Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure female armed forces personnel are equipped with properly fitted, purpose-designed body armour.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

The Department’s priority is to ensure all service personnel receive appropriate and equitable levels of protection. We are initiating a capability change project for Complex Geometry Body Armour, which will include the development of a suitable testing regime and Human Factors Integration work to ensure this capability delivers improved fit and operational effectiveness for servicewomen.

In parallel, we will continue the procurement of Tactical Ballistic Plates, which will replace the in-service single-sized OSPREY plates. These will be available in four sizes to provide an improved fit for a wider range of personnel and reduced weight for most users, with initial deliveries expected from 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Cabinet Office guidance entitled May 2026 Elections: guidance on conduct for civil servants, updated on 2 March 2026, has affected the timing of the publication of the Defence Investment Plan.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

We will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) when it is ready. It is essential that we take the time required to ensure decisions are robust and support the transformation of the Armed Forces outlined in the Strategic Defence Review. Once finalised, the DIP will be laid before Parliament in accordance with the appropriate Parliamentary procedures.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 20 April 2026 to Question 125362 on USA:Anniversaries, whether his Department has accepted the invitation by Sail Boston to showcase a Daring Class Destroyer between 11 to 16 July 2026.

Answered by Al Carns

HM Government continues to support the USA in the celebration of their 250^th anniversary, highlighted through the State Visit of His Majesty the King. The Ministry of Defence does not comment on future ship movements or commitments for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 20 April 2026 to question 125519 on Navy: Guided Weapons, by when does he plan to have achieved a) Initial Operating Capability and b) Full Operating Capability for the Mk 41 vertical launch system.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence continues to progress integration of the Mk 41 Vertical Launch System across relevant platforms. In-service dates remain subject to ongoing programme delivery, integration activity, and approval processes, and will be confirmed in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is using the Belfast International airport to support military operations targeting Iran.

Answered by Al Carns

Neither Belfast International Airport nor Aldergrove Flying Station, that shares runways with the airport, have been used by the British Military to support the UK's approach in relation to Iran, which is focused on de-escalation, regional stability, and the protection of UK personnel and regional allies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how his Department intends to evaluate progress towards increasing the proportion of defence spending directed towards emerging technologies during this Parliament.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS) highlights the need for an innovative defence industry that adapts to changing warfare by utilising data, software, procurement, exports, innovation, and R&D to promote UK science and emerging technologies, including clean technology.

Following on from the DIS and the Strategic Defence Review. UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been established to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology, as part of the Government’s drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change.

UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026 and will have a ringfenced budget of at least £400 million from financial year 2025-26 with the ambition for this to rise as UKDI becomes established.

The Ministry of Defence will evaluate progress by regularly reviewing defence spending data to measure the proportion allocated to emerging technologies, setting clear targets, and reporting on these metrics to ensure commitments made for this Parliament are met.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of neo-prime defence companies on returns on investment for defence procurement.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As outlined in the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence needs to look beyond traditional defence companies to redefine the industrial base, reflecting the deep range of partners and expertise both within our traditional defence sector but also those in adjacent sectors. To improve value for money, we are opening-up procurement to innovative, non traditional suppliers, accelerating delivery through spiral development, and strengthening competition — ensuring we deliver more capable outcomes to the front line at better value for the taxpayer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the scope is of the recent alignment between the Oils and Pipelines Agency and the National Armaments Director Group.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) remains a statutory public corporation established by the Oil and Pipelines Act 1985 and wholly owned by the Secretary of State for Defence. However, the recent alignment of the OPA with the National Armaments Director Group, will enable better coherence of energy governance and delivery within Defence.

Specifically, aligning the OPA’s energy expertise with NAD Group will enable OPA to better inform, align with, and deliver Defence requirements through supporting the delivery, maintenance, and operation of key Defence energy capabilities.

Resultingly, the NAD Group can ensure energy infrastructure is managed as a core, governed capability that underpins readiness, resilience, and operational energy across Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many operational vessels are currently available to the Royal Navy with hospital or casualty receiving facilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

All Royal Navy major surface combatants have integral medical facilities capable of receiving and treating casualties. The availability and scale of these is dependent on operational tasking. Both Queen Elizabeth-class aircraft carriers, all the Type 45 destroyers and the three Bay Class RFAs are capable of delivering consultant-led pre- and deployed hospital patient care. This comprehensive facility is also incorporated into the design of Type 26 City-class Frigates.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 22 April 2026 to question 127881 on Ukraine: Military Aid, what is the projected cost to the core defence budget of the UK lead contribution to MNFU.

Answered by Al Carns

The Ministry of Defence invested £0.2 billion last financial year to prepare the UK Armed Forces for potential deployment as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine (MNFU).

Future costs will depend on the scale, scope and duration of any deployment and will be considered as part of the Ministry of Defence’s normal planning and budgeting processes.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve access to defence research and development funding for small and medium‑sized businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) has been established to harness UK ingenuity and boost military technology, as part of the Government’s drive to turbocharge innovation in defence and deliver growth as part of the Plan for Change.

UKDI will be fully operational by July 2026 and will have a ringfenced budget of at least £400 million from financial year 2025-26 with the ambition for this to rise as UKDI becomes established.

The Ministry of Defence works closely with UK industry and academia, including Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SME), to identify and invest in innovative technologies that address our most pressing capability challenges. This includes businesses specialising in software, artificial intelligence, and data analytics.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the role of software firms in advancing defence research and development, compared to traditional prime defence contractors.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Department recognises that software firms are increasingly vital to defence research and development, providing specialised expertise and innovation in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and data analytics. While traditional prime contractors continue to play a key role in large-scale system integration and delivery, software companies complement this by accelerating technological advancement and agility.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what mechanisms are used to determine whether UK bases are used for offensive or defensive operations in support of allied military action.

Answered by Al Carns

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how his Department defines novel technologies, with regard to the commitment in the Strategic Defence Review that at least 10 per cent of equipment spending be allocated to such technologies.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Government has set out its ambition for the Ministry of Defence to spend at least 10% of its equipment procurement budget on novel technologies, including areas such as uncrewed and autonomous systems and AI-enabled capabilities. Work is currently ongoing across the Department, to develop the policy arrangements underpinning this commitment in order to support effective prioritisation, reporting and delivery. The formal framework, including the definition of novel technologies, will be finalised as part of the Defence Investment Plan which will set out Defence’s approach to delivering against this ambition.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 20 April 2026 to question 125513 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, by when does he plan to have completed the Block 4 upgrade programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I have nothing to add to the answer I gave the hon. Member on 20 April 2026 to Question 125513:

We do not routinely comment on detailed delivery schedules. However, the Block 4 upgrade programme continues, it did not impact the declaration of Lightning Full Operating Capability. The Block 4 upgrade programme will further develop our world leading Combat Air capability, the UK Lightning, through improvements in lethality, survivability and supportability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25th of March 2026, which Royal Naval ships have been deployed to carry out this task.

Answered by Al Carns

The Royal Navy routinely deploys a range of maritime assets to monitor, track and, where appropriate, take action against vessels of concern in and around UK waters.

For reasons of operational security, it is the Department’s longstanding policy not to comment on the specific Royal Navy ships deployed to undertake such tasks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what support is given to military personnel to find NHS dentists in their area when they have to move so frequently.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Armed Forces personnel in the UK receive dental care through Defence Medical Command (DMedC) to ensure operational readiness. This service is available to all regular uniformed personnel, while families stationed overseas are supported by Defence Primary Healthcare (DPHC) clinics. Within the UK, families and dependents usually access NHS dental care. The department recognises this can be challenging due to location changes and is engaged with the NHS to support access for Armed Forces' families to NHS dental care.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the legal and strategic framework governing the use of UK bases by overseas countries in future conflicts.

Answered by Al Carns

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the role that Ministers play in authorising the use of UK bases for US military strikes.

Answered by Al Carns

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Government authorisation is required for refuelling, staging, maintenance, intelligence support and overflight, in addition to aircraft launching from UK territory.

Answered by Al Carns

Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity. This includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered extending the Lancaster House Treaties to include a formal mechanism for Franco-British cooperation on Arctic and High North security.

Answered by Al Carns

NATO provides the formal mechanism for Franco-British cooperation on Arctic and High North security. The UK and France work closely together on NATO's Arctic Sentry mission which is a critical and proportionate step to bolster security in the Arctic and High North.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether missions supported from UK bases are approved on a case-by-case basis.

Answered by Al Carns

Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity. This includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered inviting French forces to participate in Arctic cold-weather training at Camp Viking in Norway under the framework of the Lancaster House Treaties.

Answered by Al Carns

The UK, France and other Allies already engage in cold weather training together in Norway through exercise COLD RESPONSE.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he reviews target-level information before approving United States missions supported from UK bases.

Answered by Al Carns

As announced by the Prime Minister on 1 March 2026, 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.

All UK support to allies for operational purposes considers the legal basis and policy rationale for any proposed activity. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information on the detail of foreign nations' military operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what legal basis under international law underpins the Government’s definition of “defensive operations” in relation to support for United States military activity.

Answered by Al Carns

As stated by the Prime Minister on 2 March 2026, our action is rooted in the principle of collective self‑defence of regional partners and in the protection of British lives. We have published a summary of our legal position, which sets this out clearly. We will keep this decision under review.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what UK locations, including civilian airports, have been used to support United States aircraft transiting to operations in the Middle East since the start of the Iran conflict in February 2026.

Answered by Al Carns

For operational security reasons, we will not comment further on foreign nations’ military aircraft movements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether former reservists subject to recall under the Armed Forces Bill will apply retrospectively to Reservists who served before the bill passed.

Answered by Al Carns

Former reservists who left before the Armed Forces Bill 2026 was passed will not be subject to recall retrospectively. However, those who have left service may choose to opt in to recall liability if they wish. Those personnel who are currently serving will also have the opportunity to opt-out.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what capabilities Middle East partner nations have procured through Task Force Sabre.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Task Force Sabre and the UK Government have facilitated and supported Middle East partner nations to procure short-range air defence launchers, advanced ground-based missile shields, and counter-drone systems. The Ministry of Defence continues to work with allies and industry to ensure that capabilities are delivered where required. Due to operational sensitivity, it is inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with allies to support deterrence and security in the Taiwan Strait.

Answered by Al Carns

Over one third of global maritime trade passes through the South China Sea. Consequently, all countries have a clear interest in peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait. The UK's position is consistent: that any cross-Strait issues must be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, CP1338, published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on strengthening the interoperability of UK and Italy’s carrier strike groups.

Answered by Al Carns

Italy is a close NATO ally of the United Kingdom, and as carrier nations that both operate F-35B aircraft there is consistent collaboration, both bilaterally and through the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative (ECGII).

As part of Operation HIGHMAST, UK and Italian Carrier Strike Groups conducted integrated carrier operations in the Mediterranean Sea, which included the embarkation of Italian F-35Bs aboard HMS PRINCE OF WALES, with UK F-35s also operating onboard ITS CAVOUR.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with the Secretary of State for Education on improving support for Service children with special educational needs and disabilities.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

I have engaged with Department for Education (DfE) Ministers, including my hon. Friend, the Minister for Early Years Education (Olivia Bailey). We have discussed SEND support for children from Armed Forces Families and how the launch of the DfE’s Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) programme has specific reference to Armed Forces families. One of the key areas of delivery provided by the BSFH will be early intervention support for families with children (0-five years old) with SEND and offer SEND support for children and young people up to the age of 25.

Ministry of Defence (MOD) officials have collaborated with the DfE leading up to the launch of the Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) programme, resulting in the BSFH guidance for local authorities including specific reference to supporting Armed Forces Families. The MOD have also been working with the Local Government Association, who have been commissioned to deliver the BSFH toolkits for the local authorities to base their delivery around.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent assessment he has made of the feasibility of keeping Britannia Royal Naval College open (a) until 2040 and (b) after 2040.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Britannia Royal Naval College (BRNC) at Dartmouth continues to play a central role in the training of Royal Navy officers. There are no plans to close the establishment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he last held discussions with Scottish Ministers on Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Scotland.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

On 12 March 2026, as part of the Scotland Defence Growth Deal, we announced our stated ambition to establish two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, aligned to support the defence clusters in the East and West of Scotland. This was contingent on the Scottish Government providing match-funding for our £10 million investment.

On the same day, together with the Secretary of State for Scotland, I wrote to Scottish Government ministers seeking this commitment. We are still awaiting their response.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2026 to question 126820 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, following statement HCWS1545, published on 28 April 2026, when is the Independent Expert Panel Review final report scheduled to be published.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I can confirm the Independent Expert Panel Review has now concluded and the report is being reviewed. As I have done since Exercise Titan Storm I will continue to update the House on progress with Ajax.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made in establishing a third F-35 squadron by 2033.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

All spending decisions on capabilities are taken as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army, published on 13 May 2026, how many tranches of RCH155 delivery will be split over; and on what dates each tranche is scheduled for delivery.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

RCH 155 will be delivered individually rather than in tranches. Deliveries are expected to take place between 2028 and 2032.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has undertaken analysis on the likelihood of (a) Egypt, (b) Japan, (c) Saudi Arabia, (d) South Korea, (e) Turkey and (f) Taiwan obtaining independent nuclear deterrents.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK keeps the global nuclear proliferation landscape under close and continuous review. Any further nuclear proliferation would not make the world a safer place and would undermine the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, which remains the cornerstone of the international non-proliferation architecture. I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that assessments on proliferation are not publicly released.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what data do Palantir’s Forward Deployed Engineers have access to within the Ministry of Defence.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Forward Deployed Engineers only have access to the data needed to undertake their specific tasks, they do not have unrestricted access to Defence data. Access is strictly limited, approved and controlled by the Ministry of Defence through role-based permissions, contractual safeguards and oversight arrangements, with all data remaining sovereign to the Department, and under the Department’s control at all times.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when does he plan to issue an update to the National Shipbuilding Strategy.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is fully committed to supporting our sovereign shipbuilding and maritime technology industries, which collectively offer high potential as an engine for growth.

The National Shipbuilding Office is currently developing a new Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan with the aim to publish later in 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, by what year does he plan to deliver the Long-Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Long-Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon remains in its early concept phase. The Ministry of Defence continues to mature the requirement and will determine delivery timelines subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to improve mine hunting capabilities.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is improving mine hunting capabilities through the development and introduction of autonomous, remote and uncrewed systems under the Programme of Record Mine Hunting Capability Block 1 and 2 programmes.

Block 1 capability is being brought into service ready for deployment, while investment has been approved in the initial stages of Block 2 to deliver a more enduring and scalable capability, improving operational effectiveness and enhancing force protection.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will raise the issue of the safety of UK military vessels transiting to and from Gibraltar, and to seek reassurances that Royal Navy vessels will not be impeded or put at risk by Spanish authorities.

Answered by Al Carns

The UK expects all states to act in accordance with international law, including respecting freedom of navigation and the United Kingdom’s sovereignty over British Gibraltar Territorial Waters. Royal Navy vessels continue to operate from Gibraltar in support of UK interests and in accordance with international law.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential merits of collaborating with the US Navy on the F/A-XX programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK continues to work closely with the United States Navy on future combat air capabilities. The UK is not a partner in the F/A-XX programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on the Type 83 design process; and whether it will be ready by 2038.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I refer the hon. Member to my response to question 106653:

The Type 83 concept is currently under review against the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy Strategy. Future business case approval remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, from what financial year will the 10-year Defence Investment Plan start.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Investment Plan will set out an affordable and deliverable plan for Defence for the next 10 years, detailing the Department's investment priorities and the capabilities required to meet emerging threats. It will be published as soon as possible.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential threat of the Russian Amur Class Repair Ship PM-82 to the Galloper wind farm array when operating in its vicinity on 5 May 2026.

Answered by Al Carns

While it is not routine practice to comment on the operational activity or intent of individual foreign vessels, the Ministry of Defence keeps all potential threats to the UK under constant review. This includes threats to critical national infrastructure, such as offshore energy installations.

The Government continues to strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure through the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. This includes initiatives such as Atlantic Bastion, which enhance the UK’s ability to deter, detect and respond to threats in the maritime domain.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential risk of Russian Yasen class submarines transiting the Greenland-Iceland-UK gap.

Answered by Al Carns

While it is not routine practice to comment on the operational activity or intent of individual foreign vessels, the Ministry of Defence keeps all potential threats to the UK under constant review. This includes threats to critical national infrastructure, such as offshore energy installations.

The Government continues to strengthen the protection of critical national infrastructure through the implementation of the Strategic Defence Review. This includes initiatives such as Atlantic Bastion, which enhance the UK’s ability to deter, detect and respond to threats in the maritime domain.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many development contracts have been awarded following the deadline for proposals under Project Nightfall.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Contracts have been signed and will be announced shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support service children with SEND to maintain consistent standards of education.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Supporting all Armed Forces families is of great importance to me, and I have regular engagement with Department for Education (DfE) ministers, including my hon. Friend, the Minister for Early Years Education (Olivia Bailey) with whom I have discussed SEND support for Service children. Another outcome of these discussions is that the DfE’s Best Start Family Hub (BSFH) programme includes specific reference to Armed Forces families. One of the key areas of delivery provided by the BSFH will be early intervention support for families with children (0-5 years old) with SEND and offer SEND support for children and young people up to the age of 25.

Additionally, MOD officials have worked closely with the DfE leading up to the launch of the BSFH programme, resulting in guidance for local authorities who support Armed Forces Families. The MOD have also been working with the Local Government Association, who have been commissioned to deliver the BSFH toolkits.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many times Ministers from his Department have attended UK conferences, trade shows and exhibitions in each year since 2023.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

Information on this is published online quarterly within the Transparency Returns and is available on GOV.UK

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the maintenance backlog for Royal Air Force Air Cadets Unit Headquarters.

Answered by Louise Sandher-Jones - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)

As defined in previous responses to the hon. Member, I am interpreting 'headquarters' to be Royal Air Force (RAF) Air Cadet Squadron buildings. It is taking time to collate the entirety of all maintenance requirements for each RAF Air Cadet Squadron, and I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken on (1) Project Beehive, (2) the Marine Mine Counter Measures programme, (3) SeaCat and (4) the repairs to HMS Bangor.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Royal Navy has a comprehensive Mine Warfare capability across crewed ships and an increasing number of uncrewed systems. The updates requested are listed below:

1. Project BEEHIVE - 10 of the 20 craft ordered have been delivered.
2. MMCM – RNMB ADVENTURE, the second of four planned vessels has been received.
3. SeaCat – SeaCat Uncrewed Underwater Vessels have been in service with the Mine Threat Exploitation Group since Nov 2024.
4. HMS Bangor – Repairs are underway to ensure the vessel is returned to service safely and efficiently.
   

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