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 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 Defence Supply Chain Capability Programme is strengthening the resilience of our supply chain, and the Strategic Defence Review also confirmed that we will invest in "Always On" munitions production for our most critical ammunition types, and Ukraine lessons have been incorporated as we assess munitions choices across the force. The Strategic Defence Review also highlighted the importance of autonomous systems within the UK's Integrated Force. Decisions on our equipment requirements, including artificial intelligence and autonomous systems, will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
The Ministry of Defence already supports over 460,000 jobs and 25,000 apprentices across the UK, providing sustainable, high-quality, well-paying jobs.
Alongside the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence announced a £182 million skills package that includes a range of initiatives to support defence-oriented careers and apprenticeships UK-wide. This includes initiatives such as establishing five Defence Technical Excellence colleges in England, and the creation of the Apprenticeship and Graduate Clearing System which will become live in due course.
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project.
The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project.
The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:
https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
Task Force Sabre is actively pulling in allies and industry to drive the pace on the defence kit the Middle East needs. We are bringing in British expertise to help our partners, removing barriers, and championing innovative UK-based industry. Task Force Sabre is not responsible for boosting UK munitions stockpiles, however the work that is being undertaken may give an associated benefit to the UK stockpiles.
Details regarding Defence’s munitions stockpile are classified, and it would therefore be inappropriate to provide further commentary. However, Munition stockpile levels are actively reviewed to ensure current holdings are balanced against threats, availability, industrial capacity and evolving technology. The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with industry, allies, and partners to ensure that munitions stockpiles remain sufficient to meet the demands of current and future operations.
The Government is committed to making SMEs a national priority, ensuring they have a fair opportunity to win public contracts and setting ambitious SME spend targets.
As set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy, the MOD is backing British Jobs, British Industry and British innovators. Since July 2024, we have signed 1,100 major contracts, with 84% of our annual spend going to British companies.
In January we launched a dedicated Defence Office for Small business Growth to boost opportunities and access to defence contracts and the supply chain, on top of our commitment to double direct spend with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.
Delivering on the commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy, we are developing a dedicated Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS). This is supported by a new Defence Investors’ Advisory Group, bringing together senior expertise from venture, growth, private capital, and banking to address barriers to financing and investment in the sector.
The ARAP eligibility criteria have not changed. As a result, no previously ineligible principal applicants have had cases reviewed against revised criteria.
Each ARAP scheme application is assessed individually against the eligibility criteria outlined under the Immigration Rules: Appendix ARAP. Further information on this can be found at the following link:
All applicants that receive an ineligible outcome may seek a review of their decision within 90 days of receiving this decision, in accordance with the ARAP Review Policy. Further information on this can be found at the following link:
All decisions made in the Triples Review carry a right to have this decision reviewed, however the Triples Review has not been extended to every ARAP applicant.
I am withholding the number of Rapid Sentry that have been procured as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.
On current plans, the last Type 45 Destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038.
The Royal Navy does not release out of service dates for individual ships.
Last week the Chancellor announced that the UK is exploring a new defence mechanism for financing driving joint demand by 2027 with the Netherlands and Finland and other EU and NATO partners.
We continue to work with likeminded allies who are interested in this model.
In line with the response to Question 116022 on 6 March, despite the UK regularly engaging with the Mauritian Government, neither the Secretary of State nor any other Defence Ministers have met with the Deputy Prime Minister of Mauritius since August 2025.
All National Security Council endorsed operations are funded from the special reserve. We do not comment on the eligibility of special reserve funding for live operations.
I refer the noble Lord to the answer given by my gallant Friend the Minister for Veterans and People (Louise Sandher-Jones) in the House of Commons on 23 March 2026 to the right hon. Member for New Forest East (Dr Julian Lewis) in response to Question 120745 copied below.
I was first made aware of the unfinished draft document relating to historic nuclear testing at Christmas Island in December 2025. Following the release of the draft document by AWE, I wrote to interested MPs and LABRATS advising them of its release and explaining its contents on 2 March 2026.
Planning continues at pace, but we will not be drawn into the details of any future UK Armed Forces deployment, including its levels, composition or specific assets, due to the risk to operational security.
Defence Ministers will continue to proactively engage with colleagues on the ongoing situation in the House, as well as written questions.
Defence’s workforce structure is regularly reviewed and adjusted according to the threat and capability requirements. This includes the number of senior officers. The future workforce structure and associated workforce plans will be reviewed in conjunction with the Defence Investment Plan.
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 Government regularly assesses the security situation in the region including the Bab el Mandeb Strait.
The Department for Transport, supported by the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation, continues to provide UK and Red Ensign flagged shipping with advice on the risk posed by the Houthis to merchant vessels.
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.