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Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 13 October 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 October 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 21 October 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Defence: Procurement

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how asymmetric capability development is being balanced against traditional platform-heavy procurement.

Answer

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) supports the rapid introduction of new capabilities and the integration of advanced and emerging technologies across the force. Capability choices are being informed by lessons from recent and ongoing conflicts, and via Force Testing activity, with investment focused on delivering a more lethal and digitally enabled Integrated Force, optimised for warfighting in the Euro-Atlantic.

The DIP sets out how the Integrated Force will draw on a more varied mix of equipment and weapons, combining advanced platforms and precision weapons with autonomous technologies and lower-cost, expendable effectors. This approach will increase the mass, lethality and resilience of the Integrated Force, while ensuring that investment remains threat-led, affordable and aligned with NATO requirements.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
34360
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Defence Procurement
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk