Operational Support

The Armed Forces have overall responsibility for managing and operating the materiel after it has been handed over from the Defence Materiel Agency. However, we carry out several support functions through our roles as design authority and materiel safety authority.

As the design authority, we ensure that the materiel, along with its associated configuration and technical documentation, always maintains an approved design that meets user requirements. This applies both at the time of delivery and as the materiel is updated and further developed.

We are also responsible for verifying that the materiel meets the specified technical requirements, documenting its actual performance and limitations beyond safety considerations, and ensuring that the defence sector has access to the necessary data about the materiel.

As the materiel safety authority, we set the framework for the safe use of the Armed Forces’ materiel where this is not covered by civilian regulations and approvals. This includes issuing and updating requirements and regulations, carrying out approvals and inspections, and taking corrective measures when we identify safety deviations.