theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_512
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_512

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress Defence Equipment and Support has made on modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence is in progress to determine the best balance for investment of the up to £1 billion of new funding announced in the Strategic Defence Review.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_513
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_513

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what doctrinal publication defines the British Army’s armoured infantry company group tactics. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The British Army’s Armoured Infantry company group tactics are defined within the doctrinal publication Army Field Manual Warfighting Tactics, Part 5A: Armoured and Armoured Infantry Subunit Tactics.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_514
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_514

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of aid dropped in Gaza during Operation Underhill was on target. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: UK Defence delivered approximately 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2024. UK aid drops were judged to be accurate and to have landed within the designated drop zones.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_515
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_515

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 48 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, when he plans to establish a Digital Warfighter group. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: As stated in the referenced section of the Strategic Defence Review, the Digital Warfighter Group, at an Initial Operating Capability, will be established by July 2026.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_516
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_516

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the performance of the (a) 338 Lapua Magnum round and (b) .338 RUAG round for the L115A3 Long Range Rifle. \p Luke Pollard: Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will reconsider calibre and ammunition natures as it progresses.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_517
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_517

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 123 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published in June 2025, how many separate policy teams will be established as part of CyberEM Command. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The 2* Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEMF) will have one policy team to ensure that DCEMF operations and force development activities are consistent with Defence and government policy. The policy team in the DCEMF will work closely with the Military Strategic Headquarters and other Cyber and Specialist Operations Command policy teams.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_518
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_518

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the SPEAR Capability 4 will be operationally ready. \p Luke Pollard: SPEAR Capability 4 reached Full Operational Capability on Typhoon in 2022. The system remains in-service with Typhoon.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_519
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_519

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 122 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, updated on 8 July 2025, what proportion of the Spectrum Coordination Office will be staffed by (a) military and (b) civilian personnel. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEMF) remains in internal planning and design stages, with options presented to Defence but not yet endorsed by Military Strategic Headquarters. Resource and capability decisions are subject to the Defence annual planning cycle and the Defence Investment Plan, which will ultimately shape the design of the DCEMF and the speed, scale, and nature of implementation. Until these processes are complete, details such as basing, costs, and workforce mix remain undecided and would be speculative.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_520
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_520

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what information his Department holds on the size of (a) domestic and (b) overseas orders that would be required to maintain 100% of workforce skills at the Warton assembly line. \p Luke Pollard: As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, this Government is committed to ensuring Defence is an engine for growth, driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry. The Department continues to work very closely with our most important suppliers to support UK economic growth and drive exports, including those of the Typhoon aircraft. However, the size and scope of the workforce at BAE Systems’ Warton site is a matter for the company.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_521
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_521

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Kamchatka earthquake on the (a) Russian submarine fleet and (b) Russian Pacific surface fleet at Rybachiy. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: While the Department can't comment on specific intelligence related to this matter in the interests of maintaining national security. The hon. member can be reassured that assessments of Russian capability continue to be an important activity for the Department.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_522
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_522

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many scimitar tanks the British Army currently holds (a) in reserve and (b) that are awaiting disposal. \p Luke Pollard: No Scimitar vehicles are held in reserve and only one vehicle is awaiting disposal.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_523
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_523

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on (a) developing and (b) procuring the A2 variant chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor of the L129 rifle. \p Luke Pollard: L129 Sharpshooter rifles have recently been upgraded to the A2 standard and will be issued to units in the coming months. This upgrade has delivered a modular weapon system that can be modified to 6.5 Creedmoor.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_524
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_524

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what lessons his Department learned from Project Hunter. \p Luke Pollard: In 2023, a review of the approach used to inform the down-selection of AR15 variants for Project HUNTER was conducted. The intent of this review was to capture and understand any lessons or short-comings from this approach so that these can be addressed for future weapon procurement projects.

