Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 9 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 13 October 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 19 October 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

NATO

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 8 September 2026 to question 22871 on NATO, what gaps he has identified in the Defence Investment Plan following creation of the NATO Interoperability Roadmap.

Answer

The UK's NATO Interoperability Roadmap received Ministerial approval in January 2026 and provides Defence with a framework to improve the Armed Forces' ability to operate effectively alongside our NATO Allies. The Roadmap has not been released to the public, as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), published in June 2026, implements the UK's 'NATO First' approach and places NATO requirements and interoperability at the heart of UK capability planning. The Roadmap and DIP are therefore complementary. The Roadmap has informed Defence thinking on interoperability, while the DIP sets out the capabilities and priority investments needed to support the UK's contribution to NATO's deterrence and defence.

The Ministry of Defence will continue to review implementation of both the UK's Interoperability Roadmap and the Defence Investment Plan to ensure UK capabilities remain aligned with evolving NATO requirements and interoperability priorities.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 32578
Session: 2026-27
Related items: NATO
Tuesday, 8 September 2026
Written questions
House of Commons
Subjects: NATO
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

NATO

Secondary information

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