NEXUS is the RAF's combat cloud programme. It provides a secure & resilient, MOD-owned cloud environment, federated data architecture and command-and-control applications. This capability enables the sharing and use of operational data across Air, Joint, and Allied forces, improving decision-making and interoperability.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) on 6 September 2025 to question 70782.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-08-29/70782

The Military Intelligence Services (MIS) was launched on 11 December. The MIS establishes a single intelligence enterprise across the Ministry of Defence This has maximised coherence between Defence’s existing intelligence capabilities.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across Government to promote a more integrated approach to intelligence prioritisation, information-sharing and the delivery of national security objectives. The Government continues to keep Parliament informed where appropriate through the Intelligence and Security Committee.

I refer the Hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) on 6 September 2025 to Question 70781 Defence: Intelligence Services.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is developing a nationally separable, space-based Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) satellite constellation and supporting digital infrastructure through Programme ISTARI.

As part of the Programme, MOD has contracted for four Operational Concept Demonstrator (OCD) satellites, which will operate in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) as follows:

• The first satellite, TYCHE, launched on 14 August 2024, has an electro-optical imaging sensor with video capability to detect moving objects. Following on-orbit commissioning and testing, it was fully graduated to the MOD in December 2025.
• The second satellite TITANIA will explore data technologies and capabilities. It is expected to launch in 2026.
• JUNO is the third satellite and will have an advanced electro-optical sensor. It is expected to launch in 2028.
• The fourth satellite system is OBERON. This consists of two satellites with high-performance Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) sensors, which will enable 24/7 imagery collection even through cloud, night and in poor weather conditions. It is expected to launch in 2028.

Defence is developing the supporting digital infrastructure through the following investments:

• The MINERVA data hub will enable tasking and data collection for UK ISR satellites and will process and disseminate the collected data to those that require it.
• The PRIMUS ALPHA satellite ground station will be installed and commissioned at a UK site in 2027. A plan for the development of additional PRIMUS stations at other locations in the UK and overseas from 2028 onwards is currently being developed.
• Space Missions Operations Centres are in the process of being constructed. These centres will enable MOD to conduct missions involving MOD owned space vehicles and payloads.

Through the Defence Investment Plan, £370 million has been allocated to support the Army’s ASGARD initiative. ASGARD is not a conventional acquisition project with individual lifecycle phases. Instead, it provides an enduring environment in which the Army can test, integrate and exploit capabilities as they mature.

As a result, at the completion of the scope associated with the £370 million allocation, ASGARD will not transition to a distinct programme phase. Instead, it will continue to operate as a persistent capability, enabling the development, integration, evaluation and exploitation of digital technologies by the Forward Land Forces in Estonia, and across the British Army.

Defence will develop RAF Wyton as a modern, integrated intelligence hub through the upgrading and consolidation of purpose-built infrastructure, supporting the ambitions set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Investment Plan as part of the wider modernisation of our Military Intelligence Services (MIS). The programme is intended to deliver modern, secure and more integrated facilities that enable personnel and capabilities to operate more effectively together, support the adoption of advanced digital, data and analytical capabilities, and improve collaboration across Defence and with partners.

In line with the Strategic Defence Review, Military Intelligence Services (MIS) will strengthen integration across Defence intelligence organisations and with partners across Government, industry and academia, enabling intelligence to be collected, analysed and shared more effectively. This will be supported by investment in critical intelligence capabilities, the accelerated adoption of advanced technologies and data-driven tools, and improved interoperability across the intelligence enterprise. MIS will also empower its people by attracting, training, educating and retaining a world-class intelligence workforce.

The Government is committed to a NATO-first approach and is working with Allies to strengthen interoperability across the Alliance. The Strategic Defence Review directed Defence to establish a roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO Allies.

In response, Defence has developed the UK's Interoperability Roadmap, which we are now implementing, and which aligns with NATO's Interoperability Plan. The Roadmap focuses on improving the ability of the Armed Forces to operate seamlessly with Allies through common standards, digital integration, training, exercises and capability development.