Specific lessons cannot be released due to their sensitivity, however key aspects include training, ergonomics, maintenance, sight systems, safety, suppressors, ammunition, cleaning, equipment, personnel, information, doctrine, organisation, infrastructure, and logistics.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_525
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_525

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to paragraph 31 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, who will lead the CyberEM Command. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: Air Vice Marshal Tom Ashbridge will lead the 2* Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force, part of the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command which is led at 4* by General Sir James Hockenhull.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_526
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_526

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what (a) units and (b) functions will be moved from MoD Chicksands to RAF Wyton; and how many personnel. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to identify the best approach to realise the sale of the surplus land parcels including MOD Chicksands. This will include a detailed options appraisal and analysis of the proposed move's business case, however at the present time the preferred option has not yet been identified.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_527
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_527

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 122 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published in June 2025, how many new staff will be employed as part of the Spectrum Coordination Office. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEMF) remains in internal planning and design stages, with options presented to Defence but not yet endorsed by Military Strategic Headquarters. Resource and capability decisions are subject to the Defence annual planning cycle and the Defence Investment Plan, which will ultimately shape the design of the DCEMF and the speed, scale, and nature of implementation. Until these processes are complete, details such as basing, costs, and workforce mix remain undecided and would be speculative.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_528
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_528

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the capability of the Royal Navy’s Project CETUS crewless submarine demonstrator following its launch in February 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence is continuing to assess XV EXCALIBUR to determine its operational capabilities. Since its launch in February 2025, the vessel has already completed Sea Acceptance Trials and recently participated in multinational collaboration as part of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE. As a capability demonstrator, XV EXCALIBUR is not intended to enter operational service, but will continue to be subject to progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities.

XV EXCALIBUR will inform the Royal Navy’s future Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) fleet by helping to understand and develop how XLAUVs can be operated, maintained and commanded.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_529
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_529

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 56 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, updated on 8 July 2025, what estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of creating a single counter-intelligence unit. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The new Defence Counter Intelligence Unit’s (DCIU) mandate is to protect UK Defence from intelligence and espionage threats, at home and overseas, by bringing together expertise and specialist capabilities alongside the UK Intelligence Community. The DCIU will be led by a One Star equivalent Senior Civil Servant. We do not comment on the proportion of manpower figures or specific locations to safeguard national security and strategic Defence interests. The costs relating to the formation and running of the unit are ongoing and will form part of the Defence Investment Plan, due to be published later this year.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_530
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_530

Mike Wood:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish any (a) external and (b) internal guidance produced for NATO members on what types of spending may be included in the definition of spending for (i) defence and (ii) security and resilience. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The publication of NATO's defence spending guidance for core defence and security related investment is a matter for NATO.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_531
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_531

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will confirm whether UK cooperation with the Five Eyes Unidentified Aerial Phenomena Caucus is ongoing. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 5 September 2025 to Question 69989.

Unidentified Flying Objects (docx, 15.7KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_532
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_532

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the transfer of Stirling Castle from the Royal Fleet Auxillary to the Royal Navy on the operational capacity of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The transfer of Stirling Castle from the Royal Fleet Auxiliary (RFA) to the Royal Navy allows the RFA to direct its resources to crew and maintain other vessels in its inventory, optimising readiness to support Defence’s outputs.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_533
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_533

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 79 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs on a dedicated training programme for international defence engagement since 2 June 2025. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Secretary of State for Defence has not engaged in direct discussions with the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs regarding this issue. The Defenvce Minister for the House of Lords is leading development of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, which will direct activities in this field. Nonetheless, officials from both Departments continue to collaborate on a routine basis.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_534
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_534

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 13 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, whether his Department has set a target for the completion of the digitisation of acquisition and support processes. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) commits Defence to the digitalisation of acquisition and support processes through recommendation 13. From setting our initial requirements, to the disposal of our capabilities, our end-to-end process can be enabled by digital tools - including for contracting, design, test, assurance, and support. The implementation of SDR recommendations is currently forming part of the main business of the Department and is being executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. The development of a new Defence Investment Plan will turn the Review’s vision and recommendations into a delivery plan that we will publish in the autumn. We will ensure that this plan is affordable, considers infrastructure alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technological opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_535
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_535

