Defence exports teams brought together under armaments chief

The teams responsible for exports promotion, capability partnerships and government-to-government relationships now work together under the National Armaments Director Group for the first time, according to an answer given in Parliament.

James MacCleary, the Liberal Democrat MP for Lewes, asked for an update on the status of the Office of Defence Exports.

Luke Pollard, Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, replied: “Through Defence Reform and a Machinery of Government change the key teams responsible for exports promotion, capability partnerships and delivery of government-to-government relationships have been successfully brought together under the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group for the first time, led by a Director General International with Director-led areas covering Strategy, Regional Partnerships and Delivery, including government-to-government agreements.”

The Ministry of Defence said UK defence exports exceeded £20 billion in 2025, which it expects to be the highest annual total since records began in 1983. A £10 billion deal with Norway for at least five Type 26 frigates and an £8 billion deal to sell 20 Typhoon jets to Türkiye drove the figure.

The National Armaments Director role was created under the department’s reforms with responsibilities including delivering military capabilities, supply chain resilience, acquisition reform and leading defence exports.