The science and technology priorities are documented in great detail and extend to over 200 categories. They are designed to provide clear direction to the R&D community on the MoD's planned investment in defence technology going forward.
An update to these priorities was made public on the 26th February 2009 when the MoD launched its Defence Technology Plan. An online resource that sets out long-term objectives addressing the MoD's research needs. On launch of the plan, Minister for Defence Equipment and Support, Quentin Davies, said,
"Innovation is at the heart of our success on the battlefield and by launching the Defence Technology Plan we are looking to embrace and encourage novel, cutting- edge ideas to provide our future forces with the latest technological advances so they can stay one step ahead of the enemy."21
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21 MoD unveils future UK defence tech research plan, Equipment and Logistics news article (27 Feb 2009)