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 24 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, whether (a) Ministers and (b) officials from his Department have had discussions with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology on the AI Opportunities Action Plan since 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: MOD Ministers and officials are working closely with DSIT colleagues in relation to the AI Opportunities Action Plan (AIOAP) and to drive forward the commitments set out in the Strategic Defence Review. That includes discussions involving both the Defence Secretary and the Technology Secretary on AI-enabled capability opportunities and Transformative AI, and wide-ranging collaboration between MOD, DSIT, and other cross-Whitehall officials focused on advancing Defence AI adoption, deepening cross-government understanding of strategic AI risks and opportunities, and Defence support for national initiatives such as growing the AI skills base and catalysing the UK’s technology industry.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_536
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_536

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Chancellor the Exchequer, with reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the key supplier issues that could impact delivery of the Challenger 3 Armour Main Battle Tank programme. \p Luke Pollard: Initial Operating Capability for Challenger 3 is dependent on the delivery of hardware and software to enable the trials required to prove the final accepted build standard.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_537
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_537

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in reaching consensus on the development path for Meteor across all six partner nations. \p Luke Pollard: Options for future Meteor development remain under consideration by the Meteor Partner Nations. Further working level discussions are planned for September and October with the aim of reaching a consensus by the end of the year.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_538
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_538

Luke Akehurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2024 to Question 69090 on Challenger Tanks: Supply Chains, what proportion of the (a) UK Challenger 3 work will be in the tier 2 supply chain and (b) lead consortium work will be undertaken in the North East. \p Luke Pollard: The Manufacturing phase contracts for the tier 2 supply chain are being agreed by RBSL, the Prime Contractor. The programme will award approximately 60% of supply chain contracts to the UK with a significant contribution from the North East.

RBSL have sites in Telford and Newcastle; the proportion of work undertaken at each site is a matter for RBSL.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_539
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_539

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on the Spearfish Upgrade programme. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 30 April 2025 to Question 47292 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

Torpedoes: Procurement (docx, 15.9KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_540
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_540

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the Ministry of Defence budget was as a percentage of GDP in each of the last five financial years. \p Luke Pollard: The information for financial year (FY) 2024-25 is still subject to being confirmed and published in the Annual Report and Accounts which will be published once they have been finalised.

FY

2020-21

2021-22

2022-23

2023-24

Defence Budget % of GDP

1.98%

1.97%

2.07%

1.96%
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_541
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_541

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date will the Defence Exports Office be operational. \p Luke Pollard: Design work for the Exports function is well underway and building momentum through several pilot Government to Government exports. Initial stand up is expected no later than end October 2025 with full implementation continuing over the next 12 months.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_542
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_542

Grahame Morris:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Strategic Defence Review on the (a) budget and (b) headcount of the (i) UK Hydrographic Office and (ii) National Shipbuilding Office. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Review's vision and accepts all 62 recommendations.

The potential impact of the SDR on the budget and headcount of the UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO) is that, as an arm's length body and trading fund, the SDR has no significant impact on existing UKHO budget and headcount that have not been accounted for within the corporate planning process.

The potential impact of the SDR on the budget and headcount of the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) is yet to be determined. The NSO continues to be this Government's driver for shipbuilding activity both on Government shipbuilding programmes and across the commercial and civil sector.

We will be in a better position to understand this once work on the Defence Investment Plan completes later this year.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_543
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_543

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many EJ200 engines have been manufactured by Rolls Royce in (a) 2020, (b), 2021, (c) 2022, (d) 2023, (e) 2024 and (f) 2025. \p Luke Pollard: No new engines were manufactured for the UK MOD in the timeframe specified.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_544
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_544

Lee Anderson:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what purposes their Department has used artificial intelligence in the last year. \p Luke Pollard: Artificial Intelligence technologies offer the potential to transform all aspects of Defence - from the front lines to the back office - helping enhance operational effectiveness, improve productivity and maintain the UKs strategic advantage. Over 400 AI-related projects and programmes are currently underway, including predictive maintenance tools to help optimise equipment availability and reduce downtime, decision-support tools to enhance intelligence analysis and situational awareness, and projects to improve workforce efficiency by automating routine tasks and streamlining administrative processes.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_545
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_545

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of F-35B aircraft (a) production and (b) delivery into service on the delivery of the SPEARCAP 3 programme. \p Luke Pollard: The programme for the Spear Capability 3 air-to-surface weapon and its integration onto the F-35B is currently under review, with a Review Note in development and planned for submission towards the end of 2025.

The estimated current timeline for in-service capability is expected to be early 2030s, but this will be confirmed as part of the review.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_546
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_546

Graham Leadbitter:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the risk of airborne attacks to the security of nuclear power stations; and whether such assessments are included in infrastructure resilience planning. \p Luke Pollard: As these questions relate to civil nuclear infrastructure modelling and civil nuclear contingency planning, they are not a matter for Defence but should be directed to the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_547
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_547

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what MOD land for building new houses has been identified by the cross-government taskforce. \p Luke Pollard: The Strategic Defence Review sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations.

The implementation of the Review’s recommendations is underway. Implementation will be priority business for the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort.

The Department will be making further announcements about land and estates in due course.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_548
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_548

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Project Grayburn will include a suppressor within the scope of the Individual Weapon requirements. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

Army Rifles (docx, 16.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_549
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_549

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Lewis machine and tool are included within the Project Grayburn contest for a new British Army individual weapon. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items. As such, a competition is yet to be formally launched for Project GRAYBURN.

Army Rifles (docx, 16.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_550
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_550

Susan Murray:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 May 2025 to Question 49938 on Nuclear Submarines: Safety, whether he plans to publish further information on those incidents. \p Luke Pollard: Nuclear safety is of paramount importance and is a critical aspect of our commitments. As such, HMNB Clyde complies with international best practice as recommended by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). Nuclear safety at these sites is independently overseen by the Defence Nuclear Safety Regulator (DNSR) and the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), who have robust powers to address concerns and recommend changes where necessary. These structures ensure that nuclear safety is treated with the seriousness that it requires. This becomes even more important as this Government affirms its cast iron commitment to the strategic deterrent as the bedrock of our defence.

With this in mind, the Secretary of State has authorised the annual release of the statistics on Nuclear Site Event Reports (NSERs) for HMNB Clyde. NSERs are a means of classifying the significance of safety incidents with actual or potential impact and are recommended by the IAEA to ensure a robust safety culture that learns from experience. This information has previously been provided on request, but in recognition of the importance of the subject, this data will now be provided as a standing commitment to strengthen oversight and scrutiny.

I hope that the hon. Member will understand that releasing specific information for each NSER, when coupled with other information that may already be in the public domain through other means, would not only enable adversaries to make deductions about the operability, capability and effectiveness of the facilities and functions at HMNB Clyde, but would also provide invaluable information about submarine availability. Such information would prove extremely useful to hostile powers and groups in enabling them to target, disrupt and degrade the effectiveness of RN activities.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_551
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_551

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published on 24 June 2025, who is responsible for the creation of a UK-wide Microbial Forensics Consortium. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is responsible for the creation of a UK-wide Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC), as outlined in the Biological Security Strategy published on 12 June 2023. Outcome 11 of this strategy ('A strengthened national microbial forensics capability') was allocated to MOD, with delivery through the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The UKMFC was launched in Autumn 2024 and is OneHealth in approach comprising frontline biosurveillance laboratories from the clinical, veterinary, plant, food and aquaculture sectors across all four nations of the UK.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_552
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_552

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of Project Grayburn procuring a rifle with a common lower receiver group and a variable upper receiver group, based on role. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

Army Rifles (docx, 16.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_553
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_553

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the estimated completion date of the Future Air Dominance System programme. \p Luke Pollard: Future Air Dominance System (FADS) will feature a combination of crewed and uncrewed platforms in a hybrid fleet formation. FADS ‘system of systems’ comprises several major projects and dependencies. These include the next generations of radars, computer Combat Management Systems, new lethal effectors, new communication technologies, plus the uncrewed Type 91 ‘Missile Ship’ and the advanced, minimally (or optionally) crewed Type T83 Combatant. The Type 83 is planned to enter service from the mid-2030s and is assumed to have a 25-year service life.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_554
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_554

