The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has announced its most sweeping reforms in over 50 years, aimed at tackling inefficiencies in defence procurement and reinforcing the UK’s defence capabilities.
Central to these changes is the introduction of a new National Armaments Director (NAD) role, described by Defence Secretary John Healey as essential to a “stronger, more agile defence structure that can ensure Britain’s security and deliver value for taxpayers.”
The move follows critical reports, including from the Public Accounts Committee, which highlighted issues in the UK’s defence procurement system, described as “broken.” The reforms come at a time of heightened global tensions, with growing Russian aggression and unrest in the Middle East.
According to the MOD, these developments underline the need for a more resilient and rapidly deployable military infrastructure.
The newly created NAD role will be responsible for delivering essential military capabilities, steering the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy, ensuring the resilience of the UK’s supply chain, and leading on defence exports and procurement reforms. Recruitment for the role has already begun, and the MOD is keen to appoint a candidate who can deliver on its ambitious goals.
Andy Start, Defence Equipment & Support CEO and the current NAD, emphasised the importance of the role, calling it a “vitally important step towards transforming defence acquisition and building a stronger industrial base for the UK.”
Responsibilities for the National Armaments Director include:
- Delivering capabilities necessary for defence operations
- Shaping the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy
- Ensuring a resilient supply chain and national defence readiness
- Leading defence exports and acquisition reform
- Coordinating with government, industry, academia, and international partners to deploy best practices
The reforms also introduce a Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ), to be led by the Chief of the Defence Staff, who will take command of the individual Service Chiefs, aiming to unify decision-making and improve operational readiness. The MOD says the changes will help to ensure faster, more coherent investment decisions across services, particularly as it prepares to publish the Strategic Defence Review next year. By bringing investment decisions closer to the operational level, the MOD believes it will better align resources with defence priorities.
As part of the reform, Healey reiterated the importance of efficiency, pledging to crack down on wasteful spending across all aspects of defence. “Our government is delivering the change we promised: cracking down on waste and boosting Britain’s defence industry,” he stated.
MOD officials are particularly focused on building resilience and drawing lessons from the department’s support to Ukraine, citing the success of Operation Interflex and the quick deployment of equipment to the Ukrainian front lines.
