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.
The information requested is shown below.
Where available, costs for the three Service Police forces for each Financial Year (FY) since 2015 are shown in the folloing tables.
Royal Navy:
FY | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 10,449,702 | 11,276,904 | 10,827,528 | 11,888,603 | 13,028,538 | 11,775,218 | 11,879,058 | 81,125,550 |
British Army:
FY | 15/16 | 16/17 | 17/18 | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 94,700,216 | 96,560,166 | 90,692,797 | 92,815,978 | 95,970,488 | 91,402,781 | 93,365,275 | 91,749,549 | 84,196,422 | 89,592,304 | 921,045,976 |
Royal Air Force:
FY | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 75.880 | 77.427 | 83.278 | 87.565 | 93.556 | 417.706 |
Notes:
Under UK Financial Regulations the Ministry of Defence is not obliged to hold financial data for more than seven years.
Changes to the budgetary arrangements used by the Services over time preclude the provision of data for some earlier years.
The information requested is shown below.
Where available, costs for the three Service Police forces for each Financial Year (FY) since 2015 are shown in the folloing tables.
Royal Navy:
FY | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 10,449,702 | 11,276,904 | 10,827,528 | 11,888,603 | 13,028,538 | 11,775,218 | 11,879,058 | 81,125,550 |
British Army:
FY | 15/16 | 16/17 | 17/18 | 18/19 | 19/20 | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 94,700,216 | 96,560,166 | 90,692,797 | 92,815,978 | 95,970,488 | 91,402,781 | 93,365,275 | 91,749,549 | 84,196,422 | 89,592,304 | 921,045,976 |
Royal Air Force:
FY | 20/21 | 21/22 | 22/23 | 23/24 | 24/25 | Total |
£million | 75.880 | 77.427 | 83.278 | 87.565 | 93.556 | 417.706 |
Notes:
Under UK Financial Regulations the Ministry of Defence is not obliged to hold financial data for more than seven years.
Changes to the budgetary arrangements used by the Services over time preclude the provision of data for some earlier years.
It is usual Ministry of Defence policy not to comment on the individual HR status of individual employees. I provided an update to the House saying that the Ajax SRO was no longer in his current role. Given the situation it would not be appropriate for me to comment further at this time.
The Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System has been designed and built to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, operating them side-by-side with crewed aircraft in a future ‘hybrid air wing’, and supporting future anti-submarine operations under the Atlantic Bastion strategy. The Proteus Technology Demonstrator is being developed by Leonardo under a £60 million programme supporting 100 highly-skilled British jobs.
Procurement decisions, including for the New Medium Helicopter contract, will be made in the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.
The Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System has been designed and built to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, operating them side-by-side with crewed aircraft in a future ‘hybrid air wing’, and supporting future anti-submarine operations under the Atlantic Bastion strategy. The Proteus Technology Demonstrator is being developed by Leonardo under a £60 million programme supporting 100 highly-skilled British jobs.
Procurement decisions, including for the New Medium Helicopter contract, will be made in the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.
The UK–US intelligence relationship is one of the closest in the world, built primarily on the longstanding UK-USA Agreement and our Five Eyes partnership, reinforced by our network of bilateral defence and security arrangements. Any details on US intelligence personnel are classified. It is government practice not to disclose any information regarding personnel working in intelligence roles to protect national security.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
The Ministry of Defence followed all required approvals processes ahead of signing the Enterprise Agreement with Palantir on 30 December 2025. This included HM Treasury, Cabinet Office and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.
All necessary commercial and financial scrutiny was completed before the Department entered into the agreement.
The £240,600,000 cost of the Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025 falls within the Department’s existing delegated budgets for the next three financial years. No separate HM Treasury approval was required, and the Agreement was funded through the Ministry of Defence’s established financial planning and governance processes.
The Strategic Partnership Arrangement announced on 18 September 2025 is a nonbinding statement of intent and did not create any financial commitments for the Department.
The subsequent contract signed on 30 December 2025 followed the Department’s full commercial and governance processes, including value for money and assurance checks, to ensure the best outcome for Defence and the taxpayer.
There was no requirement for HM Treasury to approve a budget for the Palantir Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025.
We are proud of the gender diversity within the cadet organisations. As of April 2025, girls made up 36% of cadets in the community Cadet Forces and 39% in the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with the proportion of girls growing in both settings since April 2021. We are working to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendation to grow the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030, increasing cadet numbers both in community-based units and in CCF contingents in schools. The ‘30 by 30’ campaign will see an increase of over 40,000 cadets across the UK, providing the opportunity for many more young people to enjoy the fantastic benefits of the cadet experience.
We seek to continually improve the diversity of our cadets by offering a safe, welcoming environment with a range of activities on offer, and our Cadet Force Adult Volunteers (CFAVs) are excellent role models for female cadets. Within the community-based units, 35% of all CFAVs are women. We will ensure that volunteering within the Cadet Forces is as accessible and inclusive for women as possible as we develop an improved volunteer proposition as part of the ’30 by 30’ campaign.
We are committed to increasing the proportion of women in the Armed Forces. Defence has introduced a wide range of initiatives over the past four years, including strengthened action on unacceptable behaviours, flexible working provisions, improved welfare and support, and better equipment and uniform. These initiatives are removing barriers and helping women thrive across all three Services. We will continue embedding this work to ensure women are supported throughout their careers and that the Armed Forces remain an employer of choice for talent from all backgrounds.
Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.
Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.
Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.
Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.
Atlantic Bastion combines the latest autonomous and AI technologies with world-class warships and aircraft to create a highly advanced hybrid fighting force that will see ships, submarines, aircraft and uncrewed vessels connected. The scope of the capability enhancements delivered through Atlantic Bastion remains dependent on the Defence Investment Plan.
The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.
The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.
The UK Armed Forces continually review Reserve Service Days (RSD) to ensure that the Reserve Forces meet operational requirements. There have been no reductions in RSD by the Services for the current financial year.
Having said the answer three times in the debate and subsequently in the chamber too, I am surprised the hon. Gentleman needs me to say this again but.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave in the House of Commons on 28 January, column 959. It is longstanding UK policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location.
A plan to replace these aircraft will be detailed in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. All elements of this work, including the aircraft replacement, are progressing together. All decisions on future procurements will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
I am withholding the information as it contains personal data which cannot be released.
I am withholding the information as it contains personal data which cannot be released.
The Ministry of Defence does not have operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.
Due to the ongoing legal process, it is not possible to provide a substantive comment on the case. The Ministry of Defence is reviewing the judgment in detail to understand its implications fully and a further update will be provided once that assessment is complete.
I am taking a keen interest in the negotiations and continue to urge dialogue, meaningful consultation and a constructive resolution between AWE and Prospect.
The Ministry of Defence keeps AWE’s processes under regular review to support the delivery of crucial defence outputs, both now and in the future.
I am taking a keen interest in the negotiations and continue to urge dialogue, meaningful consultation and a constructive resolution between AWE and Prospect.
The Ministry of Defence keeps AWE’s processes under regular review to support the delivery of crucial defence outputs, both now and in the future.
AWE operates within an assured framework of corporate governance arrangements to ensure that the company conducts its business ethically, transparently and in the public interest.
As part of these arrangements, all AWE Board members are vetted for potential professional conflicts of interest and are subject to the highest levels of security vetting. A register of interests is updated at each AWE Board meeting to ensure that no Board member facing a conflict of interest participates in related discussions or decision making.
While no meetings have yet taken place with the Defence Secretary's Swiss counterpart, he recognises the significance of UK defence engagement with Switzerland. He hopes to arrange a meeting in the near future.
The UK's Defence Attaché to the United States attended with the Prime Minister.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to securing the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK, recognising its importance for skills, economic growth, and national prosperity. The sector is supported through initiatives like the Combat Air Strategy and the Global Combat Air Programme, ensuring the UK maintains its position at the cutting edge of combat air capability.
The MOD engages with unions representing workers in the combat aircraft sector through regular dialogue and consultation. These discussions are part of the Ministry's commitment to supporting the future of air platform manufacturing in the UK, including through initiatives such as the Combat Air Strategy and the Global Combat Air Programme.
As set out in the answer by the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Public Health and Prevention to a Parliamentary Question in July 2025, ‘The move [of the UKHSA facility] to Harlow [from Porton Down] will only affect UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) staff and therefore anyone on the site employed by the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) will be unaffected’.
Dstl’s core site will remain at Porton Down for the long term, and Dstl continues to make substantial investment in infrastructure and capabilities at the site. A £50 million + Chemical Weapons Defence Centre facility has recently been completed and Dstl is undertaking a range of other infrastructure works to renew and replace other facilities.
Following the February 2022 data incident, the first relocation to the UK of an individual from within the 217 principal applicants found eligible under Category 1 of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) occurred in January 2024.
Under the Afghan Response Route, the first eligible person was relocated to the UK in July 2024. There are various factors which make individuals and their families travel ready. This can mean there is time between eligibility being granted, and people being relocated.
Although there was one individual that arrived in November 2023, they arrived as an Additional Family Member (AFM) but were subsequently found eligible under Category 1 under ARAP, as part of the 217 cohort.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) reviewed the eligibility of individuals affected by the Data Incident under ARAP. On 12 October 2023, the then Secretary of State for Defence, the Rt Hon Grant Shapps, directed officials to retake decisions for a small cohort of individuals under Category 1 who worked directly for HMG but who were previously found ineligible for ARAP. Category 1 assesses threat and is for those directly employed by HMG. The MOD acted quickly to review these cases, which ultimately resulted in 217 principal applicants being found newly eligible under Category 1 of ARAP. The data incident changed the view of threat at that time.
The Ministry of Defence's financial transactions support the retention of critical sovereign manufacturing capabilities and support our strategic objectives. As an integral part of the UK's national security they are included in the NATO qualifying defence spending figures.
Safety investigations and a Ministerial Review into the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) remain ongoing. However, on current plans, Full Operating Capability for the Armoured Cavalry Programme is still expected to be achieved by the end of 2029.
Commercial pilot training does not directly align with the training provided by the Royal Air Force (RAF) for military pilots. While there are some commonalities, there are also significant differences between operating civilian and military aircraft. Consequently, the UK Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), under CAP2254, accredits only certain aspects of military aircrew training.
The RAF Reserves offer four schemes that provide opportunities for commercial pilots including training for Air Experience Flight (AEF) duties, progression to Qualified Flying Instructor (QFI) roles for University Air Squadrons (UAS) and AEF flight commanders, as well as roles with Defence partners such as Ascent Flying Training and Babcock.
As at 10 February 2026, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) has nine active civil servants who have continued their employment with the MOD through a Skilled Worker Visa Sponsorship.
The memorial tablet to the fallen soldiers of the 2nd Battalion Royal Inniskilling Fusiliers at St Lucia Barracks is attached to a wall with listed status. It is itself considered to be part of that listed structure and is therefore also protected.
Any new owners of St Lucia Barracks will be legally required to seek consent from the local planning authority if they wish to alter or move the tablet and may face criminal prosecution if they fail to do so.
Discussions will be held with any potential purchasers of the St Lucia Barracks site to ensure that they are aware of their legal responsibilities to protect and maintain the memorial tablet, and this will be stipulated at the point of sale or transfer.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps under continual review the implications of proposed legislation for Defence activities, including those undertaken by the most sensitive parts of Defence and the Armed Forces.
Work is ongoing across the MOD to ensure that all Defence organisations can meet their legal obligations under the forthcoming Hillsborough Law, while also maintaining the necessary protections for highly sensitive operational capabilities and broader National Security.
The annual breakdown of the £270 billion is below:
Year | 2025-26 | 2026-27 | 2027-28 | 2028-29 |
MOD Settlement (TDEL) | 62.2 | 65.5 | 71 | 73.5 |
% of GDP | 2.01% | 2.03% | 2.13% | 2.13% |
The Government will be spending 2.6% of GDP on defence in 2027.
Further to the answer provided to Question 106994, and recognising the gravity of this issue, the Department has been working to identify teams and bodies who may have, or may have had, an interest in this work. This may include entities which are now arms-length bodies.
As may be expected, the historical nature of these events is making it more challenging to locate, access and search information held in a variety of archives, both electronic and paper. In particular, it is unclear if records and archives relating to particular programmes or events include any material specifically relating to British Service personnel.
Officials are developing a more substantive overview of the situation. This will be included in the letter which was promised to Emma Lewell MP in response to Question 106994, and which will be copied to the hon. Member.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence
The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence
The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence
The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) was presented to the Department by the external reviewers, who were working to the Terms of Reference that the review be deliverable and affordable within the fiscal envelope available to Defence
The Department is now working on the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will take the SDR’s strategic direction and its costed recommendations, including on capabilities, and turn that into a delivery plan to ensure we deliver an affordable programme that delivers on the SDR. Defence spending will see a major sustained increase over the next decade.
At the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in October 2025, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £600 million has been invested by the UK this year to accelerate drone delivery to Ukraine, with more than 85,000 military drones delivered in between April and October 2025 out of our aim of 100,000 in this financial year.
The Ministry of Defence has had delivery of nearly 10,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further.
It is longstanding policy that we do not publicly comment on exact details around operational deployments (including figures), as it would harm the capability, security and operational effectiveness of UK forces.