theodi/ndl-core-corpus huggingface dataset:
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_702
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_702

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 117 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on developing command and control at levels of classification above Secret to support UK freedom of action in space. \p Al Carns: UK Space Command will invest in and develop a wide range of capability to enable its operations at the required classifications.

For reasons of national security, we are unable to comment on projects or programmes which deliver capabilities above the OFFICIAL classification.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_703
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_703

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 117 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on developing Space Domain Awareness. \p Al Carns: A key mission for UK Space Command is to develop capability to enable Space Domain Awareness (SDA) to safeguard our capability and understand potential adversary intent.

UK Space Command has worked with the UK Space Agency and Met Office to establish an integrated military and civilian National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). The NSpOC coordinates SDA capabilities, across multiple sites. UK Space Command is also the regional coordinator of the Meridian Cell as part of the Joint Commercial Operations (JCO) Initiative, which brings together partner nations, industry, commercial and civil to support global SDA collection.

UK Space Command also includes command of the No 1 Space Operations Squadron, which monitor’s the space domain to protect on-orbit assets of the UK and its allies, as well as No 2 Space Warning Squadron, at RAF Fylingdales, which provides world-leading Missile Warning and Space Surveillance and Tracking to allies and partners.

Most recently, a £65 million deal with CGI UK will deliver the Borealis command, control and data processing system will help the UK military and the UK Space Agency to better monitor and protect satellites, through new software which compiles and processes data from multiple sources, more quickly, to monitor space.

The Government have also partnered with the United States and Australia in delivering the Deep Space Advanced Radar Capability programme, a set of three global radar sites which will enable detection, identification, and tracking of objects in deep space.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_704
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_704

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 117 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on developing the resilience of UK military space systems. \p Al Carns: This Government is taking decisive steps to enhance the UK’s ability to deter threats in space and, if necessary, protect our systems.

The Strategic Defence Review reinforced this Government's commitment to increasing defence spending and strengthening the UK's space capabilities, with clear recommendations to invest in nationally separable capability to control the domain at a time and place of our choosing, global decision advantage, and space-based sensors to understand and act.

Owing to the sensitive nature of UK Space Command’s mission and work, we cannot disclose details on its capabilities or assessments on the resilience of UK military space systems.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_705
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_705

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 120 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the future structure of the Air and Space Warfare Centre will be. \p Al Carns: There are no plans to change the structure of the Air and Space Warfare Centre.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_706
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_706

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the extent of NATO reliance on the RAF’s GUARDIAN Air Battle Management system. \p Al Carns: The contribution of the RAF's GUARDIAN Air Battle Management system between the UK and NATO partners is key to delivering the RAF's core mission of Control of the Air. The UK GUARDIAN system currently meets all NATO interoperability requirements, including recent upgrades which have ensured continued integration into the NATO Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) Command and Control (C2) network. The UK remains committed to working closely with NATO to assess and meet future requirements.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_707
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_707

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to Recommendation 43 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what tasks are in scope for the active reserve that qualify as being able to be (a) delivered well and (b) with value for money. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The Army Reserve will support home defence and warfighting. It will also be the training engine for regeneration and reconstitution. Specific tasks within these functions are subject to ongoing work.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_708
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_708

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in developing a global decision support system for the Royal Navy. \p Luke Pollard: The Global Decision Support System will transform the Royal Navy’s world leading Maritime Domain Awareness capability, by integrating existing, novel, and commercial data sources to improve situational awareness and deliver decision advantage to commanders.

While concept, development and capability planning activities are progressing, the establishment of a funded project remains dependant on Defence investment prioritisation, which is ongoing.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_709
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_709

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 91 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a refreshed veterans’ communications strategy. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: A new cross-Government Veterans’ Strategy is due to be published later this year.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_710
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_710

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 74 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on negotiating a new defence agreement with Norway. \p Al Carns: Good progress has been made on negotiating a new defence agreement with Norway, which we plan to sign before the end of the year. This agreement will mark the start of a new strategic partnership with Norway which will build on the deal the UK secured in August to supply the Royal Norwegian Navy with at least five Type-26 frigates. It will bring the UK and Norway ever closer and strengthen both countries' national security. As members of NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force, the agreement will complement our mutual commitment to the defence of the Euro-Atlantic.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_711
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_711

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 76091 on Defence: Plymouth and Yorkshire, what other regions were considered for initial Defence Growth Deals; and what criteria was used for selection. \p Luke Pollard: Multiple regions across the United Kingdom were considered and assessed as potential recipients of the Defence Growth Deal. As mentioned in the previous response, the regions were assessed using the following criteria:

Defence Industrial Base and Ecosystem: The area's strategic importance to defence, including strengths in specific DIS sub-sectors. Strategic Location Alignment with existing Government regional growth initiatives. Growth Potential: Measures to boost local productivity (e.g., training, R&D) and the overall labour market.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_712
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_712

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of the agreement with Poland on reinforcing NATO’s eastern flank. \p Al Carns: The UK is committed to deepening its defence collaboration with Poland through a new UK-Poland Defence and Security Treaty and Bilateral Defence Plan. These agreements will strengthen our partnership in the areas of military cooperation including joint exercising and training, broaden our military capability development and industrial cooperation, support Ukraine, and bolster our role in NATO.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_713
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_713

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of mechanisms within the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership to help improve maritime security. \p Al Carns: The Government pledged in its manifesto to pursue a new relationship with the EU to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO. The recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR) further reiterates this commitment and recognises that international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The Government delivered on this commitment at the UK-EU Summit on 19 May where we agreed a new and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP).

Implementation of the SDP is a joint effort with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and is progressing. Since May, my Rt Hon Friend, Defence Secretary John Healey has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed their ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. In October, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary will both meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for the first UK/EU foreign and security policy dialogue under the SDP.

In addition, Ministers and officials from across Government have held consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to, tackling irregular migration and hybrid threats. We continue to work with EU counterparts to strengthen dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation across the range of issues covered in the SDP, including maritime and space security.

As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, this Government will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_714
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_714

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to improve (a) military and (b) other defence cooperation with Malta. \p Al Carns: The UK enjoys a strong and historic defence relationship with Malta. In March 2025, representatives from the UK MOD and Armed Forces of Malta signed the UK-Malta Bilateral Cooperation Plan for Defence. Under this Framework, both nations intend to continue to develop effective working relationships, utilise planned ship visits to share expertise and establish contacts, and facilitate opportunities for training courses in the UK.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_715
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_715

Mr Angus MacDonald:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to strengthen military and defence cooperation with Austria. \p Al Carns: The Ministry of Defence is actively seeking closer bilateral relations with Austria to strengthen collective security in the Euro-Atlantic. This includes regular Defence Staff Talks, which have taken place in both London and Vienna, fostering strategic dialogue and alignment between the UK Ministry of Defence and the Austrian MOD.

Austria’s military neutrality does not hinder collaboration, which is underpinned by routinely meeting across a number of levels to discuss issues around policy, procurement, and military training. Training cooperation is actively encouraged and covers opportunities both in the UK and Austria. With military teams taking part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol in the Brecon Beacons, UK service personnel conducting adventurous training in Austria, and reciprocal individual training at our Staff Colleges.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_716
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_716

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 22 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with which NATO allies he is seeking to strengthen bilateral relations. \p Al Carns: The UK is committed to deepening our relationship with a broad range of Allies. Pages 73-75 as well as 82 - 84 of the Strategic Defence Review provide a clear list of allies with which the UK should develop closer ties. These are: the USA, France, Germany, Italy, Turkey, Poland Estonia, Norway, Canada, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, Iceland, Latvia, Lithunua, The Netherlands, Romania, and Greece. This is not exhaustive; the Ministry of Defence maintains close links with all Allies in NATO.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_717
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_717

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 21 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on co-ordinating with other Government (a) departments and (b) agencies to prioritise the use of the defence instrument in support of (i) UK defence and (ii) wider foreign policy. \p Al Carns: I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State (Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry) (Mr Pollard) on 6 September 2025 to Question 70727 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

To progress the development of the strategy, the Ministry of Defence is actively engaging with all relevant Government departments. The Department is working to complete the strategy by the end of the year.

This work is being led by Minister of State (Minister for the House of Lords) who is responsible for international relations and defence diplomacy.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_718
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_718

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Israel Defence Forces personnel have received training in the UK in each of the last five years. \p Al Carns: Fewer than ten Israel Defence Forces (IDF) personnel have been trained on non-combat military academic courses in the UK each year since 2020. The exact number of IDF personnel is being withheld in order to protect personal information and to avoid prejudicing relations between the United Kingdom and other States.

