Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department has not awarded any contracts to Sonardyne or ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

The Department currently has no live contracts with Sonardyne. However, the MOD has previously completed contracts with the company, such as those related to Diver Tracking and Detection. Sonardyne specialises in maritime security and holds specific contracts in this field, including a £67,691 agreement (active until 2024) for the procurement of a Diver Tracking System. Its Sentinel diver detection sonar is widely recognised and utilised for safeguarding naval bases and ships.

As part of their future strategy and increasing use of technology the Department is considering:

(i) Expanding port and submarine base protection

(ii) Leveraging AI-enabled anomaly detection on sonar feeds

(iii) Improving protection against hostile divers, swimmers, and underwater saboteurs

(iv) Integration into the wider Maritime Protection System for UK critical infrastructure

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Underwater robot could improve pipeline and cable security, published on 9 June 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with Sonardyne since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department has not awarded any contracts to Sonardyne or ECS Special Projects since 5 July 2024.

The Department currently has no live contracts with Sonardyne. However, the MOD has previously completed contracts with the company, such as those related to Diver Tracking and Detection. Sonardyne specialises in maritime security and holds specific contracts in this field, including a £67,691 agreement (active until 2024) for the procurement of a Diver Tracking System. Its Sentinel diver detection sonar is widely recognised and utilised for safeguarding naval bases and ships.

As part of their future strategy and increasing use of technology the Department is considering:

(i) Expanding port and submarine base protection

(ii) Leveraging AI-enabled anomaly detection on sonar feeds

(iii) Improving protection against hostile divers, swimmers, and underwater saboteurs

(iv) Integration into the wider Maritime Protection System for UK critical infrastructure

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 94244 tabled by the hon. Member for South Suffolk on 25 November 2025.

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

In 2024-25, Ministry of Defence spend on equipment was £24.92 billion, which is around 0.85% of GDP. This is an increase of over £2 billion from the equipment budget for 2023-24.

While the current financial year is ongoing and work on the Defence Investment Plan continues, it is not possible to provide figures for the remaining financial years of this Parliament.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's investors advisory group has been consulted on funding for the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Defence Investors Advisory Group (DIAG) exists to help develop and provide expert advice on the Defence Finance and Investment Strategy (DFIS).

As part of this work, we are exploring potential new financing options which could apply to specific opportunities identified through the Defence Investment Plan. However, the DIAG is not directly consulting on the funding decisions within the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total cost to his Department of running British Army Training Unit Suffield for (a) the current financial year and (b) each remaining financial years of the current Parliament.

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

This financial year, we are forecasting to spend around £17 million on the maintenance of the British Army Training Unit Suffield, which we expect to be consistent in future years – and will be finalised in the Defence Investment Plan.

Forecasted costs include:

1. Costs related to the maintenance and management of physical infrastructure, such as buildings and facilities.
2. Costs related to non-physical services, such as cleaning, catering, and waste management.
3. Resource expenditure for delivering infrastructure projects that support capability development.
4. Smaller-scale maintenance or construction projects that fall below a certain financial threshold.
5. Funding allocated for reactive maintenance or urgent requirements that arise unexpectedly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a formal target date to create an Integrated Force.

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

The Integrated Force Model as per the Strategic Defence Review has four elements: a single force design; a common set of foundational enablers; digital enablement at its core; and collaboration with other Government Departments in real time. The first element – a single force design – will be delivered through the ongoing work to develop the Defence Investment Plan. The integrated force design will be completed this year, with implementation thereafter. The other three elements will be delivered incrementally as part of continued efforts to modernise and reform Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department's spending plans are forecasted to lead to an overspend of his Department's budget in the (a) current financial year and (b) next financial year.

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

The Department engages in routine budget management to live within our control total. The Department's performance against its control totals for this financial year and the next will be confirmed in the respective Annual Report and Accounts in the usual way.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 70768 on Skynet, when the next Skynet 6 programme review will take place.

