Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had with defence companies and advanced manufacturing clusters in Scotland on collaborating with Ukrainian partners on the development of air defence, drone and electronic warfare technologies.

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

I have held multiple discussions with defence companies and Scottish stakeholders on collaboration with Ukrainian partners in air defence, uncrewed systems, and electronic warfare. In March, I led the seventh and largest UK defence trade mission to Ukraine, including Scottish businesses, with support from my Department and ADS. We are also helping UK industry—including Scottish companies—establish a lasting presence via the Business Centre in Kyiv and develop further capabilities in partnership with Ukraine’s defence ecosystem.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports, published on 2 March 2026, whether he plans to deliver the new medium-lift helicopter as an uncrewed capability in the (a) current or (b) next Parliament.

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

The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) has been procured with an open architecture that will enable integration with crewed and uncrewed systems as future requirements and funding are defined by Defence. This approach is supported by the wider benefits delivered through the £1 billion NMH contract, which secures thousands of skilled UK jobs, significantly increases UK industrial workshare, and establishes Yeovil as Leonardo’s global centre of excellence for autonomous helicopter technology.

These investments strengthen the UK’s long-term capacity to develop and exploit emerging uncrewed aviation capabilities. While this provides a clear pathway for future interoperability, the platform will not be delivered as an uncrewed capability in this Parliament or the next.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Billion-pound helicopter deal secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit and unlocks up to £15 billion in UK exports, published on 2 March 2026, whether he plans to integrate new medium-lift helicopter with uncrewed aircraft in the (a) current or (b) next Parliament.

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

The New Medium Helicopter (NMH) has been procured with an open architecture that will enable integration with crewed and uncrewed systems as future requirements and funding are defined by Defence. This approach is supported by the wider benefits delivered through the £1 billion NMH contract, which secures thousands of skilled UK jobs, significantly increases UK industrial workshare, and establishes Yeovil as Leonardo’s global centre of excellence for autonomous helicopter technology.

These investments strengthen the UK’s long-term capacity to develop and exploit emerging uncrewed aviation capabilities. While this provides a clear pathway for future interoperability, the platform will not be delivered as an uncrewed capability in this Parliament or the next.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to announce his plans to increase defence spending to 3% of GDP (a) before or (b) after the next NATO threat and capability review.

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

The Government has already committed to spending 3% of GDP in the next parliament, when fiscal and economic conditions allow.

Furthermore, in June last year the UK made a historic commitment to spend 5% of GDP on core defence and national security by 2035.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential merits of deploying additional missile defence systems to allies in the Gulf, such as the UAE and Bahrain.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

This remains an extremely challenging and unsettling time for many across the Middle East. The UK condemns Iran’s role in attempting to draw the region into a wider conflict. Our priority is to protect British nationals, British interests and our partners and allies in the Gulf. We support action that will help bring a swift resolution to this conflict, and an end to Iran's reckless and escalatory response

As part of our contribution, the UK has deployed additional military capabilities to the region. As confirmed by the Prime Minister in his statement on 5 March 2026, an additional four Typhoon aircraft are now deployed to Qatar to provide regional defensive counter air including UAE and Bahrain. RAF Typhoon and F-35 aircraft are continuing air operations over Jordan, Qatar, and Cyprus and the wider Gulf region in defence of British interests and allies.

We continue to assess other assistance requested from our regional partners.

Ministry of Defence are leveraging the expertise of British Defence Industry to enhance our regional partners’ defensive capabilities, particularly regarding C-UAS and Air Defence. Defence Attachés in the region have an updated list of UK companies who have capability to support have been engaging with our partners across the Gulf to understand their requests.

We are working at pace to match Middle East requirements with Industry offers. We are also facilitating Government to Industry (G2I) connections for Middle East countries and UK Industry to hasten support to our regional partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to ensure that the British Armed Forces are equipped to face current and future threats.

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

The Ministry of Defence employs a rigorous approach to identify and mitigate risks arising from changes in the threat picture or gaps in defence capability, ensuring the coherent delivery of defence's strategic and operational objectives. The Strategic Defence Review sets out recommendations to enhance the readiness, agility and lethality of our armed forces, which will be implemented through the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, ensuring our armed forces have the capabilities to tackle current and future threats alongside our allies and partners.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has met with representatives from the defence industry on the potential impact of the time taken to publish the Defence Investment Plan on closures of UK defence firms.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence and other Defence Ministers engage regularly with a wide range of industry stakeholders which make us aware of industry's requirements. These are through established forums, bilateral meetings, and routine commercial engagement, where we comply with market regulation on disclosure of information.

We have signed 4,010 Defence contracts since July 2024, including 1,335 with a value of £1 million or more, and spent more than £31 billion with UK industry last year – an above inflation increase in spending.

This Government has announced a billion-pound helicopter deal which secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit, and supports industry and exports. This demonstrates our commitment to strengthening sovereign industrial capability and modernising key battlefield support assets.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential impact of the time taken to publish the Defence Investment Plan on the UK defence industry.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence and other Defence Ministers engage regularly with a wide range of industry stakeholders which make us aware of industry's requirements. These are through established forums, bilateral meetings, and routine commercial engagement, where we comply with market regulation on disclosure of information.

We have signed 4,010 Defence contracts since July 2024, including 1,335 with a value of £1 million or more, and spent more than £31 billion with UK industry last year – an above inflation increase in spending.

This Government has announced a billion-pound helicopter deal which secures 3,300 British jobs, boosts battlefield kit, and supports industry and exports. This demonstrates our commitment to strengthening sovereign industrial capability and modernising key battlefield support assets.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the recommendations of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published 8 September 2026, what progress his Department has made on publishing a Defence Finance and Investment Strategy.

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

Good progress is being made on the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, which will be published in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many Afghan nationals who supported British military or civilian staff in NATO and International Security Assistance Force command structures have applied under category 4 of the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy; and how many of those applicants were found to be (1) eligible, and (2) ineligible.

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

It is not possible to provide a comprehensive breakdown of figures by employment dates or job roles, including those who worked in NATO and International Security Assistance Force command structures. This is because this information is not presented in a format that is readily available, nor included in published statistics.

Each ARAP scheme application is assessed individually against the eligibility criteria outlined under the Immigration Rules: Appendix ARAP. Applicants cannot directly apply under a particular category. Further information on this can be found in the attached and at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy-information-and-guidance#eligibility-under-the-arap

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many of the 13,958 principal applicants to the Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy found to be ineligible were Afghan nations who served alongside UK forces in roles not directly employed by the UK, including personnel attached to NATO and International Security Assistance Force missions.

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

It is not possible to provide a comprehensive breakdown of figures by employment dates or job roles, including those who worked in NATO and International Security Assistance Force command structures. This is because this information is not presented in a format that is readily available, nor included in published statistics.

Each ARAP scheme application is assessed individually against the eligibility criteria outlined under the Immigration Rules: Appendix ARAP. Applicants cannot directly apply under a particular category. Further information on this can be found in the attached and at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy-information-and-guidance#eligibility-under-the-arap

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government when they will publish auditable cost records for Afghan resettlement schemes.

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

Afghan resettlement is a cross-Government effort, with costs incurred by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and other Government departments including the Home Office, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government, and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office.

On 18 March 2026, the NAO published a report which detailed the costs of the Afghan Resettlement Programme (ARP) in response to the Department’s provision of information on MOD spending to the NAO. Part Three of this report sets out funding for the schemes, the costs incurred to date, and expected future costs. This report can be accessed via the link below:

https://www.nao.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/investigation-into-the-afghan-resettlement-schemes.pdf

The report lays out that, since 2021, His Majesty’s Government (HMG) has spent £3.1 billion on the ARP. HMG estimates a total cost of £5.5-6 billion on Afghan resettlement activity throughout the life of the programme. This figure is kept under review using the latest data available.

The MOD and its cross-Government partners will continue to update Parliament including the Audit and Risk Assurance Committee in line with usual processes throughout the course of the ARP.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assurances they have received from Palantir about the government of the USA's designation of Anthropic as a supply chain risk.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) requires all suppliers, including Palantir, to meet UK Government security and supply chain assurance standards. Palantir remains subject to ongoing MOD commercial and security oversight, and the MOD is satisfied that appropriate assurances are in place.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have authorised any strikes on Iranian civilian medical facilities by US planes using UK military bases.

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

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Royal Navy T45 Destroyers have been upgraded with Sea Ceptor CAMM.

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

Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 Destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities in the surface fleet.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the letter written to the Defence Committee entitled Ministry of Defence paper providing information on Defence Reform, published on 21 October 2025, if he will list the quarterly reform programme milestones and if they were reached in financial year 2024-25.

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

During financial year 2024–25, Defence Reform made progress against its programme milestones, including the establishment of new Defence structures and strengthened arrangements at the centre of the Department. This comprised the creation of a Military Strategic Headquarters and a National Armaments Director Group, alongside enhanced roles for the Department of State and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise. These milestones were supported by the introduction of collective senior leadership arrangements to drive a Defence which is more concentrated on strengthening warfighting readiness and deterrence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation on the Ajax programme has concluded.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme has concluded.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to present the Army investigation on the Ajax programme.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, whether the new Task Force will advise on his Department's munitions stockpile levels.

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

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 a concomitant 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.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will present the findings from the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation on the Ajax programme to Parliament.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he will present the findings from the Army investigation on the Ajax programme to Parliament.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the safety investigation into the Ajax programme has concluded.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 24 March 2026 to Question 121649 to the hon. Member for Huntington (Mr Obese-Jecty).

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to help ensure that US military strikes on Iran from UK bases are compliant with international humanitarian law.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.

A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/summary-of-the-uk-government-legal-position-the-legality-of-defensive-action-in-respect-of-iranian-regional-attacks

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the UK has a role in the selection and verification of targets in Iran by the United States when using UK military bases.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Permissions to utilise UK military bases by foreign partners are considered on a case-by-case basis. All UK operational support to allies and partners is considered in terms of legality.

A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/summary-of-the-uk-government-legal-position-the-legality-of-defensive-action-in-respect-of-iranian-regional-attacks

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, how much will be spent on the purchase of Lightweight Multirole Missiles.

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

As announced, the UK intends to buy further Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM), to supply British forces and support partners in the Gulf region.

The Ministry of Defence is currently confirming price information with Industry. It is expected that a portion of the costs of purchase will fall to the UK, and a portion will fall to Gulf partner nations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when Glenart Castle Mess in Longbridge, Birmingham will reopen.

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

Glenart Castle Mess is anticipated to reopen in Summer 2026.

The closure of the Mess has no impact on Defence’s ability to meet its contractual obligations with the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham, where the majority of personnel based at Glenart Castle routinely work.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether Land Ceptor is capable of ballistic missile interception.

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

Sky Sabre is a system of systems made up of radars, Command and Control nodes and Land Ceptor launchers. The Land Ceptor is not configured for Ballistic Missile Defence capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what was the total value of non-contractual severance payments across the department in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the response provided to Question 121694 on 25 March 2026 to the hon. Member for South Holland and The Deepings (Sir John Hayes).

Figures for financial year 2025-26 will be published later this year in the Departmental Annual Report and Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the Strategic Defence Review.

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

The Government has made significant progress on Strategic Defence Review (SDR) implementation since it was published last June. Examples include:

CyberEM Command: The Defence Cyber and Electromagnetic Force (DCEM Force) was established on time and is now up and running, within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (November 2025). SDR Rec 51

MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of major overhaul of Defence’s intelligence organisations amid increasing threats to the UK and to keep Britain ahead of hostile states and terrorists (December 25). SDR Rec 54 and 56

Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 2025) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Rec 30

Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 2025), which will make Britain more secure from Russian undersea threats in the North Atlantic through a transformation of the Royal Navy and its submarine-hunting capabilities into an advanced hybrid force. SDR vision: Hybrid Navy

UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 2025) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million.

Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 2025); all staff have completed their migration to MOD systems. 2025 was the highest year for UK Defence exports in 40 years including landmark deals with Norway, worth £10 billion (T26 frigates; Aug 25), and Türkiye, worth £8 billion (Typhoons; October 2025). SDR Rec 12

DIS: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 2025) to take forward the SDR’s vision for radical reforms, growth, innovation, industrial resilience and warfighting readiness – backed by nearly £800 million this parliament. SDR Rec 3 and 8

Always on munitions: Defence announced a new programme to build factories of the future (November 2025) with at least 13 potential sites identified to manufacture munitions and explosives in the UK to create an always on capability. This is backed by £1.5 billion of new investment in this parliament and creating over 1,000 British jobs. SDR Rec 29

Housing: The Defence Housing Strategy 2025 (November 2025) set out £9 billion of investment over the next decade to upgrade 40,000 Forces’ family homes. An ambitious programme of work to urgently fix 1,000 military homes was completed ahead of schedule (December 2025). The programme of housing improvements, known as Raising the Minimum Standards, has seen significant work take place at service family homes across the UK. Legislation to establish a specialist arm’s length defence housing service is in the Armed Forces Bill, now in the Commons. SDR Rec 60

Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 2025) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies on the Chagos Islands of the joint naval exercises undertaken by South Africa with (a) China, (b) Russia and (c) other BRICS partners in South African waters in January 2026.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

There are no implications for the Ministry of Defence's policy on the Chagos Islands of South Africa's joint naval exercises in its waters.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 5 September 2025 to question 69493, how many: (a) Afghan Relocations and Assistance Policy (ARAP) reviews, and (b) Additional Family Member (AFM) reviews have been completed since 17 July 2025, what is the current mean average time for all ARAP and AFM reviews, and how many of each remain outstanding.

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

Since 17 July 2025, the MOD have made decisions on 618 ARAP reviews, and 178 AFM reviews.

Upon taking office, the government inherited a significant backlog in applications which we have been working through. As part of improving performance, I directed the Department to develop and implement ARAP Casework Key Performance Indictors (KPIs) based on the timeliness of decision making. These KPIs commit to indicative timeframes against each different types of ARAP Casework, albeit timelines may differ depending on the complexity of the case. Further information on KPIs is available in the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/afghan-relocations-and-assistance-policy/introduction-of-kpis-for-arap-eligibility-case-working

As of 19 March 2026, 3,487 valid ARAP reviews and 828 valid ARAP AFM reviews remain outstanding from the total number received. A valid review is one which is appropriately and sequentially raised.

The current mean average time for processing all ARAP and AFM reviews, closed with a decision made, is 159 days and 322 days respectively.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK defence industry steps up support for Gulf partners facing Iranian attacks, published on 18 March 2026, when the new Task Force will be fully operational.

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

Task Force Sabre, led by 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.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the response of the Permanent Secretary to Question 33 in the Defence Committee Session on MoD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, HC 1779 on 17 March 2026, whether everyone across Government refers specifically to ministers.

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

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the a) concept and b) assessment phases of the Future Air Dominance System are scheduled to commence.

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

The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme is already in its Concept Phase, following approval of its Strategic Outline Case in 2025. The commencement of subsequent phases will be subject to future approvals in line with Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of using bareboat chartering commercial vessels to augment the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s work supporting Royal Navy operations.

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

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary continues to provide the Royal Navy’s afloat support using its own civilian crewed vessels.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department monitors the outcomes of individual strikes on Iran by the United States when using UK military bases, including monitoring for civilian casualties or damage to civilian objects.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The agreement allowing the US to use UK military bases is for specific and limited defensive action against missile facilities in Iran which were involved in launching strikes at regional allies and ships in the Strait of Hormuz. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 December to Question 93395 on Defence, what recent progress he has made on implementing the national conversation on defence and security.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Cabinet Office and wider Government Departments, contributing towards cross-Government efforts to increase public awareness and resilience to the most serious risks we face, including conflict scenarios.

This is supported by the Prime Minister’s comments at a recent Liaison Committee Oral evidence session, highlighting the Government’s commitment to bringing both industry and the wider public into the critical conversations needed to enable national readiness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will provide a list of the deployments issued by his Department to the Middle East since 1 January 2026, and the date they were issued.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

As per the Defence Secretary’s recent oral statement, our Armed Forces are working 24/7 to protect British lives and British interests in the region, and to support our regional partners. Deployments include air defence teams in Cyprus; counter-drone specialists in Iraq; and fast jet pilots in Qatar.

We do not publicly comment on exact details around operational deployments, as it would harm the capability, security and operational effectiveness of UK forces.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the benefits of purchasing the Patriot anti-missile system from the United States.

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

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 our investment of up to £1 billion on Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s award notice entitled UK5 - Transparency Notice, published 17 December 2025, what definition the Department uses for technical lock‑in.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not use a single formal definition of ‘technical lock in’. In the context of the referenced award, the term is used to describe situations where changing a supplier would create disproportionate operational technical difficulty, disruption, or incompatibility with existing systems.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, what quantity of drones have been procured as part of the £450 million on Uncrewed Systems, broken down by (a) reconnaissance, (b) logistics, (c) FPV and (d) long-range one-way attack.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, how many contracts have been signed as a result of the £450 million spent on Uncrewed Systems since 5 July 2024.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, what percentage of the £450 million on Uncrewed Systems was spent on funding procurement for Ukraine.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, what percentage of the £450 million on Uncrewed Systems was spent with British companies.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, in relation to the £450 million spent on Uncrewed Systems, what the remaining £150 million that was not spent on research and development was spent on.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 December to Question 94229 on Autonomous Weapons: Procurement, how much of the £450 million spent on Uncrewed Systems was not spent on research and development.

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

The Ministry of Defence's (MOD) spend of over £450 million on drones does not include spend in support of Ukraine. Over £300 million of the total spend was on uncrewed systems research and development, and the remaining spent on uncrewed system procurement.

The MOD has had delivery of over 8,000 uncrewed systems since July 2024. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The MOD works with over 60 companies to deliver drones for defence, 17 of which are British Companies. We are unable to provide a figure of total drone contracts at this time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much his Department paid the Davies Group for services relating to the handling of civil compensation claims in each of the last five financial years.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 111121 on 23 March 2026.

This is available at: https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-02-05/111121

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total monetary value of the contract between his Department and the Davies Group for the handling, administration and negotiation of civil compensation claims against his Department.

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

The current contract limit of liability between the Ministry of Defence and the Davies Group is £10,195,000 ex VAT.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many civil servants in their Department were found to have broken the Civil Service Code in (a) 2024 and (b) 2025.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not centrally record the number of civil servants who have been found to have broken the Civil Service Code and this information could only be provided at disproportionate cost. To determine the number who had, this would require a manual check of every misconduct case with the outcome of a sanction and every case that was upheld or partially upheld to check if the Civil Service Code had been broken.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many departmental employees were on performance management plans in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to thorough performance management and has in place robust processes to ensure that those who fall below the expected standards are supported to improve in a timely manner.

Those who cannot improve their performance, despite this additional support, may be dismissed.

MOD Main, Defence Equipment & Support (DE&S), Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) and the Submarine Delivery Agency (SDA) do not centrally collate all performance management plans.

For MOD Main, informal improvement plans are not centrally recorded and are used as a way of monitoring performance in the initial, informal stage of the process. Where performance does not improve, employees enter the formal stage of the process with the requirement for actions and measures around improving their performance to be recorded.

Performance management activity in the SDA is managed locally by line managers with HR support as needed and recorded at an individual level.

Figures for the UK Hydrographic Office have been withheld due to the risk of identification.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will take steps to use disused defence estate for the purposes of veterans' (a) rehabilitation and (b) accommodation to help tackle (i) veteran homelessness, (ii) barriers to accessing mental health support and (iii) access to employment support.

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

Ministry of Defence (MOD) land, that is surplus to Defence requirements, is disposed of in accordance with MOD Policy, which is mandated by HM Treasury guidelines, in order to achieve best value for the taxpayer.

This government is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are easily able to access support on a wide range of issues, when and where it is needed. Late last year we launched a new Veterans Strategy which recognises veterans as a national asset and resets the nation’s relationship with those who have served.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in increasing naval interoperability between the Royal Navy and Norway under the Lunna House agreement.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

The UK continues to make strong progress in enhancing naval interoperability with Norway under the Lunna House agreement, with Royal Navy units continuing to work closely with their Norwegian counterparts to ensure both nations can operate seamlessly together in protecting shared security interests.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish any legal advice on UK participation in military operations connected to the conflict in the Middle East.

Answered by Al Carns - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)

A summary of the government’s legal position was published on gov.uk on 1 March 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Veterans and People during the debate on Defence of 24 March 2026, Official Report, column 267, when the 20 uncrewed surface ordered will be in service with the armed forces.

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

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Veterans and People during the debate on Defence of 24 March 2026, Official Report, column 267, what is the total cost of ordering the 20 uncrewed surface vessels.

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

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 27 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, what is the total number of personnel who will transition from the Department for Business and Trade to his Department.

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

As of 25 March 2026, 83 Civil Servants from the UK Defence Exports team had transferred from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence.

The total number of personnel who will transition from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence is 94, and this transition was fully completed on 1st April 2026. This move marked the final step in the transition of full responsibility for the UK Defence Exports team from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Veterans and People during the debate on Defence of 24 March 2026, Official Report, column 267, when was the order for 20 uncrewed surface vessels placed.

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

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 12 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, if he will list the partners with whom the United Kingdom will build societal resilience.

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

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with our allies and partners to learn from their experience in building societal resilience and homeland defence. The Ministry of Defence does not intend to provide a list of these allies and partners, as doing so could unnecessarily constrain the expansive range of partnerships we seek to develop as part of our efforts to build the UK's societal resilience.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the scope of the Royal Navy’s Maritime Big Play programme.

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

The Maritime Big Play programme develops remotely piloted and autonomous systems to accelerate the adoption of these technologies across the AUKUS nations.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether security concerns were raised by officials in his Department prior to the procurement and implementation of Bambu Lab 3D printers for use in critical drone production; what due diligence his Department undertook before adopting its cloud-based 3D printing technology; and what steps he is taking to ensure that data relating to UK defence capabilities is adequately protected.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) maintains rigorous security procedures to ensure the protection of all sensitive information and capabilities.

Bambu Lab 3D printers are used within the MOD as part of limited trial and experimentation activity. These printers are not connected to the defence network, nor are they employed to manufacture sensitive components.

The MOD does not currently use any cloud-based 3D printing services; however, a cyber assessment is under way to evaluate the potential opportunities, risks and security requirements associated with any future adoption of such technologies.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for Veterans and People during the debate on Defence of 24 March 2026, Official Report, column 267, when was the contract for the 20 uncrewed surface vessels signed.

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

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the comments by the Minister for Veterans and People in the Opposition Day Debate entitled Defence, Column 267, 24 March 2026, when the 20 uncrewed surface vessels will be in service.

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

As part of Project Beehive, the Royal Navy has ordered 20 uncrewed surface vessels under a contract worth £12.3 million. The fleet of 20 vessels will be used by the Coastal Forces Squadron and 47 Commando Royal Marines for operations, training and development activities to help set the foundation for further uses of autonomous and uncrewed technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 27 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, how many personnel have transitioned from the Department for Business and Trade to his Department as of 25 March 2026.

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

As of 25 March 2026, 83 Civil Servants from the UK Defence Exports team had transferred from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence.

The total number of personnel who will transition from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence is 94, and this transition was fully completed on 1st April 2026. This move marked the final step in the transition of full responsibility for the UK Defence Exports team from the Department for Business and Trade to the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 25 March 2026 to question 121671 on F-35 Aircraft: Weapons, what is the difference between the Israeli F-35 weapons integration and the Royal Air Force F-35.

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

The UK F-35 programme is managed through a US Government F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) based in the USA.

Israel is out-with the F-35 partner nation program and the UK does not have access to Israeli F-35 weapons integration information and therefore is unable to offer a comparison.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role did Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, play in the decision of the Army to declare Initial Operating Capability for Ajax in September 2025.

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

The Army confirmed Initial Operating Capability internally on 15 September 2025 at the Chief of the General Staff Command Group. Director General Materiel Delivery sits outside the Army’s command structure and is not a member of this group.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, on what date is HMS Daring due to a) start and b) finish sea trials.

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

As the hon. Gentleman will recall, in accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its vessels.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of Crest Nicholson’s option on the surplus land at RAF Wyton from the Defence Infrastructure Organisation on Project Fairfax.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold an option agreement with Crest Nicholson in relation to the surplus land at RAF Wyton. Instead, the MOD has a development management agreement with Crest Nicholson. This agreement supports the MOD’s promotion of the site for redevelopment by managing town planning, funding, and scheme implementation on behalf of the MOD.

The MOD will continue to hold discussions with Crest Nicholson as work on the project develops.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has had regarding the implementation of defence reform with (i) PricewaterhouseCoopers and (ii) other consulting firms since 4 July 2024.

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

Since 4 July 2024, the Department has engaged with consulting firms and their subcontractors that hold contracts supporting the implementation of the Defence Reform Programme. Information on these contracts is published and available through the Contract Finder service on GOV.UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the split is between projected (a) core defence spending and (b) remaining total NATO qualifying defence spending in 2026–27.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish forecast figures. The UK's defence spending figures for 2026-27 are expected to be published by NATO this summer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what alternative technological or operational solutions were considered to address radar interference from offshore wind turbines.

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

The new radar systems have met the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) requirements and represent the optimal solution currently available. This option is supported by a robust and well-documented methodology that provides the MOD the confidence that the solution can effectively mitigate the adverse impact of offshore wind turbines on long-range Air Defence radars. The MOD will continue to rigorously assess and implement appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that any offshore wind farm, with the potential to affect Air Defence radar operations, is only approved once these safeguards are firmly in place.

The MOD continues to support the Government’s Clean Power Mission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what assessment he has made of the potential risk that the new radar systems may not fully resolve interference issues with offshore wind turbines.

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

The new radar systems have met the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) requirements and represent the optimal solution currently available. This option is supported by a robust and well-documented methodology that provides the MOD the confidence that the solution can effectively mitigate the adverse impact of offshore wind turbines on long-range Air Defence radars. The MOD will continue to rigorously assess and implement appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that any offshore wind farm, with the potential to affect Air Defence radar operations, is only approved once these safeguards are firmly in place.

The MOD continues to support the Government’s Clean Power Mission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what assessment he has made of the value for money of procuring new radar systems compared to alternative mitigation approaches.

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

The new radar systems have met the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) requirements and represent the optimal solution currently available. This option is supported by a robust and well-documented methodology that provides the MOD the confidence that the solution can effectively mitigate the adverse impact of offshore wind turbines on long-range Air Defence radars. The MOD will continue to rigorously assess and implement appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that any offshore wind farm, with the potential to affect Air Defence radar operations, is only approved once these safeguards are firmly in place.

The MOD continues to support the Government’s Clean Power Mission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department’s press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20th March 2026, what assessment he has made of the impact of offshore wind turbines on the performance of existing radar systems prior to this upgrade.

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

The new radar systems have met the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) requirements and represent the optimal solution currently available. This option is supported by a robust and well-documented methodology that provides the MOD the confidence that the solution can effectively mitigate the adverse impact of offshore wind turbines on long-range Air Defence radars. The MOD will continue to rigorously assess and implement appropriate mitigation measures to ensure that any offshore wind farm, with the potential to affect Air Defence radar operations, is only approved once these safeguards are firmly in place.

The MOD continues to support the Government’s Clean Power Mission.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2025 to question 73557 on Navy: Dockyards, what progress he has made in delivering the NSIGN Projects to enable the Ministry of Defence to contract for Submarine and enabling Naval Base services delivered through Clyde and Devonport in March 2026.

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

Good progress has been made on both programmes. Contract placement is on track to extend the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) to cover the period from April 2026 up to October 2028. The extension will ensure a smooth transition to the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme, which will continue the maritime support transformation started by the FMSP. Supplier negotiations for the NSIGN programme continue.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2025 to question 73557 on Navy: Dockyards, what progress he has made in delivering the extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) where required, for the period March 2026 to October 2028.

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

Good progress has been made on both programmes. Contract placement is on track to extend the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) to cover the period from April 2026 up to October 2028. The extension will ensure a smooth transition to the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme, which will continue the maritime support transformation started by the FMSP. Supplier negotiations for the NSIGN programme continue.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he has taken with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to procure a Joint Commando Craft for the Royal Navy.

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

The UK is considering a bilateral programme with Norway to procure a Joint Commando Craft (JCC) and, working in conjunction with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, has released a Request for Information. The programme is intended to deliver vessels capable of transporting specialist personnel and equipment, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, for insertion and extraction in demanding littoral environments.

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Found: We would welcome continued updates on the use of Ministry of Defence driving examiners to help deliver

Found: What role will the Ministry of Defence play in future?

Found: What role will the Ministry of Defence play in future? 2.

Found: supporting the ONS with the 2021 Census, through to Thomas Cook repatriation, MoD

Found: session on 4th March 2026… I would like to draw the Committee’s attention to the following Ministry of Defence

Found: March 2026 about a number of ‘military wives’ or partners claiming to have been failed by the Ministry of Defence

Found: because the defence of the realm and the defence of a country is not just dependent on the Ministry of Defence

Found: The Minister, the MoD, the Cabinet Office and all those security apparatus people have to almost get

Question to the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, what steps the UK government has taken to fulfil its commitment under the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas to promote implementation of the Declaration with the United States.

Answered by Stephen Doughty - Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office)

The Government is a strong supporter of the Political Declaration on Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (EWIPA Declaration) and the UK was an early endorsing state. Officials from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office and Ministry of Defence participated in the Second International EWIPA Conference in San José, Costa Rica between 19-20 November 2025. We outlined the number of concerning contexts in which EWIPA are being used with little regard for civilians, our leadership on Civilian Harm Mitigation, and our approach to implementing our commitments. We continue to promote the universalisation and implementation of the Declaration and expect all actors to abide by International Humanitarian Law.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, with reference to paragraph 88 of the policy paper entitled UK Government Resilience Action Plan, published on 14 July 2025, how many meetings have been attended by civil servants within their Department in relation to the Home Defence Programme; which directorate in the Department owns the Departmental contribution to the Home Defence Programme; and what the job title is of the civil servant leading and cohering the Departmental contribution to the Home Defence Programme.

Answered by Olivia Bailey - Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State (Department for Education) (Equalities)

The Resilience Action Plan sets out the government’s strategic approach to how we will strengthen our domestic resilience and invest to protect the nation. Officials from the department regularly attend meetings to discuss the implementation of the Resilience Action Plan as well as matters of national security and defence.

The department is actively supporting this work. Officials in the department are in regular discussions with the Ministry of Defence and other government departments about the critical role children and young people play.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask His Majesty's Government what mechanisms are in place to ensure alignment between the Department for Business and Trade and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office on critical minerals.

Answered by Baroness Lloyd of Effra - Baroness in Waiting (HM Household) (Whip)

His Majesty's Government recognises the strategic importance of strengthening the UK's critical minerals security. The Critical Minerals Strategy, published on 22 November 2025, sets out a cross-government approach involving the Department for Business and Trade, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, the Ministry of Defence and other partners. Ministers and officials already work closely together through established governance structures to ensure policy alignment and effective coordination. We continually review whether these arrangements remain proportionate and effective. At present, we believe the existing cross government ministerial oversight provides the appropriate mechanism for coordinating critical mineral security policy.

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Found: For example, the purchase of military equipment is routine for the Ministry of Defence but for the

Found: backing brings together £97 million from the Department for Education, £50 million from the Ministry of Defence

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Found: Secretary of State    2006 to 2007 DFID, Deputy Director, Iraq Department    2004 to 2006 DFID-FCO-MOD

Found: Persons (PDP) and is used by associated partner agencies including NCA (National Crime Agency) and MOD

Found: A £500k investment in an AI Centre of Excellence within Ukraine’s Ministry of Defence will further deepen

Found: This notice advises of the transitioning of the MOD F680 away from SPIRE.

Found: This notice advises of the transitioning of the MOD F680 away from SPIRE.

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Found: The programme works closely with the Ministry of Defence, the UK’s global overseas network, and international

Found: deepen its role as a cross ‑government platform for strategic impact, working closely with the Ministry of Defence

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Found: Chris McDonald 09/12/2026 MOD Veterans Pilot Meeting: Missions Community, Renewable UK, Nuclear Industry

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Found: out diagnostics for population use in response to new or existing biological threats OUTCOME 11 (MOD

Found: and helping Ukraine achieve justice Source: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Ministry of Defence

Found: From 1974 she worked in the Ministry of Defence (MoD) in a number of roles including Assistant Director

Found: It has ensured that the MOD and its suppliers can continue to access accurate, cost-effective radar signature

Found: The NAD Group unites the MOD organisations responsible for developing, delivering, sustaining, housing

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Found: payments Maternity Allowance Mobility Allowance Means Assessment Guidance 263 OFFICIAL OFFICIAL MOD

Found: The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that UK personnel have intercepted more than 110 drone attacks

Found: The Ministry of Defence is keen to ensure that everyone entitled to this care knows about it.

Found: This notice advises of the transitioning of the MOD F680 away from SPIRE.

Found: Facility Security Clearance (FSC) Policy and Guidance for UK Defence Suppliers and MOD

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Found: This notice advises of the transitioning of the MOD F680 away from SPIRE.

Found: An application must first be made, by the applicant, to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if

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Found: Learn more about accessing MOD training areas safely.

Found: An application must first be made, by the applicant, to the Ministry of Defence, who will decide if

Found: Include representatives from the MoD in industry discussions on seafarer training to allow better understanding

Found: The Ministry of Defence is seeking views on the closure of new admissions after 2027 and the sourcing

Found: Foundation Trust Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Milton Keynes NHS Foundation Ministry of Defence

Found: Trust Mid-Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust Ministry of Defence

Found: Non-financial professional and personal interests Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committee, Ministry of Defence

Found: Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency Menopause Exchange Menopause Self Care Menopause UK Ministry of Defence

Found: University  Milton Keynes Hospital NHS Foundation Trust  Milton Keynes NHS Foundation  Ministry of Defence

Found: Agency Menopause Exchange Menopause Matters UK Menopause UK Merck Sharp & Dohme UK Ltd Ministry of Defence

Found: Menopause Exchange Menopause Matters UK Menopause UK Merck Sharp & Dohme UK Ltd Ministry of Defence

Found: Agency Menopause Exchange Menopause Matters UK Menopause UK Merck Sharp & Dohme UK Ltd Ministry of Defence

Found: Hospital NHS Trust Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Menopause Exchange Ministry of Defence

Found: West Regional Maternity Service Liasion Committee Midwives Information and Resource Service Ministry of Defence

Found: The Macmillan Cancer Support Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Ministry of Defence

Found: Council Clinical Trials Unit • Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) • Ministry of Defence

Found: Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) Merck Sharp & Dohme (Formerly Schering-Plough Ltd) Ministry of Defence

Found: Clinical Trials Unit 21 Medicines and Healthcare 22 Products Regulatory Agency 23 (MHRA) 24 Ministry of Defence

Found: A NW B SE mOD BH04 VWP MONITORING INDICATES GROUNDWATER DEPTHS BETWEEN 4.7 AND 7M.