The UK has a long history of providing assistance to other nations in the security and justice fields and continues to do so around the world. UK training courses promote British values, including human rights, democracy, and compliance with international humanitarian law.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_719
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_719

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the UK’s contribution is to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026. \p Al Carns: The UK’s contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026 includes units such as the Army Rangers and the UK Commando Force. These units provide the special operations-capable forces required to improve the UK’s warfighting capabilities, as well as fulfilling our contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026. Detailed planning is classified.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_720
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_720

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what the criteria are that determine Level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 of NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026. \p Al Carns: The criteria that determine Level (a) 1, (b) 2 and (c) 3 of NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026 are outlined in NATO's Minimum Capability Requirements, which are captured in the NATO Defence Planning Process. The Minimum Capability Requirements are held at NATO Confidential.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_721
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_721

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on meeting NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience. \p Al Carns: The UK sees national and collective resilience as an essential basis for credible deterrence and defence and is committed to NATO Article 3, which requires Allies to maintain and develop their individual and collective capacity to resist armed attack.

The Government's work to deliver against NATO's seven baseline requirements for resilience is being delivered through the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, in which Defence has a leading role. As set out in the National Security Strategy and the Resilience Action Plan, this coordinates civil and military preparations across the whole of government to ensure that all sectors are prepared for and able to respond to the most catastrophic risks.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_722
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_722

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 35 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress the Chief of Joint Operations has made on establishing a single view of operational requirements for the defence of the UK. \p Al Carns: A considered and detailed analysis has been conducted in relation to the matter raised. I hope that the Hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_723
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_723

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 52 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 8 July 2025, what progress has he made on ensuring Permanent Joint Headquarters is more resilient to (a) physical and (b) cyber attack. \p Al Carns: PJHQ's critical role in UK operations is recognised, and its resilience is constantly undergoing review in light of evolving threats. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that for operational security reasons I cannot comment on specific measures or assessments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_724
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_724

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made in integrating the Royal Marines Commando Force into the UK-led Strategic Reserve Corps. \p Al Carns: The Royal Marines Commando Force continues to make significant progress in integrating into the UK-led Strategic Reserve Corps, in line with the Strategic Defence Review 2025. This integration enhances the UK’s ability to provide rapid, agile, and scalable response options across the Euro-Atlantic region.

Recent activity includes participation in Exercise VENTUROUS WARRIOR, which demonstrated the Commando Force’s ability to operate as part of the UK Contribution Force within NATO’s Regional Plan North-West. The exercise showcased improved interoperability, joint operational planning, and readiness to deploy rapidly in support of NATO’s strategic objectives.

This progress reflects our commitment to ensuring the Royal Marines remain at the forefront of amphibious advance force operations, supporting both national and allied defence priorities.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_725
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_725

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, which (a) units and (b) formations comprise the UK contribution to NATO’s Strategic Reserve Corps. \p Al Carns: The Allied Rapid Reaction Corps provides the UK’s Strategic Reserve Corps Command HQ with associated Corps level enablers and subordinate formations. This includes, HQ 3 (UK) Division, HQ 1 (UK) Division, 1st Aviation Brigade, 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team, 7 Light Mechanised Brigade and an armoured Brigade. The Army’s modernisation programme is in the process of delivering and enabling a growth trajectory that is being communicated with NATO.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_726
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_726

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress has he made on increasing the UK's warfighting readiness. \p Al Carns: The National Security Strategy sets out a hardening and sharpening of our approach to national security. Alongside this, the Government has accepted all of the recommendations in the Strategic Defence Review.

We will deliver the largest sustained investment in our Armed Forces since the Cold War, with an emphasis on greater lethality, warfighting readiness, deeper stockpiles of munitions and innovation in, and adoption of, new technologies. The Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in the autumn, will ensure we have the capabilities we need to deliver a new design for a more lethal and agile Integrated Force, alongside investment in infrastructure and people - supporting in turn our warfighting readiness.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_727
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_727

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 109 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what (a) units and (b) formations comprise the UK contribution to the Advanced Reaction force. \p Al Carns: Advanced Forces are forces already in place around the world that provide positional advantage. These include the UK’s contribution to Forward Land Forces in Estonia and Poland, Land Special Operations Forces deployed as part of our global network, the Brunei Task Force, and Cyprus Resident Battalions.

Reaction Forces are designed for speed, to react quickly to crisis. These include Defence’s Global Response Force, 16 Air Assault Brigade, and the NATO Allied Reaction Force (Land).
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_728
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_728

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a cross-government national security workforce strategy. \p Al Carns: Developing a future-ready, purpose-driven, agile, and resilient workforce will be essential to meet the complex national security environment of tomorrow. Aligned with the Strategic Defence Review vision, Defence will work in conjunction with partners across Government to develop a strategy which ensures we have an ideal workforce with an innovative culture to tackle current and future challenges.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_729
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_729

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what technology has been identified for the regional cluster at RAF Wyton. \p Luke Pollard: RAF Wyton is a key site for Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC) and UK Defence. Defence continues to invest in the site and is considering future options for RAF Wyton as a defence technology hub that could act as a catalyst for greater investment in the local area for associated industry and academia. This will be centred around the existing unique collaborative facility and reflects similar national and international technology hubs.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_730
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_730

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 53 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, how many meetings of the Defence Growth Board he has chaired in 2025. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Growth Board met on 30 July 2025. It was attended by the Secretary of State for Defence, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, the Secretary of State for Business, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) Permanent Secretary, the MOD interim National Armaments Director and other senior officials from Departments, and will continue to meet on a regular basis.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_731
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_731

Laurence Turner:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made on maintenance works at Glenart Castle Mess in Longbridge, Birmingham. \p Luke Pollard: Glenart Castle Mess closed in July 2025 to allow for an upgrade to the water system infrastructure in the building. The maintenance works have progressed well and are on schedule, with 90% of works being complete.

The mess is planned to reopen on 11 November 2025 back to its original use.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_732
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_732

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 76411 on Ajax Vehicles, by when armoured infantry doctrine will be rewritten to reflect the change in capability from Warrior to ARES. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois) to Question 77473, which remains extant and explains there is no direct replacement for Warrior.

The British Army continually review all doctrine and make amendments as required. As the ARES platform is delivered into service, tactical doctrines will be reviewed accordingly.

Army Ajax Vehicles (docx, 16.1KB)

Ajax Vehicles Procurement (docx, 16.0KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_733
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_733

Adrian Ramsay:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether nuclear waste is due to be offloaded at Devonport. \p Luke Pollard: Yes. The offload of radioactive materials at Devonport predominantly occurs through the maintenance, upkeep or refit work on our in-service submarines or the removal of radioactive materials from decommissioned submarines stored at Devonport.

All such materials are safely handled, stored and managed to final disposal in accordance with relevant statute, regulated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation and the Environment Agency as appropriate.

Recommencing the Defuel programme of our decommissioned nuclear-powered submarines in Devonport means that used nuclear fuel will be removed. This used fuel will be transported to the Sellafield site for safe storage pending potential re-processing / re-use.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_734
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_734

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department spent overseas on (a) equipment and (b) equipment support in 2024-25 by country. \p Luke Pollard: Total Ministry of Defence (MOD) overseas expenditure in 2024-25 was £5,978 million. Of this, £3,771 million was spent directly with industry overseas and can be readily separated by equipment type: equipment (£1,539 million), non-equipment (£1,373 million), and equipment support (£859 million).

The remaining £2,207 million of overseas spend in 2024-25 was made through Foreign Military Sales (FMS) Agreements with the US Government and through direct spending with foreign Governments for work completed overseas. The MOD does not hold enough granular information to be able to split the FMS and foreign government expenditure across both equipment type and location.

We are unable to provide a breakdown by country as an assessment of the commercial sensitivities of the underlying contract location data has not been made.

The above totals are derived from the MOD annual publication of regional expenditure with industry 2024-25 which can be found at: www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-regional-expenditure-statistics-with-industry-202425
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_735
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_735

Ian Roome:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to reduce the time taken to issue Remediable Service Statements to veterans under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 Remedy; and whether the deadline for non-complex cases remains December 2025. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: The implementation of the McCloud Pension Remedy is one of the most complex initiatives ever undertaken across Public Sector Pension Schemes, impacting over three million individuals.

Within the Armed Forces Pension Scheme, the scale and technical complexity of delivery have unfortunately led to delays in issuing Remedial Service Statements to some members. The Ministry of Defence acknowledges these challenges and is actively working to overcome them. It remains fully committed to ensuring that all affected members receive their statements as swiftly as possible, with a firm deadline of 31 March 2026.

Regular updates on the Armed Forces Pension Scheme 2015 Remedy are available on GOV.UK via the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pensions-and-compensation-for-veterans#pension-remedy
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_736
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_736

Manuela Perteghella:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made a recent assessment of the potential impact of extending the armed forces covenant legal duty on resources in Government departments. \p Louise Sandher-Jones: In collaboration with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government and the Local Government Association, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is co-developing a burdens assessment to understand the potential impacts on Local Authorities. In addition, to support organisations in meeting their Covenant Duty obligations, the MOD will provide training materials, webinars, downloadable resources and clear statutory guidance. Officials continue to work at pace to ensure legislation benefits the entire Armed Forces Community.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_737
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_737

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, if he will publish the complex integration challenge faced by the Royal Navy’s Type 31 programme. \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 reported challenges to the T31 programme reflect this impact.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_738
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_738

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Phase 4 Enhancement to the Typhoon aircraft. \p Luke Pollard: The four-Nation Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) upgrade programme is in the System Definition de-risking phase of activity, following the signature of the System Definition Contract in 2024.

Over the coming months, the four nations will agree on the final P4E capability package, which will then move into the Design, Development and Demonstration phase.

Additionally, Nations have agreed to begin early design work on long lead activities, ensuring that critical path activities for P4E capability are protected.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_739
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_739

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the (a) concept and (b) assessment phase of the Future Combat Air System programme to commence. \p Luke Pollard: The Concept and Assessment phase began in 2021 and it is on course to be completed in 2027.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_740
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_740

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of whether the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme will meet all extant key user requirements. \p Luke Pollard: The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme is moving towards its Full Business Case approval in 2026 where the Key User Requirements will be formally set. The programme continues to assess how best it can meet and exceed user requirements which stretch well beyond current requirements and capabilities to meet future threat needs.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_741
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_741

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. \p Luke Pollard: The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme continues to progress with our European partners and has recently entered the development phase.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_742
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_742

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the nature of the concern was of the aircraft certification risk for tranche one of the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme. \p Luke Pollard: The National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual (NISTA) Report 2024-25 referenced the Chinook H-47(Extended Range) certification risk to highlight that timely information sharing between the US and the UK was important to meeting the Programme schedule.

Significant progress has been made since the publication of the NISTA report to ensure the timely release of information from the US Government. The Programme is on track to conduct flight trials in 2027, managed in association with the US Government, ahead of final certification agreement with the UK Military Aviation Authority. The NISTA report also highlighted that considerable attention and resource is being dedicated to H-47(Extended Range) certification.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_743
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_743

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the remaining lifespan of each RAF Chinook airframe in service. \p Luke Pollard: There are currently eight HC5, 14 HC6 and 29 HC6A Chinook variants in service.

I am withholding the information relating to the remaining lifespan of each Chinook airframe in service as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

I can, however, reemphasise that the retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters will be synchronised with the delivery of 14 new state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 Extended Range aircraft from 2027 onwards.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_744
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_744

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 136 of his Department's document entitled Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress his Department has made in appointing a board member with responsibility for infrastructure to all Front Line Command boards. \p Luke Pollard: Each Front-Line Command contains a director level post who represents infrastructure both on their board, and within the central Ministry of Defence senior infrastructure board. As part of defence reform, the infrastructure operating model and senior boards composition, will be examined to ensure they meet the Strategic Defence Review commitments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_745
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_745

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 136 of his Department's document entitled Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in ensuring that infrastructure requirements are fully integrated into (a) capability development and (b) investment decisions. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will cohere current capabilities and future Strategic Defence Review deliverables, this includes the infrastructure which supports or enables the capability. Those capabilities and deliverables will be prioritised against force plans and published within the DIP.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_746
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_746

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, he will list the Ministry of Defence sites that have been released for disposal under the Defence Estate Optimisation programme since 5 July 2024 and (a) have been sold and (b) remain unsold. \p Luke Pollard: All Ministry of Defence disposals, and the planned disposal dates, are already listed on the House of Commons Defence Disposal Database. This includes three Defence Estate Optimisation disposals since July 2024, and the remaining phases of a further two sites.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_747
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_747