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

The resilience and operational relevance of the planned Skynet 6 capabilities continue to be regularly assessed against projected operational demands and emerging threats. The latest review was as part of the Defence Investment Plan considerations. Timing of future ones will depend on the emergence of improved technology, what adversaries do or any other need to adjust capacity, capability or timing. Where necessary, these will result in adjustments across the entire Ministry of Defence Space enterprise to both ground- and space-based elements, wherever its most advantageous.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 70768 on Skynet, what were the findings of the National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority's November 2025 review into the Skynet 6 programme.

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

The National Infrastructure and Services Transformation Authority had scheduled a review of the Skynet 6 programme for November 2025 as part of routine monitoring of Category A projects. However, a shift to a conditions-based approach, aligning reviews with key programme milestones, has led to the review moving to a yet-to-be-agreed date later in the year. In the meantime, regular communication between the parties continues.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to support British SMEs in light of the delay to the Defence Investment Plan.

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

The Department is working flat out to deliver the Defence Investment Plan (DIP), which will be published as soon as possible. It is underpinned by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, with £270 billion being invested in defence in this Parliament alone.

Small and Medium‑sized Enterprises (SMEs) hold a crucial place in UK defence. They are the backbone of the UK economy and provide the innovation, expertise and agility that the sector needs now and in the future. This is recognised in the Defence Industrial Strategy and will be reflected in the DIP.

The new Defence Office for Small Business Growth was established on 26 January 2026. It will provide SMEs with a single point of access for advice, support and opportunities in defence. The office will bring together services from the Ministry of Defence (MOD), trade associations and investors in one place, supporting delivery of our target to increase MOD spending with SMEs by £2.5 billion by May 2028.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Defence Readiness Bill will be legislated for in the current Parliament.

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

Defence Readiness legislation is being considered to ensure the Government has the powers it needs to keep the UK safe in crisis or war, as recommended in the Strategic Defence Review. Legislation will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 22 January on Ajax, HCWS 1269, whether he plans to appoint a new permanent Senior Responsible Owner of the Ajax programme.

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

As advised in my Written Ministerial Statement on 22 January 2026, a Senior Responsible Owner has been appointed for an initial period of 12 months by the Army and oversight of the programme has been passed to the National Armaments Director. Prior to this announcement, the Army had oversight of the programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Written Ministerial Statement of 22 January on Ajax, HCWS 1269, who previously held oversight of the Ajax programme.

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

As advised in my Written Ministerial Statement on 22 January 2026, a Senior Responsible Owner has been appointed for an initial period of 12 months by the Army and oversight of the programme has been passed to the National Armaments Director. Prior to this announcement, the Army had oversight of the programme.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether he plans to create new roles within the armed forces that will specifically require an undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether an undergraduate drone degree will guarantee employment in the armed forces.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether his Department has a target for the number of students per cohort that will remain in the armed forces following the conclusion of the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, what is his target number of (a) civilian and (b) soldiers on the undergraduate drone degree in each remaining year of the current Parliament.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether a drone technology specialist will be a recognised position in the British armed forces.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, what steps his Department is taking to encourage applications to the undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, from which service will the up to five soldiers enrolled on the undergraduate drone degree come.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether he plans to increase participation in the undergraduate drone degree beyond 20 personnel.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Cutting-edge drone degree to train military forces of the future unveiled, published on 21 January, whether there are any specific roles within the armed forces that require an undergraduate drone degree.

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

The New Model Institute for Technology and Engineering (NMITE) is a pilot project that is seeking to fuse civilian and military experience to enhance our collective expertise in uncrewed systems. It is offering twenty places for their new undergraduate drone degree, with 15 places allocated to civilian students and five military personnel, specifically from the Army. The Army will promote the undergraduate drone degree through its routine internal communication channels, while NMITE will lead its own civilian recruitment activity Military personnel who are sponsored by Defence to undertake undergraduate level learning are usually expected to continue serving for the duration of their commitment, so there are no retention specific targets connected to this degree.

All of the career opportunities in the Armed Forces or complimentary organisations will be open to those who complete the NMITE degree. There are also other employment opportunities in Defence including through civil servant employment.

The programme supports the Army’s broader requirement to upskill its workforce in robotics and autonomous systems, informed by lessons from Ukraine. Every unit will require both specialist and generalist personnel able to integrate, adapt and sustain rapidly evolving drone systems. Work is already under way to formalise the role of drone technology specialists across the Army, and the other Services, building on the existing expertise within the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in the Uncrewed Aircraft Systems Group.

The Army is also reviewing its force structure to ensure it has the right balance of personnel with the technical skills needed to operate effectively in an environment where drones play an increasingly central role. This may include the creation of new roles where such specialist skills are essential.

NMITE intends to expand overall student numbers from the second year. The Army plans to continue sponsoring five personnel on the full three-year programme in each remaining year of the current Parliament, while also increasing participation through shorter modular elements.

In the longer term, there is a vision to replicate this model in additional UK locations where there is a strong cluster of military, academia, and the drone industry.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to increase UK service personnel numbers stationed in Greenland.

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

The UK agrees on the need to step up security in the High North and Arctic to deter and defend against the threats posed by adversaries such as Russia. This is why the UK already engages in NATO activity in the region. The UK continues to operate UK Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Maritime Patrol Aircraft in support of NATO deterrence activity on a regular basis and continues to deepen its partnerships with key Allies in the region such as Norway. Discussions amongst Allies about NATO’s future role in the Arctic region are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what role the UK will play in the multinational NATO command in Greenland.

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

The UK agrees on the need to step up security in the High North and Arctic to deter and defend against the threats posed by adversaries such as Russia. This is why the UK already engages in NATO activity in the region. The UK continues to operate UK Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance and Maritime Patrol Aircraft in support of NATO deterrence activity on a regular basis and continues to deepen its partnerships with key Allies in the region such as Norway. Discussions amongst Allies about NATO’s future role in the Arctic region are ongoing.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had discussions with the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care on the mobilisation of the National Health Service in the event of UK involvement in an armed conflict.

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

The Cabinet Office leads the Government's Home Defence Programme, in which Defence plays an integral role. The programme is enhancing the UK’s national security and resilience through bolstering civilian-military coordination and planning and enhancing public and private preparedness.

In a new era of threat, the defence and security of the UK requires a whole-of-society approach: the NHS and private healthcare is no exception.

A series of joint exercises involving the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC), NHS England (NHSE), the Devolved Administrations, Voluntary Aid Societies and allies (USA and Canada) have explored the UK’s ability to deal with casualties across a range of scenarios up to and including warfighting.

NHS(E) will lead a further exercise in February 2026 to consider where pressure would be felt most acutely in the NHS system from an increased number of MOD patients.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what plans his Department has to utilise existing community-based musculoskeletal healthcare providers to reduce GP workload and NHS waiting lists.

Answered by Stephen Kinnock - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

To reduce the general practice workload and National Health Service waiting lists, we are working to deliver the Getting It Right First Time (GIRFT) Musculoskeletal Community Delivery Programme. GIRFT teams are working with health system leaders to further reduce musculoskeletal community waiting times, which are the largest volume of all community waits, and improve data, metrics, and referral pathways to wider support services. This includes mapping and analysing the provision and role of physiotherapists as First Contact Practitioners in primary care.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of funding for musculoskeletal conditions within the NHS 10 Year Health Plan.

Answered by Ashley Dalton - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department of Health and Social Care)

The Spending Review prioritised health, with record investment in the health and social care system. The Government is providing £29 billion more day-to-day funding for the National Health Service in real terms compared to 2023/24, which is the equivalent to a 3% average annual real terms growth rate.

Investment must come with reform, and the 10-Year Health Plan details the change required to secure the financial sustainability of the NHS.

The 10-Year Health Plan will support people, including those with musculoskeletal (MSK) conditions, to better manage their condition and access services and support through the three health shifts.

For example, as part of a major transformation of the NHS under the 10-Year Health Plan, patients with MSK conditions will also soon be able to bypass their general practitioners (GPs) and directly access community services, including physiotherapy, pain management, and orthopaedics, in the NHS App. The landmark change will deliver faster treatment for the flare up of existing conditions including arthritis, backpain, and joint pain, while enabling GPs to focus on more complex cases, reducing pressure on hospitals and freeing up GPs.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what steps his Department is taking to resolve the barrier whereby chiropractors cannot work within the NHS because they are not Allied Health Professionals, but Allied Health Professional status requires employment within the NHS.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

There are no plans by either the Department or NHS England to review the list of health and care professions that are represented by the Chief Allied Health Professions officer.

Where there is demand for services, such as those provided by a chiropractor, integrated care boards are able to make independent decisions on which health professionals they employ and may commission a limited amount of such treatment.

Question to the Department of Health and Social Care:

To ask the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, what assessment his Department has made of the potential role chiropractors could play in reducing the numbers of patients on waiting lists for treatment of musculoskeletal conditions.

Answered by Karin Smyth - Minister of State (Department of Health and Social Care)

As set out in the Plan for Change, we have committed to return to the National Health Service constitutional standard that 92% of patients, including those waiting for musculoskeletal treatment, wait no longer than 18 weeks from referral to treatment by March 2029.

The Elective Reform Plan, published in January 2025, set out the productivity and reform efforts we will undertake to return to the 18-week standard, and to ensure patients have the best possible experience while they wait.

NHS England does not nationally commission chiropractic care as it is a complementary and alternative medicine. Integrated care boards can make independent decisions on which health professionals they employ and may commission a limited amount of such treatment.

There are currently no plans to review the categorisation of chiropractic care as a complementary and alternative medicine. Where musculoskeletal treatment is required, referrals will be made to physiotherapists where appropriate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out of service date for Watchkeeper.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 October 2025 to Question 77261 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) which remains extant:

As announced by the Secretary of State in 2024, the Army’s Watchkeeper Mk 1 Uncrewed Aerial System is in the process of being retired from service with an Out of Service Date of March 2027.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-15/77261

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, how much of the £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament is defined as (a) the MOD budget and (b) NATO declared defence spending.

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

The £270 billion is the total of the Ministry of Defence's budget from financial year 2025/26 to 2028/29. This was published following the Spending Review last year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on delivering Project Corvus.

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

Project CORVUS is scheduled to deliver Minimum Deployable Capability in late 2026, in advance of the Watchkeeper Out of Service Date of March 2027. The project is currently out to tender and aims to select a bidder by April 2026.

Project CORVUS is currently costed at £185 million, however it is subject to wider investment decisions in the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 21 January to Question 105260 on Artillery: Procurement, when the full production contract will be placed.

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

On current plans, the Department intends to place the full production contract for the Mobile Fires Platform in the coming months. Negotiations with the supplier are ongoing, and the Department is making every effort to bring these to a positive conclusion at the earliest opportunity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 January to Question 99911, if he will name the two AI contracts that have been awarded by his Department since 5 July 2024.

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

I am withholding this information for the purpose of safeguarding national security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 January to Question 107089 on Typhoon Aircraft: Radar, whether the £205 million investment to deliver the European Common Radar System (ECRS) MK2 includes funding for the Phase 4 Enhancement capability package.

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

The recently announced £205 million, 5-year contract with QinetiQ provides a range of expert technical advice and services to help keep Typhoon safe, airworthy, and upgraded to the latest capability standard.

The contract will include technical advice and services to help Ministry of Defence deliver the ECRS Mk2 upgrade into service via the Phase 4 Enhancement programme. However, the main 4-Nation contract to deliver the Phase 4 Enhancement (and which includes a UK share of the funding) is expected to follow in 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will state the total cost of delivering Project Corvus.

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

Project CORVUS is scheduled to deliver Minimum Deployable Capability in late 2026, in advance of the Watchkeeper Out of Service Date of March 2027. The project is currently out to tender and aims to select a bidder by April 2026.

Project CORVUS is currently costed at £185 million, however it is subject to wider investment decisions in the Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, if he will breakdown £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament in each remaining financial year of this Parliament defined as (a) the MOD budget and (b) NATO declared defence spending.

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

The £270 billion is the total of the Ministry of Defence's budget from financial year 2025/26 to 2028/29. This was published following the Spending Review last year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the out of service date for Bowman.

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

On current plans, Bowman's Out of Service Date will be no later than 2035, and no earlier than 2031.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 108701 on Skynet: Procurement, when the Skynet 6A will complete the testing and validation phase.

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

The Skynet 6 Programme continues to progress in support of Defence’s satellite communications requirements.

The testing and validation of Skynet 6A is expected to complete final acceptance activity by mid-2027, leading to issue of the Certificate of Acceptance.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, how much of the £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament will be spent in each remaining financial year of this Parliament.

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

The Ministry of Defence's budget until financial year 2028/29 was published in the Spending Review last year and a year-by-year breakdown can be found there.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list of all (a) UK and (b) overseas sites currently used for long-range kinetic drone testing broken down by the maximum range of each location.

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

Defence uses various sites within the United Kingdom and overseas to test and evaluate operational capabilities. Capabilities are aligned to range standing orders, Training Danger Area limitations and the operational range of the system being evaluated. Given the geographical constraints of the United Kingdom, some capabilities are better evaluated overseas alongside our allies and partners.

I am unable to provide further details due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) UK and (b) international long-range kinetic drone testing sites will be operational in each remaining financial year of the current Parliament.

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

Defence uses various sites within the United Kingdom and overseas to test and evaluate operational capabilities. Capabilities are aligned to range standing orders, Training Danger Area limitations and the operational range of the system being evaluated. Given the geographical constraints of the United Kingdom, some capabilities are better evaluated overseas alongside our allies and partners.

I am unable to provide further details due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a list of all (a) UK and (b) overseas sites currently used for long-range kinetic drone testing.

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

Defence uses various sites within the United Kingdom and overseas to test and evaluate operational capabilities. Capabilities are aligned to range standing orders, Training Danger Area limitations and the operational range of the system being evaluated. Given the geographical constraints of the United Kingdom, some capabilities are better evaluated overseas alongside our allies and partners.

I am unable to provide further details due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there is a maximum range at which long-range kinetic drones can be tested.

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

Defence uses various sites within the United Kingdom and overseas to test and evaluate operational capabilities. Capabilities are aligned to range standing orders, Training Danger Area limitations and the operational range of the system being evaluated. Given the geographical constraints of the United Kingdom, some capabilities are better evaluated overseas alongside our allies and partners.

I am unable to provide further details due to operational sensitivities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January to Question 107733 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, if he will provide the reason that the Protector RG MK1 did not declare Initial Operating Capability.

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

I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The milestone is clearly defined and the Ministry of Defence is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in place so that it can be met at the earliest opportunity.

However, in general terms, the air vehicles are but one part of the air system and therefore milestones will be achieved when requirements are met across a number of areas including; personnel force growth, infrastructure and support contracts, crew training and competence in role, and interoperability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January to Question 107733 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, how many Protector RG MK1s need to be in use in order to declare Initial Operating Capability.

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

I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The milestone is clearly defined and the Ministry of Defence is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in place so that it can be met at the earliest opportunity.

However, in general terms, the air vehicles are but one part of the air system and therefore milestones will be achieved when requirements are met across a number of areas including; personnel force growth, infrastructure and support contracts, crew training and competence in role, and interoperability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January to Question 107733 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, what conditions need to be met to declare Initial Operating Capability.

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

I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The milestone is clearly defined and the Ministry of Defence is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in place so that it can be met at the earliest opportunity.

However, in general terms, the air vehicles are but one part of the air system and therefore milestones will be achieved when requirements are met across a number of areas including; personnel force growth, infrastructure and support contracts, crew training and competence in role, and interoperability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing Project Ark Royal.

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

Projects VIXEN and ARK ROYAL have been incorporated into the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy (MATX). MATX envisages a Fleet Air Arm that is ‘uncrewed where possible; crewed where necessary,’ and will help to realise the Hybrid Air Wing recommended in the Strategic Defence Review.

Projects VIXEN and ARK ROYAL are no longer in use. Instead, Project VANQUISH has been established to demonstrate a short take-off and landing, jet powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform capable of operating from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier. The project will generate evidence to inform the development of uncrewed fixed wing aircraft for operation from Royal Navy aircraft carriers without requiring the installation of Assisted Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), subject to Defence Investment Plan decisions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress his Department has made on implementing Project VIXEN.

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

Projects VIXEN and ARK ROYAL have been incorporated into the Royal Navy’s Maritime Aviation Transformation Strategy (MATX). MATX envisages a Fleet Air Arm that is ‘uncrewed where possible; crewed where necessary,’ and will help to realise the Hybrid Air Wing recommended in the Strategic Defence Review.

Projects VIXEN and ARK ROYAL are no longer in use. Instead, Project VANQUISH has been established to demonstrate a short take-off and landing, jet powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform capable of operating from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier. The project will generate evidence to inform the development of uncrewed fixed wing aircraft for operation from Royal Navy aircraft carriers without requiring the installation of Assisted Launch and Recovery Equipment (ALRE), subject to Defence Investment Plan decisions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, how much of the £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament will be spent on the procurement of uncrewed systems for the British armed forces.

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

Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including the procurement of uncrewed systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 22 January to Question 107733 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, how many Protector RG MK1s are currently in use.

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

Sixteen Protector RG Mk1 air vehicles have been purchased by the UK, eight of which have been delivered into service, with others remaining in test and evaluation with the manufacturer.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a new competition will be started to replace Project Lily.

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

Project Lily related to a proposed procurement to deliver an uncrewed surface vessel and associated remote operations centre capability. Project Lily was cancelled following a decision to consider alternative internal options to meet this requirement. The decision on whether to pursue a replacement competition or an alternative approach is under consideration in line with procurement rules. Should any future procurement be required, details of the opportunity will be published in the usual way via the Defence Sourcing Portal

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, whether the £270 billion to be spent on Defence in this Parliament includes funding for Ukraine.

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

The £270 billion is the total of the Ministry of Defence's budget from financial year 2025/26 to 2028/29. This was published following the Spending Review last year.

£3 billion in support of Ukraine for each financial is included as part of that settlement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many procurement orders are currently awaiting approval by the (a) Treasury and (b) Cabinet Office for a value of (i) over £1 million, (ii) £500,000 to £1 million and (iii) under £500,000 since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department can confirm that, as of 5 July 2024, three cases are currently awaiting approval from the Treasury, and six cases above £1 million are awaiting approval from the Cabinet Office.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will state the reason for the termination of Project Lily.

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

Project Lily related to a proposed procurement to deliver an uncrewed surface vessel and associated remote operations centre capability. Project Lily was cancelled following a decision to consider alternative internal options to meet this requirement. The decision on whether to pursue a replacement competition or an alternative approach is under consideration in line with procurement rules. Should any future procurement be required, details of the opportunity will be published in the usual way via the Defence Sourcing Portal

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to implement a new project to replace Project Lily.

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

Project Lily related to a proposed procurement to deliver an uncrewed surface vessel and associated remote operations centre capability. Project Lily was cancelled following a decision to consider alternative internal options to meet this requirement. The decision on whether to pursue a replacement competition or an alternative approach is under consideration in line with procurement rules. Should any future procurement be required, details of the opportunity will be published in the usual way via the Defence Sourcing Portal

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 February to Question 108700 on Strategic Defence Review, how much will be spent on Defence in the next Parliament.

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

The Government has set a clear ambition to spend 3% in the next Parliament as fiscal and economic conditions allow.

The Ministry of Defence's settlement over the next Parliament has not been decided and will be considered as part of future Spending Reviews.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 January 2026 to Question 103618, when the Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme placement details will be finalised.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 16 January 2026, to Question 104236.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-08/104236

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his Department's timetable is for delivering a minimum viable product for the Digital Targeting Web.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025.

The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a 'Minimum Viable Product', in 2026. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.

The Digital Targeting Web is not a single, discrete system or platform but rather an interconnected ecosystem of systems, processes, and capabilities designed to enhance the UK’s targeting effectiveness. As such, it does not conform to traditional definitions and milestones that would be expected of a platform-centric project or capability. Its development will be an ongoing, iterative process to ensure the UK remains competitive in a rapidly evolving operational environment.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the status of the proposed P4E electronic upgrade for the RAF's Typhoon fleet.

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

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 26 November 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) to Question 92198.