A UK government press release dated 14 October 2026 announced the appointment of Professor Jason Leitch CBE, Scotland's former National Clinical Director, as Chief of Defence Medical. The release said he would formally take up the post on 2 November 2026 and lead Defence Medical Command as it delivers Strategic Defence Review commitments and £50 million of Defence Investment Plan funding.

The release said the funding was to bring dried blood products, tranexamic acid autoinjectors and modern field hospital equipment to the battlefield. Leitch, National Clinical Director from 2015 to 2024, was described as prioritising listening and learning. General Sir Rob Magowan, Commander of Cyber & Specialist Operations Command, said the appointment marked a new chapter for military medicine. Major General Phil Carter, Interim Chief since Air Marshal Clare Walton retired in July, welcomed Leitch's experience. The release said Leitch was expected to visit Defence Medical teams after starting.