The Defence Investment Plan reinforces this approach, placing NATO requirements and interoperability at the heart of UK capability planning by prioritising a transformed, NATO-first Integrated Force capable of deterring and fighting alongside Allies in the Euro-Atlantic.

In the context of Project ASGARD in the Department's Defence Investment Plan, the phrase “greater distances across the battlespace” is not referring to a single metric, such as a specific range or timescale. It describes the combined operational effect achieved through the Digital Targeting Web: integrating sensors, data, AI, intelligence and fires to improve the Army’s ability to find and strike targets across a wider and more complex battlespace.

The Strategic Defence Review directed the establishment of a Digital Warfighter Group (DWG) to enable Defence to deploy digital and conventional warfighters on operations, side-by-side.

Focussed work on the establishment of the DWG is underway.

The Digital Targeting Web (DTW) is being delivered through a multi-disciplinary team approach, including with our partners across government. This will include cyber and quantum experts, and the DTW will be fully compliant with the Government Cyber Action Plan (Government Cyber Action Plan - GOV.UK). The DTW will continually evolve to respond to emerging threats and opportunities, including quantum and cyber.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 5 February 2026 to Question 109315, which referred him to the answer provided to him to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025. The Digital Targeting Web is a continually evolving ecosystem and not a capability in the traditional sense. As such, its development will be an ongoing, iterative process, therefore pace of delivery will be a natural function of contemporary requirements or demands supported by resource.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 5 February 2026 to Question 109315, which referred him to the answer provided to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025. The Digital Targeting Web is a continually evolving ecosystem and not a capability in the traditional sense. As such, its development will be an ongoing, iterative process.

The Digital Backbone is not a single platform or network. It comprises the connectivity, digital infrastructure, data services, cloud-based capabilities and integration frameworks that enable information to be shared securely across Defence. It is a foundational capability for the Integrated Force and is relevant across all domains of warfare. As set out in the Defence Investment Plan, it provides the spine for Defence's Digital Targeting Web by enabling the connection of sensors, deciders and effectors, supporting faster decision-making and operational integration.

The Strategic Defence Review and Defence Investment Plan set out our commitment to develop the Digital Targeting Web, which will connect sensors, decision-makers and effectors across the Integrated Force.

Interoperability with NATO Allies is a core design requirement of the Digital Targeting Web. The programme is being developed in alignment with NATO standards, enabling the secure exchange of sensor, targeting and command-and-control information across Allied Forces.

The Digital Targeting Web will support shared situational awareness, faster decision-making and coordinated targeting across multinational operations, strengthening NATO’s ability to deter and defend against potential adversaries.

The Department is embedding interoperability throughout the development of the Digital Targeting Web rather than treating it as a requirement to be achieved at a single future date.

The Strategic Defence Review and Defence Investment Plan set out our commitment to develop the Digital Targeting Web, which will connect sensors, decision-makers and effectors across the Integrated Force.

Interoperability with NATO Allies is a core design requirement of the Digital Targeting Web. The programme is being developed in alignment with NATO standards, enabling the secure exchange of sensor, targeting and command-and-control information across Allied Forces.

The Digital Targeting Web will support shared situational awareness, faster decision-making and coordinated targeting across multinational operations, strengthening NATO’s ability to deter and defend against potential adversaries.

The Department is embedding interoperability throughout the development of the Digital Targeting Web rather than treating it as a requirement to be achieved at a single future date.

The Stratrgic Defence Review directed the establishment of a Digital Warfighter Group (DWG) to strengthen Defence's ability to exploit technology in support of military operations, by consolidating and enhancing specialist digital, data and artificial intelligence expertise within the Armed Forces. Work on the DWG is ongoing, with a concept of operations and implementation plan developed and activity underway to establish the organisation.