June 2025 Defence Tech Oral Questions Top Themes

The top 3 themes related to Defence Technology in the Ministry of Defence oral questions and answers on June 30th 2025:

1. Defence Procurement: SMEs

A number of Ministers asked questions on the plans the department has to support SMEs through the defence industrial strategy, and the steps in place to ensure SMEs are able to participate in defence procurement contracts. The Government responded by reiterating the new modern industrial strategy launched last week announced a 50% increase in MOD spending with small and medium-sized enterprises to £7.5 billion a year by 2028. As well as the new SME hub helping small firms have better access to opportunities, with the reform of defence procurement aided by innovation funds, SMEs will have access to the defence dividend.

2. Defence Sector Exports 

In effort to support defence sector exports, the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry said a new national armaments director and defence exports office will support defence export campaigns, transferring the responsibility for the promotion of defence exports to the Ministry of Defence. A query was also raised on defence export licensing, which the Government responded to by saying they will do what is necessary to ensure there is no delay in applications where that is appropriate. 

3. Autonomous Weapons Systems 

A question was asked on the adequacy of the regulations of the use of autonomous weapons systems. This was paired with a question on the efforts the Government is taking to prevent and mitigate the potential harms of autonomous capabilities both in the UK and abroad. The Minister for the Armed Forces reiterated that the UK will continue to harness new technology, and will always comply with the relevant regulatory framework. The importance of international humanitarian law was outlined as essential as we continue to embed artificial intelligence into future weapons systems. On the topic of other nations following AI regulation, it was stated that through the United Nations and other processes, the UK is actively engaging in international dialogue on the responsible use of Artificial Intelligence.

The full transcript of the June 30th Ministry of Defence Oral Questions is available here.