span more than just the Integrated Force and the DIP has also made significant investment in people, infrastructure, science and technology, and industry to ensure the UK is better prepared for a high-intensity protracted war.