Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 64 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, when he expects UK Defence Innovation to establish a defence innovation portfolio.

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) represents a fundamental transformation of how the Ministry of Defence approaches innovation. We recognise that innovative companies, start-ups and non-traditional defence suppliers have long faced significant barriers when engaging with defence innovation programmes.

UKDI will invest in frameworks and initiatives to foster business growth and attract increased investment into SMEs, start-ups, and non-traditional defence suppliers. This approach aims to cultivate a diverse and agile supply chain, ensuring the delivery of cutting-edge capabilities to support national security and defence. Simultaneously, these efforts will align with the UKDI's strategic objectives of advancing the technology sector and driving economic growth.