Ministry of Defence - Commercial X
Information about the Ministry of Defence’s programme for accelerating procurement of digital and innovative technologies.
About Commercial X
Commercial X was a programme set up by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 2022. Its mission is to get ground-breaking technologies and innovation into the Ministry of Defence’s hands, faster.
It does this with:
- a team of commercial officers experienced in procuring innovation and digital solutions; they work directly with frontline teams to deliver contracts up to £50 million and under 2 years at pace
- a team of business change specialists who trial improvements to commercial processes that can help speed up procurements and reduce barriers to entry for small businesses
- a specialist skills development programme that aims to build the commercial officer of the future, by upskilling them in contracting for projects where the end deliverables evolve or are unknown
Commercial X’s work is strongly aligned to the 6 priority outcomes set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Dina Kakaras is the Head of Commercial X and reports directly to Jim Carter, Director General for Commercial and Industry of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group.
Why Commercial X was set up
Commercial X was set up to tackle several problems facing the Ministry of Defence:
- the long lead times from identifying a requirement to getting a contract signed
- the challenges micro, small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) face working with Defence due to its complex structure and processes
- the difficulty scaling promising concepts and prototypes for operational use
Commercial X have been given freedoms not usually available to commercial teams including:
- simpler approval processes
- greater freedom to take risks
- permission from senior leaders to reimagine commercial processes and pilot new ways of working
They also work to a set of values that include challenging norms, embracing risk, proactively solving problems and retaining a laser-like focus on delivering what Defence needs.
What Commercial X has delivered
Some of Commercial X’s deliverables are listed below. All of them have been achieved through close collaboration with other MOD teams and/or industry.
580 contracts signed
As of December 2025, Commercial X has delivered 580 contracts with an average time to contract of 31 days, 47% faster than average timelines for similar procurements. £74 million in financial savings have been achieved through robust negotiations with suppliers. Recent notable contracts include: DragonFire, Hypersonics and RAF Brize Norton.
Creation of small business-friendly buying routes
The Neutral Vendor Framework for Innovation and Dynamic Market (access via Defence Sourcing Portal) are 2 new platforms where suppliers can compete for contracts in technology and innovation. They are always open to join and have a simple, fast onboarding process.
Development of simplified terms and conditions (T&Cs)
A set of short, simply worded T&Cs designed for small businesses and low complexity contracts where the default legal provisions do not apply.
Publicising technology contracts in Defence
A new GOV.UK page listing some of the places where suppliers can bid for technology and innovation contracts, making it clear if they’re open to join and how.
Automating commercial processes
Development of the Commercial Acquisition Tool (CAT): a single location where all commercial activity is logged. It has automated basic tasks, improved data collection and sped up processes.
How to buy AI guidance and training
Co-developed with The Defence Artificial Intelligence Centre and a first of its kind for Defence, it has been widely shared across government and NATO.
Skills Development Programme
An immersive programme that upskills MOD commercial officers in how to buy experimental new technologies. The first recruits joined in March 2025.
Security clearance myth buster for SMEs
Addresses some of the most common misconceptions SMEs have about getting clearance so they don’t self-select out of Defence opportunities (coming soon).
We have also participated in discussions around national security, such as at an event at the House of Lords, chaired by Lord Cromwell, that explored how the UK can protect troops from the growing threat of drones.
How Commercial X has been received
Commercial X has a strong focus on customer satisfaction and the team is grateful to have been recognised for their commitment.
In 2024, Former Second Parliamentary Secretary Paul Lincoln gave evidence at the House of Lords AI Weapons Systems Committee that Commercial X is speeding up procurement processes at the MOD. In 2025, the Defence Committee report on Developing AI Capacity & Expertise in Defence reported that Commercial X has had “significant success in simplifying commercial processes for smaller businesses.”
Most recently, Commercial X was featured as a best practice case study in the government’s Defence Industrial Strategy and Dina Kakaras, Head of Commercial X, was invited to meet with The Chancellor to share the team’s work.
Further information
- Procurement at MOD – information on selling goods or services to the Ministry of Defence
- Find contracts in technology and research and development with the Ministry of Defence
Contact us
If you have a question or suggestion for how Commercial X can make it easier to work with Defence, email DefComrcl-ComrclX@mod.gov.uk
Updates to this page
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Updated information about Commercial X's work and achievements to date.
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Updated 'How to get involved as a supplier'.
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First published.