Ministry of Defence

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

This Government has allocated £200 million to prepare the UK Armed Forces to deploy as part of the Multinational Force Ukraine. Planning continues at pace; however, it would not be appropriate to provide mission specific detail in relation to any future UK Armed Forces deployment, for reasons of operational security.

The Skynet 6 Programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. Following build and preparatory activity, the Skynet 6A satellite transitioned into the testing and validation phase in November 2025.

The long-term replacement for the Pinzgauer vehicle is being considered within the Light Mobility Vehicle (LMV) segment of the Land Mobility Programme. The programme is being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The UK is procuring one Early Capability Demonstrator platform as part of the Mobile Fires Platform programme, and the original order remains unchanged. The corrected answer to Question 102957 reflected the rectification of an administrative error which inadvertently stated that two demonstrator platforms had been purchased. The correction was issued to ensure the Parliamentary record accurately reflects the Department’s procurement position.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps its data analytics infrastructure, security assurance processes and workforce skills under continual review. Decisions to rebuild underlying data analytics architecture are based on whether current systems remain aligned with Defence's enterprise data principles, architectural standards (Exploitable by Design), resilience requirements, and operational needs.

The MOD has replaced accreditation with Secure by Design in line with National Cyber Security Centre guidance on assuring systems and services. The MOD's Cyber Security Design Authority provides a reliable, curated source of standards and policies to enable secure design.

Personnel are retrained when new tools, platforms or security standards are introduced, or when capability reviews identify changing skills requirements across Defence's digital and data workforce.

These processes ensure Defence maintains secure, resilient, and modern data capabilities that can effectively support Defence outcomes.

Both Sea Viper Evolution Programmes continue to make progress. Capability One, the Royal Navy’s entry level Ballistic Missile Defence Capability, is expected to provide Full Operating Capability in late 2032. Capability Two, providing theatre level Ballistic Missile Defence, remains in the Assessment phase to inform future capability and investment choices. This is particularly important where the Royal Navy’s pivot to a Hybrid Fleet will enable new and novel approaches to ballistic missile defence. Continued progress on both programmes remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Both Sea Viper Evolution Programmes continue to make progress. Capability One, the Royal Navy’s entry level Ballistic Missile Defence Capability, is expected to provide Full Operating Capability in late 2032. Capability Two, providing theatre level Ballistic Missile Defence, remains in the Assessment phase to inform future capability and investment choices. This is particularly important where the Royal Navy’s pivot to a Hybrid Fleet will enable new and novel approaches to ballistic missile defence. Continued progress on both programmes remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Protector RG Mk1 has yet to reach Initial Operating Capability programme milestones. Protector has already deployed on operations and is providing valuable Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance support.

Task Force RAPSTONE is an Army initiative to accelerate the fielding of new capabilities into the British Army, drawing on lessons learned from Ukraine.

Project BOYD, delivered by the Royal Air Force Rapid Capabilities Office, is a series of operational capability demonstrators harnessing AI to transform complex, time consuming and resource intensive command and control planning cycles through machine-speed, data-centric decision making, in order to generate a decision-action cycle that is palpably better than those of our adversaries.

The business centre is specifically designed to help UK SMEs overcome practical barriers to operating in Ukraine, based on industry and industry bodies feedback. Estimates cannot be disclosed at this stage, as it could prejudice fair competition among potential delivery partners and operational delivery. The Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner and relevant stakeholders to ensure the scale meets the business need and is enduring.

On completion of the procurement process, the Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner and relevant stakeholders to develop the business centre’s monitoring framework. As the centre becomes operational, we will integrate its activities within our existing monitoring and reporting frameworks to assess its contribution to UK-Ukraine defence exports, and wider UK trade as conditions change.

The business centre is being designed to address the challenges that currently complicate operations for smaller UK companies. This will accelerate business processes and provide greater opportunities for both nations. The Ministry of Defence will work with the selected delivery partner, and relevant stakeholders, to ensure that the hub's operational framework delivers enduring change, including the transition to reconstruction at the appropriate time.

The Ministry of Defence is on course to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web (DTW) later this year which is part of the wider modernisation of targeting, intelligence, and command‑and‑control systems across Defence. Separately from DTW, Defence already has an existing multi‑year contract with Google for Secret‑level cloud hosting and data services. This contract provides secure cloud capability across Defence for at least five years.

The Ministry of Defence is on course to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web (DTW) later this year which is part of the wider modernisation of targeting, intelligence, and command‑and‑control systems across Defence. Separately from DTW, Defence already has an existing multi‑year contract with Google for Secret‑level cloud hosting and data services. This contract provides secure cloud capability across Defence for at least five years.

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

The undergraduate drone degree is designed to equip students with the technical skills required to build, upgrade and sustain drone systems, rather than to train them in their operational use. Some elements of the programme will involve students working with industry and defence partners on practical problem solving projects, which may include challenges linked to the operational employment of drones in combat settings.

Students on the programme will not participate in military exercises. However, having Army personnel learning alongside civilian students, supported by academic staff and defence contractors, will provide valuable insight into the realities of operating drones in contested environments and supports a collaborative approach to innovation.

The course does not provide training in how to operate drones; this is delivered separately through the Army’s existing small Uncrewed Aircraft Systems training pathways. Instead, the degree focuses on ensuring personnel have the technical knowledge and engineering expertise to sustain and adapt drone systems at the pace required by rapidly evolving operational demands, as seen in Ukraine

There is no specialist RAF counter-drone unit currently stationed in Denmark.

A small number of personnel from the RAF Regiment's No2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) Wing deployed to Denmark in October 2025 at the request of the Danish Government who were hosting two major European summits.

All personnel and equipment returned to the UK after the conclusion of the summits.

There is no specialist RAF counter-drone unit currently stationed in Denmark.

A small number of personnel from the RAF Regiment's No2 Counter Uncrewed Air Systems (CUAS) Wing deployed to Denmark in October 2025 at the request of the Danish Government who were hosting two major European summits.

All personnel and equipment returned to the UK after the conclusion of the summits.

The XV Patrick Blackett is an experimental vessel, operating under a Blue Ensign. While it is in service with the Royal Navy to test new technologies, as an experimental vessel it is not a commissioned warship.

One facility—the NATO Intelligence Fusion Centre (NIFC)—is located at RAF Molesworth, a United States Visiting Forces (USVF) base, in Cambridgeshire.

The Army is currently planning to use the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) for the testing of uncrewed systems in the spring of this year, supported by uncrewed trials expertise from the Joint 744 Naval Air Squadron. Plans beyond this and the future use of BATUS is dependent upon the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

The Northern Ireland Troubles Bill introduces five protections that have been specifically designed for veterans. They will apply to all those required to give evidence to the Legacy Commission.

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

My Ministerial colleagues and I routinely meet with the Single Service Chiefs, where we discuss a range of priority Defence matters.

The hon. Member will understand that it would be inappropriate to comment further on these discussions.

As noted by the Defence Secretary last week, one UK military officer joined a reconnaissance visit to Greenland, in an observational capacity, at the request of the Danish Government. This was not a deployment of forces to Greenland, but a military recce ahead of future Danish-led exercise activity. These sorts of visits are a routine part of military planning ahead of exercises and operations, and we regularly join allies on their recces. Discussions are ongoing between Allies on how NATO can step up to bolster security in the High North to rapidly address the increasing threat from Russia.

A total of 123 claims directed against the Ministry of Defence and other public bodies will be unfrozen under the Remedial Order. The Department is currently named as a defendant in 966 claims, including those restarting following the Remedial Order. However, itis not the primary or sole defendant in all of these cases.

This information is commercially sensitive and is therefore not suitable for public release. This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest and provide value for money for the taxpayer. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

Nonetheless, this Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the EU and its Member States on defence and security, in line with our NATO First policy, to support our defence objectives and provide value for the UK taxpayer.

This information is commercially sensitive and is therefore not suitable for public release. This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest and provide value for money for the taxpayer. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard.

Nonetheless, this Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the EU and its Member States on defence and security, in line with our NATO First policy, to support our defence objectives and provide value for the UK taxpayer.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant.

Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant.

Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant.

Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

Since my Written Statement on 22 January 2026, I can confirm that there are less than five personnel remaining in the medical chain. We continue to ensure they receive necessary support.

The Ministry of Defence has not done any such an assessment. It is the personal responsibility of all former Regular Service or current Volunteer Reserve Personnel, including Government Ministers, to determine whether they are affected by the Armed Forces Bill 2026 Reserves measures.

Any member of the Regular force or Volunteer Reserve on the day that the regulations come into force will be affected by these measures, though they will have the option to opt-out. Those who have already left the Regulars or Volunteer Reserve or if their liability stemming from Regular Service has now lapsed or they never had one, will not be affected. They will have the option, however, to opt in to the changes.

The Defence Industrial Strategy recognises combat air as a priority national security sub-sector, requiring a degree of autonomy in the UK. The Defence Industrial Strategy underlines this government's commitment to maintaining sovereign capabilities across the Defence enterprise. The United Kingdom already has a world-class combat air production and manufacturing ecosystem, supported through large-scale international partnerships as well as targeted domestic investment.

Steps taken to maintain this capacity include the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), supporting export campaigns of Typhoon aircraft, upgrading our own combat aircraft, and continuing our investment in the global F-35 programme.

The health and safety of our Service personnel will always remain my top priority. The problems with the Armoured Cavalry programme (commonly known as Ajax) are a matter of public record under the last Government.

As reported to the House in my recent Written Statement dated 22 January 2026, a number of personnel reported noise and vibration symptoms during Exercise TITAN STORM in November 2025. Following a second separate incident that I reported to the House on 18 December 2025, I directed a pause on all Ajax trials and testing.

It is clear that soldiers suffered symptoms resembling those of noise and vibration during the Exercise in November 2025 and we need to find out why from our further investigations. Investigations remain ongoing and I will provide an update to the House when I am in receipt of their findings.

We are working to deliver the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendation to grow the Cadet Forces by 30% by 2030. This will entail increasing cadet numbers both in community-based units, and in Combined Cadets Force (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.

Defence is considering ways of encouraging more young people to join the Cadet Forces. For the CCF, these may include the development of a Pathfinder Programme delivered in schools by accessing on-line resources and with limited equipment issued by the Ministry of Defence, as well as introducing a junior entry level to the CCF at age 11. These would give schools the opportunity to understand more about the benefits of the cadet experience for pupils whilst also attracting more young people.

The SDR also recommended that there should be a greater focus within the cadets on developing Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics skills and exploring modern technology. By ensuring that the cadet experience is relevant and valued by young people, we will attract more to join.

285 new students have enrolled in the latest cohort, taking the total number of students to 500. This follows an announcement in October 2025, where the Ministry of Defence expanded the scheme to 500 fully funded places for college-age students across Lancashire. This information is provided below:

All students are based in Lancashire, through partnerships with Digital Skills for Defence (DS4D) and the Lancashire Skills and Employment Hub.

As I advised in my Written Statement on 22 January 2026, the outcome of the Ministerial review concluded that Departmental submissions were accurate in declaring Ajax as safe to operate. However, it also found Ministers should have been briefed more comprehensively in relation to operational impact and the nuanced risks of operating safely. Importantly, submissions did not reflect the full breadth of known aggregated safety risk, particularly regarding vibration related injuries and historical programme issues.