Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 3.2.31 of the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, what progress he has made in identifying the next UK defence unicorn.

The Government is making good progress in identifying and supporting the next generation of high-growth UK defence technology companies through initiatives set out in the Defence Investment Plan (DIP).

The DIP confirmed that Defence is expanding its search for new defence unicorns through accelerated contracts of up to £100 million over four years for British technology firms that have had limited or no previous business with the Ministry of Defence. This work is being delivered through UK Defence Innovation (UKDI), which is helping to identify, support and scale high-potential defence and dual-use technologies.

The Government will continue to work with innovative SMEs and scale-ups across the UK to accelerate the development and adoption of cutting-edge technologies, strengthening national security while supporting growth in every postcode.