Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 69 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what steps his Department is taking to teach, train, exercise and reward leaders to create a leadership that is equipped to use AI and digital technologies.

Defence is investing in the skills, education and leadership development needed to ensure that leaders are equipped to use digital technologies, data and Artificial Intelligence effectively and responsibly.

This includes building AI and digital literacy into senior leadership development, supporting wider Civil Service AI learning opportunities, and expanding access to practical learning through Defence and cross-government digital skills programmes. Defence is also working with industry and external partners to expose leaders and teams to emerging technologies and practical applications, including through engagement activities such as technology walks, innovation challenges and hackathons.

Together, these measures support the Strategic Defence Review’s ambition to develop a digitally confident leadership cadre able to understand, adopt and exploit emerging technologies in support of Defence outcomes.