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Future Air Dominance System programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Future Air Dominance System’s Strategic Outline Case has been approved. The Programme is currently in its Concept phase as a Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) item. Investment in a UK-sovereign maritime Radar Technology Demonstrator programme has commenced, with a contract placed with BAE Systems in July. As a critical element of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, with the potential to deliver a genuine regional spread of growth, FADS remains one of the Navy’s highest priority future capability programmes.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_555
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_555

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made in developing the Future Cruise/ Anti Ship Weapon. \p Luke Pollard: SPEAR Capability 5 is being delivered through the collaborative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. This is progressing with our European partners and it has recently entered the demonstration phase. The programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_556
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_556

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 July 2025 to Question 67826 on Boeing E-7: Standards, what enforcement measures are available for his Department to use if the incentivisation milestones are missed; and whether any of those enforcement measures had been used by 5 August 2025. \p Luke Pollard: Contractual arrangements remain commercially sensitive information and cannot be disclosed publicly.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_557
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_557

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 53 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer, published on 2 June 2025, whether any new funding models to help make defence innovators more attractive for investment have been created since 2 June 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The publication of the Strategic Defence Review and uplift in defence spending signals an ambition to position defence as an engine for growth.

In support of this the Department has committed to launch a financial services strategy which will explore how to make defence innovators a more attractive proposition for private capital. In parallel, the Defence and Economic Growth Taskforce is building a new partnership with the UK’s outstanding defence industry, with innovators and with investors.

On 1 July UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) launched to signal a transformation of how the Ministry of Defence approaches innovation.

The Ministry of Defence will continue to explore new sources of funding to make defence innovators a more attractive proposition for private capital.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_558
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_558

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, will the Royal Air Force’s Protector MQ-9B be certified by the (a) civilian aviation authority and (b) the military aviation authority. \p Luke Pollard: As a military registered air system, Protector RG Mk1 only requires certification by the Military Aviation Authority, who issued the Military Type Certificate for the air system in April 2025. Protector is already capable of operating in Class A and C airspace in the UK and the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the CAA and international authorities to integrate Protector globally.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_559
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_559

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress his Department has made on securing new capability by the Royal Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Spearhead Programme has focussed on accelerating the Navy’s understanding of advanced capabilities. Key areas progressed include maritime autonomy, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to supplement existing crewed platforms.

Investment in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonar 2087 system has led to improvements to Type 23 capabilities. These improvements will also be pulled through to the Type 26 programme. ASW Spearhead has developed new capability for the Merlin Mk2 Maritime Patrol Helicopter, resulting in a significant increase in sensor coverage.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_560
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_560

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2025 to Question 68356 on Air Force: Boeing E-7, whether any component of the UK E-7 Wedgetail sustainment contract will involve (a) logistical, (b) maintenance and (c) technical support operations being conducted in the United States. \p Luke Pollard: The UK E-7 Wedgetail fleet will be supported and maintained within the United Kingdom. However, Boeing, as the aircraft's Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), and Northrop Grumman, the OEM for the MESA radar, will provide technical data support from the United States as required. Additionally, a limited number of aircraft components are subject to US Government Arms Export Control legislation and will need to be supported in the United States.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_561
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_561

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any structural modifications carried out on WT001 post-delivery revealed unforeseen integration challenges with (a) the MESA radar and (b) other mission systems. \p Luke Pollard: There have been no integration challenges with the MESA radar or other mission systems to date as a result of the structural modifications undertaken.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_562
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_562

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 49 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, when will the first departmental review of the (a) SKYNET 6A and (b) SKYNET 6EC satellite communications programmes (i) commence and (ii) conclude. \p Luke Pollard: The Skynet 6 programme undergoes formal quarterly reviews and is subject to regular review by the National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority, the next is scheduled for November 2025. Those reviews consider the resilience and operational relevance of the planned Skynet 6A and EC capabilities, which are also continuously assessed against projected operational demands and emerging threats. Where necessary, adjustments are then made across the entire Ministry of Defence Space enterprise to both ground- and space-based elements.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_563
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_563

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 5 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, when he expects the fundamental capabilities of the core common platform to be fully established. \p Luke Pollard: The fundamental capabilities of the core common platform set out within the Strategic Defence Review already exist and are being used today; however, they are not at the scale or delivering the integrated and innovative capabilities at the speed required to support the Integrated Force model. The regular progress reporting to Ministers will ensure that investment in these essential digital capabilities is closely monitored and prioritised through the Defence Investment Plan.

