Feb. 06 2026
Source Page: UK firms pitch future technologies in first ever defence 'Dragons' Den' eventAsked by: Andy MacNae (Labour - Rossendale and Darwen)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on establishing a National Cyber Force HQ in Lancashire.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Plans to establish the National Cyber Force (NCF) HQ in Samlesbury are progressing as scheduled. For security reasons, we do not disclose details regarding operational status, precise locations, or specific aspects of our sites.
The NCF continues to support the development of cyber security expertise in the region, including through its long‑standing involvement in initiatives such as the Lancashire Cyber Partnership, the North‑West Cyber Corridor, and through bursary and direct‑entry schemes.
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to question 107527 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, for what reason the first 100 Ajax-vehicles are not in service with any unit.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The majority of the first 100 Ajax vehicles were withdrawn from units in 2024, with the final vehicle withdrawn from 6 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 2025. These vehicles are currently located in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area, where they are awaiting planned upgrades to meet the requirements for the current Capability Drop level before being delivered into service.
Asked by: Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative - Huntingdon)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to question 107527 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what the status is of the first 100 Ajax-vehicles.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The majority of the first 100 Ajax vehicles were withdrawn from units in 2024, with the final vehicle withdrawn from 6 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 2025. These vehicles are currently located in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area, where they are awaiting planned upgrades to meet the requirements for the current Capability Drop level before being delivered into service.
Asked by: John McDonnell (Labour - Hayes and Harlington)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the re-classification of the Royal Fleet Auxiliary as a Non-Standard Occupation Group has been completed.
Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
Discussions are ongoing to define and implement Non-Standard Occupational Group status for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. Defence remains focused on delivering a resilient and sustainable workforce for the future and recognising the unique contribution of its seafarers to the defence of this nation.
Asked by: Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK - Romford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the adequacy of the recent performance of HMS Protector in addressing threats to sovereign interests in the British Antarctic Territories.
Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) remains committed to supporting the UK’s sovereign interests and wider commitments in the Antarctic and South Atlantic. HMS PROTECTOR routinely deploys to the Antarctic Peninsula to undertake activities in support of the UK’s interests, including Antarctic Treaty inspections and station visits in support of the British Antarctic Survey.
The MOD keeps all operational activity under regular review to ensure that the UK’s interests in the South Atlantic are supported, and sovereignty of the British Antarctic Territory is maintained. For this reason, BFSAI personnel have recently conducted an Antarctic overflight, providing a sovereign presence in the British Antarctic Territory.