Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Chancellor of the Exchequer's Oral Statement on 26 March 2025 entitled Spring Statement, Official Report, whether his Department's commitment to spend 10% of the MOD equipment budget on novel technologies will include any new technologies.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, including autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted capabilities alongside dual-use technology, what additional technologies are included in this commitment are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.