The first progress report is due to be submitted to the Secretary of State in Autumn 2025.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_564
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_564

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 47 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, whether he plans on establishing a cost-sharing arrangement with NATO allies to expedite the procurement of E-7 Wedgetail aircraft. \p Luke Pollard: The UK remains open to exploring all opportunities for future E-7 Wedgetail procurement, subject to the availability of funding.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_565
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_565

James Cartlidge:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 47 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer, published on 2 June 2025, when he plans to appoint a data and AI lead within each procurement capability portfolio in his Department. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence is introducing service-agnostic capability portfolios to increase flexibility and drive pace in procurement.

Portfolios will improve collaboration and integration pan-defence and ensure that cross-cutting aspects such as data and AI are embedded in delivery from the outset and throughout the lifecycle of new capabilities.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_566
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_566

Mr Mark Francois:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the red delivery confidence rating for the Type 31 frigate programme on the (a) overall user requirements and (b) operational readiness of the Royal Navy. \p Luke Pollard: The Type 31 (T31) frigate programme will deliver a maritime security capability at a value for money price, in a timescale that compares favourably with other international warship procurement programmes.

In common with other enterprises, the T31 programme is experiencing inflationary pressures, which are understood and remain in line with the latest plans and forecasts. The Red delivery confidence assessment rating reflects this impact and on completion of full assessment and assurance, formal updates will be provided through official channels at the appropriate time.

HMS VENTURER is the first in Class of the T31 and is currently scheduled to be in service by the end of the decade. All five of the T31 ships are planned to be in service by the early 2030s and are forecast to meet the Key User Requirements. Three ships are currently in build; HMS VENTURER, which was floated off a launch barge in June 2025, HMS ACTIVE and HMS FORMIDABLE.

There has been substantial investment in risk mitigation. For example: significant investment in Babcock’s facilities at Rosyth, which include digitising the shipyard, new manufacturing facilities, and a new purpose-built Assembly Hall. In addition, there has been the generation of a Shore Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park, to mitigate risks to the integration of the combat system.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_567
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_567

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the funding gaps which could impact delivery of the broader capabilities required to transition the Challenger 3 platform into service as part of the Armour Main Battle Tank programme. \p Luke Pollard: The mandated scope of the Challenger 3 (CR3) programme is fully funded. Current support arrangements are being reviewed to ensure CR3 can transition fully supported into service.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_568
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_568

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out-of-service date of the L2A1 SACTARASS. \p Luke Pollard: The L2A1 SACTARASS remains in limited use by the UK Armed Forces. However, for reasons of operational security I cannot provide any details on the result of the trial.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_569
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_569

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2925 to Question 68113 on Army, what assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of the prototype software defined deep recce strike complex tested in May 2025. \p Luke Pollard: A thorough technical review of the progress and lessons learnt has been conducted to inform the future ASGARD development pathway. Much of the capability derived is now being exploited, including one-way effectors and networking that enables the flow of data between software and domains. The provision of Artificial Intelligence features has improved the speed at which decisions are made, increasing operational tempo, while reducing the risk to human life.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_570
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_570

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on the Land Environment tactical Communication and Information Systems programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems (LETacCIS) programme continues to make progress. Most recently, the programme has:

The programme has also been upgraded from RED to AMBER in a recent independent assurance review led by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). This assessment recognises the significant progress to transform and deliver digital capability at the pace of relevance.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_571
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_571

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken to procure an image intensifying capability for the Leupold L1A1 sight. \p Luke Pollard: The Ministry of Defence does not hold Leupold L1A1 sights, therefore it has taken no steps to procure an image intensifying capability.
wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_572
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-09-08)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-09-08 conversation_572

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the design of the Global Combat Air Programme requires the use of an engine with reheat capability. \p Luke Pollard: The use of reheated engine in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will depend on the final performance requirements. As the aircraft is still in the concept phase, no final decision has yet been made on whether reheat will be included.