The Defence Secretary has launched the most extensive reform of the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in over 50 years to address escalating global threats and streamline UK Defence operations. This ambitious initiative aims to fix what the Public Accounts Committee has called a “broken” defence procurement system while enhancing resilience and readiness in the face of rising Russian aggression and turmoil in the Middle East.
Among the key changes is the establishment of a fully-fledged National Armaments Director (NAD) role, marking a pivotal shift in defence acquisition and industry strategy. Recruitment for this position has commenced, with the NAD set to oversee a resilient supply chain, build up the British defence industry, and maximize value for the UK’s Armed Forces. The NAD will also drive UK defence exports and acquisition reform, working closely with government, industry, and international partners.
The Defence Secretary emphasized that the reforms are designed to secure “value for money across every penny of defence spend” while ensuring better outcomes for the Armed Forces. This reform is part of a broader vision to unify the MOD under the “One Defence” framework, which focuses on cohesion, efficiency, and accountability across all military branches.
Central to these changes is the creation of the Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ), a new command centre where the Chief of the Defence Staff will, for the first time, oversee all Service Chiefs in critical investment and operational decisions. Expected to be fully operational by the end of 2024, the MSHQ will play a crucial role in implementing the recommendations of the upcoming Strategic Defence Review, set for release in the first half of next year.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP commented on the initiative, saying, “Our government is delivering the change we promised: cracking down on waste and boosting Britain’s defence industry. We will forge ‘One Defence’…to make Britain secure at home and strong abroad.” He underscored the need for speed and efficiency in military decision-making to counter rising global threats and provide the best value for taxpayers.
The newly appointed NAD will bear significant responsibilities, including:
- Leading the delivery of necessary military capabilities from industry.
- Shaping and executing the UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy.
- Ensuring a robust, ready-to-deploy national arsenal.
- Supporting UK defence exports and acquisition reform.
These reforms will also streamline MOD governance and procedures, with an emphasis on harnessing technological innovation and data to improve all MOD operations. The programme draws on lessons from recent MOD successes, including the praised Operation Interflex training programme for Ukrainian recruits and the fast-tracked delivery of equipment to Ukraine’s front lines.
Defence Equipment & Support CEO and current NAD Andy Start expressed support for the reform, calling the new NAD role “a vitally important step towards transforming defence acquisition and the industrial base in the UK.” He affirmed that the MOD would collaborate closely with industrial partners, encouraging them to adopt the One Defence approach as the UK adapts to emerging challenges.
These reforms underscore the UK’s commitment to bolstering its defence capabilities and ensuring a modern, resilient, and unified military structure to protect national interests at home and abroad.
