May 2025 Defence Tech Oral Questions Top Themes

The top 4 themes related to Defence Technology in the Ministry of Defence oral questions and answers on 19th May 2025:

1. Innovation Through SME Empowerment

A recurring theme throughout the session was the government's commitment to fostering innovation by empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Ministers acknowledged the challenges SMEs face in defence procurement—such as accessing finance, navigating complex contract systems, and integrating into larger supply chains. To tackle these, the government announced a new SME support centre, set targets to increase SME involvement, and pledged to simplify procurement processes. The strategic intent is to make defence procurement more dynamic and inclusive, allowing innovative British firms to contribute cutting-edge technology to national defence capabilities

2. Fast-Evolving Battlefield Technologies

The dialogue highlighted the rapidly shifting nature of modern warfare, with drones and other inexpensive technologies capable of neutralizing much more costly traditional assets. The Defence Secretary emphasized that capabilities now evolve on a weekly basis, necessitating agile procurement and rapid innovation cycles. The government is actively promoting investment partnerships between defence and financial sectors to ensure that British companies are equipped to respond to this pace of change, including through new strategies like the upcoming strategic defence review

3. Strengthening Domestic Industrial Base

Multiple MPs and ministers underlined the importance of investing in domestic defence manufacturing as a pillar of both national security and economic growth. Notable announcements included the establishment of new factories and facilities like Rheinmetall’s £400 million investment in a gun barrel factory, as well as long-term contracts such as the £9 billion Unity agreement with Rolls-Royce. These moves are intended not only to strengthen sovereign industrial capability but also to distribute defence-related job opportunities across UK regions, reinforcing defence as an economic engine

4. Defence-Tech Collaboration with Europe

Following the announcement of a new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership, the government signalled a strategic shift towards deeper collaboration with European partners in defence technology. This includes potential UK access to the EU’s €150 billion SAFE (Security Action for Europe) and ReArm funds, enabling British firms to participate in European rearmament initiatives. The partnership also aims to align joint efforts in areas like space and maritime security, cyber defence, and industrial cooperation, enhancing both technological edge and collective security across Europe.