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 134 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in identifying where operational infrastructure does not meet requirements under force development plans. \p Luke Pollard: Defence maintains risk registers and capability assessments across all defence lines of development, this includes infrastructure. The defence investment plan will cohere current capabilities and future Strategic Defence Review deliverables, Those capabilities and deliverables will be prioritised against force plans the prioritisation of the above includes examination of both risk and capability assessments.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_748
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_748

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by when the (a) Defence Support and (b) Defence Digital will move to the National Armaments Director group. \p Luke Pollard: Defence Support was integrated into the National Armament Director (NAD) Group as of 1 April 2025. Defence Digital moved into the (NAD) Group on 1 July 2025.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_749
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_749

Mr Andrew Snowden:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the newly established Office of Defence Exports will measure success; and what target increase in export orders is expected in the next (a) five and (b) 10 years. \p Luke Pollard: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 September 2025 to Question 76093. Design work for the Office of Defence Exports is well underway. Initial stand up continues at pace, with full implementation - including the development of performance measures - continuing over the next 12 months.

UK Defence and Security Exports (docx, 16.3KB)
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_750
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_750

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 110 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what collaboration he has sought with NATO allies on the acquisition of key armoured land platforms. \p Luke Pollard: The UK’s new Defence Industrial Strategy puts international collaboration at the start, and at the heart, of procurement. Under Defence Reform, a new Director General International Collaboration and Exports has been created to help deliver this.

The UK is collaborating with NATO allies on three of the British Army’s armoured land platforms: Ajax, Boxer and Challenger 3, which are all at different stages of delivery. As well as this, earlier this year the UK reaffirmed plans to partner with Germany to deliver new artillery and bridging systems under the auspices of the Trinty House Agreement.

Looking further ahead, the Land Mobility Programme, which is still in its concept phase, is already actively considering options for collaboration. For example, at DSEI 25 it was announced that the UK joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System programme alongside Norway, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Latvia, and Sweden to scope the benefits of this multinational programme.

These collaborations also contribute significantly to Growth, generating billions of pounds worth of export opportunity and supporting thousands of skilled jobs at key sites across the UK.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_751
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_751

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 46 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress he has made on increasing the ability of the UK to pool defence capital with allies. \p Luke Pollard: We are working with partners on a series of potential opportunities to pool defence capital with allies, including through multilateral initiatives, aggregating defence demand, increasing European interoperability and standardisation, enhancing cooperation through the EU's Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument and exploring other international mechanisms.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_752
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_752

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 42 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, in what ways the defence industrial base will be redefined to include (a) academia, (b) dual-use civilian-military companies, (c) financial services, (d) technologists and (e) trade unions. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) (published on 8 September 2025) sets out our approach to redefining the defence industrial base. In order to adopt a whole of society approach to keeping the UK safe and boosting economic growth, our definition must reflect the deep range of partners and expertise both within our traditional defence sector and those in adjacent sectors.

The DIS (section 1.3.2) therefore redefines the UK defence industrial base to include academic institutions (including dual-use civilian-military companies), UK-based companies, banks and other financial services companies, goods and services firms, technologists and technology firms, and trade unions and their members.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_753
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_753

Ben Obese-Jecty:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 41 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published in June 2025, CP 1338, what progress he has made on (a) identifying, (b) protecting and (c) cultivating other sovereign capabilities that are foundational to the UK’s (i) industrial base and (ii) long-term competitiveness. \p Luke Pollard: The Defence Industrial Strategy (published on 8 September 2025) outlines a dynamic, defence and innovation-focused industrial base, emphasising the growing importance of ensuring UK sovereignty, operational advantage, and freedom of action. It sets out the Government’s commitment to strengthen the defence sectors that are essential for national security and supply chain resilience, as well as those with the greatest economic growth potential. The detail of these sectors is set out in section 1.3.3 of the Defence Industrial Strategy.

The Defence Investment Plan will set out in more detail how we will support the UK’s long-term economic growth and competitiveness through our investment choices.
wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_754
Source: hansard.parliament.uk (2025-10-20)

UK Parliament Hansard data: wrans/answers2025-10-20 conversation_754

Clive Lewis:To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what proportion of the original expenditure on the F-35 programme was from his Department. \p Luke Pollard: All of the UK expenditure on the F-35 programme has come from the Ministry of Defence.