National Armaments Director Group
The National Armaments Director (NAD) Group is part of the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD).
Led by the UK National Armaments Director, the NAD Group unites the MOD organisations responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing and harbouring the UK’s national arsenal and defence estate.
The NAD Group brings together expertise in science, technology, procurement, infrastructure and support, to provide integrated capabilities faster, more efficiently and effectively for our armed forces and allies.
NAD’s mission is to maximise our warfighters’ collective ability to:
- operate
- deter
- fight
- win
Introducing the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group
The NAD Group’s work is closely aligned with the outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review, which sets the framework for the UK’s defence strategy.
By working as one, the NAD Group strengthens strategic engagement with industry, international allies, and partners. From innovative concept to front-line deployment and support, the NAD Group is committed to providing life-saving, battle-winning capabilities.
Together, we provide what our armed forces need, support national prosperity, and help ensure the UK remains safe at home and strong abroad.
To achieve this, the NAD will:
- build a competitive armaments ecosystem–creating the conditions for a productive, adaptable, and survivable military-industrial-tech enterprise with international allies
- design and deliver the right capabilities–providing operational support, shared services, and equipment to create deterrence and give our armed forces the edge
- drive economic growth–maximising defence spending to increase exports, employment, and economic security
- increase productivity and efficiency–operating together in the most affordable, timely, and efficient way
Who’s in the NAD Group
The Group was established in March 2025 and is still being designed. It includes 5 enabling organisations and 4 newly established areas:
- Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)
- Defence Support
- Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S)
- Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)
- Defence Digital (DD)
- International Collaboration & Exports (ICE)
- Commercial & Industry (C&I)
- Options and Commissioning (O&C)
- Corporate and Shared Services
Andy Start has been appointed as the acting National Armaments Director.