Parliamentary Search

Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Friday, 28 August 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 2 September 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 September 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Unmanned Air Systems

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, since his department’s Defence Industrial Strategy, published 8 September 2025, what progress has the UKDI RIU made on novel Uncrewed Aerial Systems.

Answer

The UKDI Rapid Innovation Team (RIT), established in July 2025 as part of the formation of UKDI and evolving from the former Future Capability Innovation team within the legacy DE&S organisation, is tasked with exploring innovative technologies and novel ways of working.#

It is responsible for introducing the 3-2-1 Procurement Model and utilises industry mission partners alongside output-based requirements to rapidly develop Minimum Viable Products, which are quickly iterated into Minimum Viable Capabilities for end users.

The RIT has rapidly advanced the concept of One Way effectors (OWEs), transferring related business-as-usual activities to NAD-M, where a new Delivery Team was formed in the spring.

Continuing its innovation efforts, the RIT is also developing drone capabilities in collaboration with UK companies, focusing on enhancing range, performance, and payloads to meet specific mission requirements, while simultaneously strengthening UK supply chains and manufacturing opportunities.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
21691
Session
2026-27
Related items
Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth
Monday, 8 September 2025
Command papers
House of Commons
House of Lords
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Unmanned air systems UK Defence Innovation
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk