Ministry of Defence

The UK concept demonstration phase of the low-cost air defence effector project under the LEAP initiative, as announced on 20 February, is due to conclude by the end of 2026.

The United States Visiting Forces (USVF) are present in the UK at the invitation of His Majesty’s Government. The USVF operate eleven RAF bases across the UK. There are approximately 12,300 United States Military and Civilian Defence personnel in the UK at various defence sites.

The Royal Navy maintains a high state of operational readiness across its core capabilities, including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, Carrier Strike, frigates and destroyers, submarines, aviation, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Fleet is deployed globally to protect the UK’s security and interests, working alongside allies and partners.

It is important to understand readiness as a constant cycle with ships moving regularly through maintenance, training, deployment and recovery phases. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.

The Royal Navy maintains a high state of operational readiness across its core capabilities, including the Continuous At Sea Deterrent, Carrier Strike, frigates and destroyers, submarines, aviation, the Royal Marines and the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. The Fleet is deployed globally to protect the UK’s security and interests, working alongside allies and partners.

It is important to understand readiness as a constant cycle with ships moving regularly through maintenance, training, deployment and recovery phases. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026.

For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026.

For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

I refer the hon. gentleman to the response given to Question 118648 on 16 March 2026.

For operational and personnel security reasons we do not disclose the precise force levels deployed in the South Atlantic.

The pace of Defence's 'learn and adapt' cycle has accelerated exponentially as a result of lessons learnt in Ukraine, and the Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of autonomous systems within the UK's integrated force.

We cannot comment on the deployment decisions of other nations.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with NATO allies on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone, missile threats, electronic warfare, innovation, and supply chains.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work with allies in other regions, where the lessons from Ukraine can be applied.

We do not comment on deployment decisions for reasons of operational security.

For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on detailed readiness assessments or the timelines associated with specific platform movements.

12 Squadron was deployed to Qatar in February 2026 following a formal request from the Qatari Government.

As of 18 March 2026, 12 Squadron, operating Typhoon aircraft, is deployed to Qatar. 2 Squadron, operating Typhoon aircraft, and 617 Squadron, operating F-35 aircraft, are deployed to RAF Akrotiri.

Forecast spending remains subject to change as operational requirements develop.

Final allocations for the current and next financial years will be confirmed at the Supplementary Estimates, with outturn reported in the Department's Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2.

Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't.

We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation.

We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning.

We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

On 17 March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators and supporting wider security of the Euro-Atlantic region.

The UK has delivered seven successful trade missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.

Last year, we announced the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of speed and technical innovation for UK defence procurement if we are to stay ahead of our adversaries.

The Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy reflect these lessons, setting out plans to overhaul acquisition. Our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster.

Likewise, UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is placing innovation at the heart of defence procurement. Backed by a ring-fenced budget, UKDI will ensure we are able to rapidly acquire the innovative technologies our Armed Forces need to keep pace with the changing nature of warfare.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM.

The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland.

The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM.

The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) mandates the inclusion of the Equality Defence Condition (DEFCON 516) in all its procurement contracts. This condition obligates suppliers to comply with the Equality Act 2010.

The MOD request that industry provide a Carbon Reduction Plan at the Conditions of Participation stage in all procurements subject to the Procurement Act 2023 with an anticipated value of £5 million or above. This is consistent with the policy of the last government.

The UK will submit its 2027 defence return at the next suitable point. NATO returns are usually required in May each year.

The UK will complete its 2026 defence return in line with NATO's standard annual timetable. This will be due in May 2026, and NATO generally publish the returns in late summer.

The UK will complete its 2026 defence return in line with NATO's standard annual timetable. This will be due in May 2026, and NATO generally publish the returns in late summer.

The UK’s latest defence expenditure return for 2025 has been published by NATO and can be found here.

The UK’s final update for 2025 will be submitted by the end of December once the accounts have closed and have been audited.

The expenditure on the Future Air Combat System (FCAS)/Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) has supported concept development, enablers, technology maturation and capability demonstrations to deliver FCAS, including the core aircraft central to the system through the GCAP partnership.

Under the current Strategic Outline Case approval, the current phase is planned to report in early 2027, which will inform future choices.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2026 for Questions 116199, 116200 and 116201.

The total number of contracts which meet the requirements of the Single Source Contract Regulations 2014 placed in this Parliament is 100. This equates to 4.74% of all contracts placed on or since 4 July 2024.

The Royal Navy is in a significant transition to a hybrid force with a mix of crewed and uncrewed systems operating in the air, surface and sub-surface environments.

The Coastal Forces Squadron along with 47 Commando Royal Marines will be the first operators of the Project BEEHIVE Uncrewed Surface Vessels to be delivered by Kraken Technology Group. Primarily designed to operate in littoral waters these craft will have a modular payload system with an open architecture which will allow the very rapid integration of a wide variety of sensors and effectors to support Coastal Forces and Commando Force activity.

We are appalled by all reports of civilian deaths – in both Iran and the region. Innocent civilians should never be caught in the crossfire.

The UK works closely with the US on many defence priorities, and our supply chains are of course both complex and intertwined. As part of longstanding convention, we do not comment on military operational details.

The Business and Trade Secretary is responsible for licensing the export of military goods. In his decisions he draws on advice from the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary. All licences are assessed in line with the robust Strategic Export Licensing Criteria and are kept under careful and continual review as standard.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continually monitors the threat posed to the UK and our interests, and has processes in place to rapidly deliver capability required by specific Operational Commanders to manage risks to life that arise around the world.

Integrated Air and Missile Defence investments will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

The MOD, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government 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.

The UK Ministry of Defence has an ongoing relationship with DARPA, which ranges from information sharing to active collaboration on specific projects. No specific engagement has been undertaken on the SPRINT Programme, nor assessment of the X-76 demonstrator aircraft for RAF roles.

Over £2 billion has been spent on Future Combat Air System/Global Combat Air Programme (FCAS/GCAP) and the associated Team Tempest research and development programme.

This can be broken down as follows:

Concepting/Design – over £800 million

Enablers and Infrastructure – over £60 million

Technology Development and Demonstrators – over £1.4 billion

The £1 billion New Medium Helicopter (NMH) contract secures thousands of skilled British jobs, boosts the UK Armed Forces’ capability and makes Britain Leonardo’s global centre for military helicopter production and exports – worth a potential £15 billion over the next decade.

Having inherited the NMH programme from the previous Government, we have improved upon it by securing Leonardo’s agreement that future military international orders will be built in the UK, with an increased workshare for the UK above 40%. In addition to the NMH deal, Leonardo has agreed to make Yeovil their global centre of excellence for autonomous helicopters, putting the UK at the forefront of the defence technology of tomorrow.

The Defence Housing Strategy published on 3 November 2025, sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Department is in the early stages of the renovation programme.

As we look to apply modern methods of construction to sustain and renew the Service Family Accommodation estate, timber may be considered, where it is determined to be the most cost effective and sustainable solution. This approach will be underpinned by thorough planning and stringent quality control to ensure it effectively supports military capability.

As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.

As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.