Source · Select Committees · Public Accounts Committee
Recommendation 1
1
Acknowledged
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence...
Conclusion
On the basis of a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General, we took evidence from the Ministry of Defence (the Department) about the Defence digital strategy. The rapid advance of technology is changing the character of warfare, introducing a shifting and accelerating landscape of threats. The rapid deployment and exploitation of new technology is now at the very heart of the defence of the realm, and the urgency of this challenge is demonstrated by the current conflict in Ukraine.1
Government Response Summary
The government acknowledges the committee's conclusion regarding the rapid advance of technology and its impact on warfare.
Government Response
Acknowledged
HM Government
Acknowledged
The government agrees with the Committee’s recommendation. Defence (DX4D) initiative in July 2022 to accelerate digital transformation across Defence and embed the relevant cultural and organisational changes. Led by the Second Permanent Secretary, and co-sponsored by the Commander of UK Strategic Command, DX4D has worked with the Defence Delivery Group (DDG) to agree a shared vision and ambition for digital exploitation. The DDG has agreed an outcomes framework of three areas where digital exploitation has the greatest pan-Defence potential: campaign advantage, accelerating capability deployment and business operations. Each outcome area is led by a different senior DDG member and will improve the department’s capability in areas such as joint situational awareness, improving military capability via step changes in digital integration, availability and the consolidation and modernisation of corporate services. The Chief Information Officer (CIO) will support these initiatives and accelerate the existing work to modernise the digital function focusing on people and skills; working cohesively across Defence; increasing the use of data as a strategic asset; and fully embedding pan-Defence Standards for technology and data. In 2023, DX4D will focus on the rapid delivery of tangible minimum viable products aligned with the longer-term ambition for each of the three areas.