We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.
The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd September 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
There are no plans to reduce equipment holdings at the Global Hub Oman over the next three years.
You will appreciate the sensitivity of providing operational details that can be exploited by our adversaries.
I refer you to the answer I gave on 18 March 2026 to Question 120529.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right. hon Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP) on 12 March 2026 to Question number 118155.
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
The UK’s Armed Forces are learning much from the war in Ukraine, particularly the need for a much faster ‘learn and adapt’ cycle to accelerate developments in our capabilities, doctrine, and tactics. More broadly, the Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by the UK to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The Strategic Defence Review also highlighted the importance of autonomous systems both within the UK’s Integrated Force and the threats they pose to that force. Decisions on our equipment requirements, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
As part of routine operational planning, the Ministry of Defence conducts frequent assessments of maritime threats and the activity of other States. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.
The Department's operational spend will be set out in its Annual Report and Accounts.
The special reserve is a ring-fenced allocation within the Ministry of Defence budget. As he may recall from his time as a Defence Minister, operational spend has routinely counted towards the UK's NATO qualifying defence spend.
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi) to Question 120373.
Find written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to the hon. Member for Slough (Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi) to Question 120373.
Find written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
HMS Dragon was deployed at the first available moment on 10 March 2026. The deployment of Royal Navy assets remains under constant review to ensure we uphold the interests of the UK and our allies. To protect operational security, I cannot provide further information.
I refer the hon. Member to the statement on the Middle East given in Parliament by the Secretary of State on Monday 23 March 2026.
The Ministry of Defence recognises the potential impact of rising industrial energy prices on the Department and the wider economy. The Government remains committed to supporting the defence sector to ensure the successful delivery of its strategic objectives despite these economic challenges and continues to make progress in delivering the Defence Industrial Strategy.
The low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is now entering the international industrial selection phase in each of the E5 nations. This will be followed by a multilateral phase. Once the multilateral phase is complete the E5 nations will decide whether to proceed to a full demonstration and manufacture phase.
As I recently confirmed at the Land Rover commemorative event in Bovington on 19 March 2026, the Light Mobility Vehicle programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness. The programme will formally launch in due course. The planned Out of Service Date for all current variants of the Land Rover fleet is 2030.
The contract will supply and integrate technologically advanced radar systems. I am withholding details of the specific air defence radar systems as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. However, I can confirm that the contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, a trusted partner in delivering advanced defence capabilities.
The finance mechanism will unlock finance and support joint procurement between partners of key capabilities, alongside providing loans to the defence industry and government to accelerate defence sector investment. The mechanism is still in development with partners.
We expect the mechanism to complement existing EU, NATO and other initiatives and drives interoperability through combining financing and an aggregated demand signal to drive interoperability and interchangeability through joint procurement over time.
The finance mechanism will unlock finance and support joint procurement between partners of key capabilities, alongside providing loans to the defence industry and government to accelerate defence sector investment. The mechanism is still in development with partners.
We expect the mechanism to complement existing EU, NATO and other initiatives and drives interoperability through combining financing and an aggregated demand signal to drive interoperability and interchangeability through joint procurement over time.
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is designed primarily to counter incoming missiles and other immediate air or surface threats, with its employment governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Any use of the system against crewed fixed‑ or rotary‑wing aircraft would be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in line with international law and operational necessity, noting that specific Rules of Engagement profiles are classified and protected from disclosure to ensure operational ambiguity and effectiveness.
Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.
Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.
Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.
Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.
Task Force Sabre, led by NAD Director General Options and Commissioning, was set up on the 18 March 2026. It has been created to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.
Task Force Sabre has mobilised and will continue to work closely with industry partners and Gulf states to ensure the rapid delivery of critical capabilities.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.
We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.
The Royal Navy has announced its intention to become a Mk41 Navy, to ensure that future combatants have a versatile missile launcher capable of deploying both offensive and defensive missiles. The Navy is currently assessing a range of effector options, including missiles, guns, lasers and drones as it develops the Hybrid Navy concept.
The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.
The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.
The Integrated Force Plan is a constituent part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). As has been outlined to the hon. Gentleman a number of times, the Department is working to finalise the DIP as soon as possible. It will be published when it is ready.
To avoid compromising operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose elements of the Fleet's long-term schedule and readiness profiles.
The Royal Navy continues to meet its operational objectives and to work closely with the Government to ensure our maritime environment remains safe amid a changing threat environment.
Currently the Royal Navy has 52 Surface Ships in service, at varying states of Operational availability and readiness. The RFA has 9. It is important to see availability as a constant cycle as ships move through maintenance, training, and deployment and recovery phases, with around 50% of the fleet at high readiness or above at any one time.
As announced by the Prime Minister on 1 March, the Government agreed to a US request to use UK bases for specific and limited defensive purposes against facilities in Iran which are involved in launching strikes at regional allies.
On 20 March, the Prime Minister announced this was expanded to allow the US to use UK bases to conduct defensive operations to degrade the missile sites and capabilities being used to attack ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
All UK support to allies for operational purposes considers the legal basis and policy rationale for any proposed activity.
There are no plans to fit a 30mm weapon system to HMS Queen Elizabeth or HMS Prince of Wales. The Queen Elizabeth Class carriers are equipped with a range of defensive systems, which along with escort vessels and wider force protection measures, provide a layered defensive system that is effective against a wide range of threats, including emerging uncrewed aerial threats.
This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry. The sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of defence programmes. The department publishes its future pipeline for steel requirements, enabling UK steel manufacturers to better plan and bid for upcoming contracts.
The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review, and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure. While steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers, Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurement activity will continue to apply PPN 022, a policy aimed at increasing the use of British-produced steel in public contracts. The MOD also supports the recently published UK Steel Strategy which sets out a long-term plan to revitalise the UK steel sector and restore domestic production to sustainable levels.
The UK Government is committed to accelerating the development, testing, production, and installation of the DragonFire high energy laser system. The UK remains on track to become the first European NATO nation to bring advanced laser directed energy technology into service. Two major periods of firing trials, conducted successfully in 2025, have been instrumental in advancing the system's readiness for service and operational capability.
In November 2025, the Ministry of Defence awarded a contract to MBDA for the delivery of the first two DragonFire units, with the first of these scheduled for installation on a Type 45 destroyer in 2027, five years earlier than originally planned. This programme exemplifies the MOD's commitment to supporting British technical excellence and rapidly integrating cutting-edge technology to enhance the capabilities of our Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defence can confirm that a drone targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March was not launched from Iran. Our best assessment is that it came from Lebanon or Iraq.
The Ministry of Defence can confirm that a drone targeted RAF Akrotiri on 2 March was not launched from Iran. Our best assessment is that it came from Lebanon or Iraq.
The Secretary of State for Defence has confirmed that former Air Commodore Suzanne ‘Polly’ Miller-Perkins CBE is the preferred candidate for appointment to the role of Armed Forces Commissioner. In line with the Governance Code for Public Appointments, this is to be an interim appointment made without competition for a period of 12 months while arrangements are made to run a new open competition. The candidate was subject to a pre-appointment hearing by the House of Commons Defence Select Committee on 25 March 2026. The Commissioner will be in post and their office operational from 1 April 2026.
The facility continues to have three usable training villages.
The Royal Navy (RN) has never held the Flagship role for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG)1 but regularly commits resources to the Group.
A summary of the Government’s overall legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026. Summary of the UK Government legal position: The legality of defensive action in respect of Iranian regional attacks - GOV.UK
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.
It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.
It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
The Government is in discussions with the US, and Gulf, European and international partners on what we can do to open up the Strait of Hormuz, restoring freedom of navigation as quickly as possible and ease the economic impact.
It would be premature for me to comment on any military planning, noting the need for using all Government levers including diplomacy and working with partners.
We constantly review deployments of Royal Navy assets in line with securing the interests of the UK and our allies. We are continuing to work closely with our allies and partners in the region to mitigate threats to UK shipping. The Strait of Hormuz is a current issue and it would not be appropriate to specify details of any operational planning.
As with all UK contributions to NATO, the UK retains the ultimate authority over their use, including the option to employ them for national operations if necessary. Any such decision would be taken in close consultation and coordination with NATO.
The UK’s contribution to the ARF Special Operations Component will consist of personnel from the Royal Marines Commando Force, Ranger Regiment, and RAF Elements. For operational security reasons, it would not be appropriate to provide a more detailed breakdown of this future commitment.
As with all UK contributions to NATO, the UK retains the ultimate authority over their use, including the option to employ them for national operations if necessary. Any such decision would be taken in close consultation and coordination with NATO.
The UK’s contribution to the ARF Special Operations Component will consist of personnel from the Royal Marines Commando Force, Ranger Regiment, and RAF Elements. For operational security reasons, it would not be appropriate to provide a more detailed breakdown of this future commitment.
There is one permanent training village at Nyati Barracks. In addition, two temporary wooden training villages are currently erected on the training areas at Lolldaiga Conservancy and Ole Naishu estate. These temporary facilities are assembled and dismantled as required and leave no permanent footprint.
There has been no reduction in the number of usable training villages since 5 July 2024. These facilities are temporary and are only assembled during exercising periods, so their number naturally fluctuates. The overall capacity for temporary infrastructure on Kenyan training areas (approximately 200 wooden buildings) has remained unchanged since 2024.
There is one permanent training village at Nyati Barracks. In addition, two temporary wooden training villages are currently erected on the training areas at Lolldaiga Conservancy and Ole Naishu estate. These temporary facilities are assembled and dismantled as required and leave no permanent footprint.
There has been no reduction in the number of usable training villages since 5 July 2024. These facilities are temporary and are only assembled during exercising periods, so their number naturally fluctuates. The overall capacity for temporary infrastructure on Kenyan training areas (approximately 200 wooden buildings) has remained unchanged since 2024.
The Global Hub has three small training villages on Ras Madrakah Training Area.