The UK Defence sector is at a critical juncture, grappling with the rapid evolution of defence technology (DefTech) and the challenges of integrating these advancements into military capabilities. The newly launched DefTech Manifesto, spearheaded by techUK’s Defence Board, outlines a strategic roadmap to address these complexities and strengthen the UK’s sovereign DefTech position.
The Manifesto builds on the Strategic Defence Review and techUK’s 2024 “DefTech: Technology Transforming Defence” paper, identifying four key focus areas essential for advancing the UK’s defence capabilities. These areas—Architectural and Technical Innovation, Commercial and Financial Innovation, Capability Delivery, and Skills and Resources—present a comprehensive framework for action.
Architectural and Technical Innovation
The Defence Board commits to supporting the National Armaments Director Group (NADG) in enhancing the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Chief Technology Officer’s Digital Technology Reference Model. This initiative aims to enable rapid, coherent digital technology insertion, laying the groundwork for data-centric security and zero-trust networks.
Additionally, the Board will partner with UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) to implement architectures and standards that accelerate the adoption of innovative digital technologies. This collaboration will streamline the acquisition lifecycle, ensuring that digital capabilities are delivered at the required pace.
The Board will also engage in pilot projects with the Defence AI Centre (DAIC) to demonstrate the safe and secure deployment of AI technologies, unlocking their potential value for users.
Commercial and Financial Innovation
To encourage greater investment and innovation, the Defence Board will work with NADG to enhance market engagement. This effort aims to diversify the digital supply chain, ensuring resilience and optimal procurement choices.
The Board will initiate a project to adopt AI technology across the MOD’s back-office operations, optimising contract obligations, delivery, and financial reporting. This initiative will also consider the lessons learned from bidding and contracting experiences, developing an improvement plan that reduces business development costs and maximises return on investment.
Capability Delivery
The Defence Board will support the implementation of modernised procurement and delivery approaches for DefTech, driving efficiency throughout the lifecycle. This includes advising the MOD on opportunities to remove impediments and constraints for UK-based DefTech suppliers, enabling better outcomes.
The Board will also collaborate with the MOD to enhance opportunities for exports and international partnerships, such as NATO, AUKUS, and GCAP. This will help share the costs of capability development, provide export levies for enhanced digital capabilities, and ensure better interoperability for integrated forces.
Skills and Resources
To address workforce gaps across the MOD, the Defence Board will create a proposal for the responsible introduction of AI, freeing up highly skilled personnel for more productive tasks. This initiative will support workforce planning for the MOD’s Whole Force, generating a diverse pool of digital skills across government and industry.
The Board will also work closely with the MOD to support diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, opening a far greater pool of digital talent to work in this critical domain.
The DefTech Manifesto represents a collective resolve to address the inherent risks and challenges in building and maintaining critical defence capabilities. As Neil Timms, Chair of the techUK Defence Board, noted, “We are pleased to publish this manifesto, in part as a technology industry response to the SDR, but also to address the broader changes underway in defence procurement, supply chain engagement and the Government’s digital agenda overall.”
The technology war is not a future threat; it is a reality today. The UK must act rapidly to maintain the security and resilience that underpin its productivity and growth as a nation. The Defence Board stands ready to collaborate with the MOD to deliver against these actions, ensuring the UK remains at the forefront of defence innovation and capability.