Background
In October 2024 the Ministry of Defence (MoD) announced major reforms aimed at responding to increasing threats, tackling waste and strengthening UK defence. The changes will support the department’s delivery of the government’s Strategic Defence Review, published in 2025.
Key reforms included the creation of a new National Armaments Director to lead defence equipment procurement, and a new Military Strategic Headquarters, which gave the Chief of the Defence Staff formal command of the heads of the armed services for the first time.
The MoD also introduced new budget structures and financial processes aimed at cutting waste and reducing duplication. It announced that these would operate from March 2025.
Scope
This report will examine whether the MoD’s Defence Reform programme:
- has translated its objectives into a deliverable plan
- has been set up for success
- is on track to deliver its objectives and make a difference to defence outcomes
NAO team
Director: Helen Holden
Audit Manager: Grace Williams