Defence Technology Principles

These principles help us to buy, build and design technology in the Ministry of Defence (MOD).

You must follow the Government Technology Code of Practice. These technology principles will also help you to create and deliver projects for Defence.

1. Use common standards and patterns

Build your solution from approved technology, data and services to avoid duplication and unnecessary costs.

Read more about Principle 1 — Use common standards and patterns

2. Integrate and adapt

When designing a solution, you need to plan integrations with current and future Defence data and systems.

Read more about Principle 2 — Integrate and adapt

3. Make data easy to access

Our data should be available to users and systems when and where they need it, on appropriate devices and infrastructure.

Read more about Principle 3 — Make data easy to access

4. Make your technical solution secure

Our security guidance helps you to make your technology secure throughout its lifetime.

Read more about Principle 4 — Make your technical solution secure

5. Build in futureproofing from the start

Futureproofing ensures the technology we use remains current, supported, secure and reliable.

Read more about Principle 5 — Build in futureproofing from the start

6. Use the cloud first

Cloud is the preferred government technology for hosting, computing, storage, etc.

Read more about Principle 6 — Use the cloud first

7. Automate and innovate where you can

Use modern technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Robotic Process Automation (RPA) in innovative ways, where appropriate.

Read more about Principle 7 — Automate and innovate where you can

8. Reuse when you can

Share, reuse and work together on existing solutions to save time and money.

Read more about Principle 8 — Reuse when you can

9. Continually improve

The best way to build good, user-centric products is to start small and iterate often.

Read more about Principle 9 — Continually improve

Updated 09 Sept 2024