Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Wednesday, 10 December 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 15 December 2025. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Thursday, 18 December 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

National Armaments Director Group

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth (CP 1388), page 85, what progress he has made in establishing a coordinating authority for market engagement within the National Armaments Director Group.

Answer: We have taken the first steps to deliver the Defence Industrial Strategy commitment to strengthen early engagement with industry and integrate market insight into force and capability development. The Market Engagement Coordinating Authority has been initiated within the National Armaments Director Group and is now in its development phase. Work is underway to build out its full capability, with Initial Operating Capability planned for Q1 2026. Once operational, the Authority will bring coherence and transparency to Defence’s engagement with industry, unify Defence’s demand signals and enable structured engagement earlier in the capability development cycle, giving suppliers confidence to invest and helping accelerate acquisition.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 98883
Session: 2024-26
Related items: Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth
Monday, 8 September 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Subjects: National Armaments Director Group
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk