Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the press release entitled New Storm Shadow and missile cooperation to boost job as UK and France reboot defence relationship, published on 9 July 2025, when the 50,000 strong combined joint force will reach full operational capability.

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

Following the UK-France Lancaster House 2.0 declaration in July 2025, the Ministry of Defence regularly engages with French counterparts on detailed planning for the Combined Joint Force (CJF). We are working together to define the timeline for establishing the CJF and reaching full operational capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there has been a reduction in the number of usable training villages at the Global Hub Oman since 5 July 2024.

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

The facility continues to have three usable training villages.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total estimated cost as a cash figure of accepting and implementing all 62 recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review.

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

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will provide a comprehensive overview of the Department's forward investment priorities across equipment, infrastructure, people, and supporting capabilities.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much will be spent on (a) core defence and (b) NATO qualifying defence spend in the current financial year as a cash figure.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) on 16 April 2026 to Question 124427.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether (a) he or (b) any ministers in his department have held discussions with any nations excluding Italy and Japan on the Global Combat Air Programme.

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

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues.

We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if Ministers in his Department will publish correspondence with Peter Mandelson between 10 February and 11 September 2025.

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

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information relevant to this and other questions regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many of the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review have begun implementation.

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

Implementation of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) began immediately after the Government endorsed the SDR's 62 recommendations; the delivery of the recommendations remains priority business for the Department and significant progress has been made since the SDR was published last June. Examples include:

Nuclear deterrence: The Prime Minister announced at the NATO Hague Summit (June 25) that the UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission. SDR Recommendation (Rec) 30

UKDI: UK Defence Innovation was launched (July 25) to streamline the delivery of innovation technology to Armed Forces personnel through rapid investment, with an annual budget of £400 million. SDR Rec 7

Defence Exports: The UK Defence and Security Exports function was transferred from Department for Business and Trade to MOD (July 25); 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 25). SDR Rec 12

Defence Industrial Strategy: The Defence Industrial Strategy was published (September 25) 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 25) 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 25) 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 25). 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

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 25). SDR Rec 51

MIS and DCIU: The Military Intelligence Services and Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit were launched on time, as part of a 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 Recs 54 and 56

Atlantic Bastion: The UK’s groundbreaking Atlantic Bastion programme was unveiled (December 25), 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

Gap Year: Plans to launch the new Armed Forces ‘Gap Year’ Foundation Scheme were announced (December 25) to give young people in the UK new opportunities to experience military service. SDR Rec 16

DDS: A public summary of the UK's first ever Defence Diplomacy Strategy was published (March 26) which lays the foundation for UK Defence to be more deliberate, targeted and coherent in deepening its international relationships with allies and partners to support defence and wider foreign policy. SDR Rec 21

Question to the HM Treasury:

To ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer, what steps her Department is taking to support farmers who have been affected by the increase in the price of red Diesel in South Suffolk.

Answered by Dan Tomlinson - Exchequer Secretary (HM Treasury)

Farmers retained the entitlement to use red diesel for agricultural machinery after it was withdrawn from most sectors in 2022. In contrast to full duty diesel, taxed at 52.95p per litre, red diesel currently incurs a duty of 10.18p per litre.

At Budget 2025, the Government extended the temporary 5p fuel duty cut alongside extending the proportionate percentage cut for rebated fuels, which includes red diesel. This maintains the red diesel rate at the levels set in March 2022 at 10.18p per litre until the end of August 2026, with rates then gradually returning to March 2022 levels by March 2027, an increase of less than 1p a litre. The planned inflation increase for 2026-27 has also been cancelled.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish all material within his Department that makes reference to Peter Mandelson.

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

In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department classifies publishing a video on social media filmed at a secret location in an operational theatre containing information that could allow adversaries to geolocate that location as a security incident that could compromise operational security and the safety of personnel.

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

On 7 March 2026 we further highlighted our support for Ukraine through our maintenance, repair and overhaul systems facilities in Ukraine. These pioneering facilities are helping keep Ukraine’s defiant Armed Forces in the fight against Putin’s brutal attacks and we are rightly proud of that support.

All social and press content was approved by the relevant Ministry of Defence processes ahead of publication, but because we take security seriously, we took steps to further reassure ourselves after publication of this content. The work in the MRO facility continues. From the factory floor to the frontline, the UK is standing with Ukraine and we will never waver in that support.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, how much of the £405 million committed to upgrading the Sea Viper missile system had been spent on 13 April 2026.

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

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, what is the total remaining cost of the upgrade to the Sea Viper missile system.

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

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 30 January to Question 107732 on Type 45 Destroyers: Guided Weapons, what is the total cost of the upgrade to the Sea Viper missile system.

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

The current commitment of £405 million funds delivery and manufacture of Sea Viper Capability One and the assessment phase of Capability Two. As of 13 April 2026, the project has spent £218.6 million. The cost of delivering and manufacturing the Capability Two upgrade will be negotiated in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119386 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Lightweight Multirole missiles since 5 July 2024.

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

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many orders he has made for air-to-air missiles since 5 July 2024.

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

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119387 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air missiles since 5 July 2024.

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

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 March to Question 119388 on Guided Weapons: Procurement, whether he has ordered any Land Ceptor missiles since 5 July 2024.

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

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has ordered any Aster missiles since 5 July 2024.

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

I can confirm the Ministry of Defence has placed orders for Aster, Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missiles, Lightweight Multirole Missiles and Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System missiles since 5 July 2024. Deliveries of Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles, which are used by the Land Ceptor system, continue under an extant contract. As a former Defence Minister, the hon. Member will understand that I am withholding further details, including quantities ordered and delivered, for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, what were the findings of the Review Note to be submitted in Quarter 1 2026.

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

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, when will Initial Operating Capability of the SPEAR Capability 3 programme be delivered.

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

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 18 December to Question 98837 on Cruise Missiles, whether the Review Note was submitted in Quarter 1 2026.

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

The SPEAR Capability 3 Review Note, which was subject to an extended consultation phase, has now been submitted and is under consideration by the approval authority.

Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether construction has begun on the first munitions factory announced as part of the six new munitions factories in the Strategic Defence Review.

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

Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many new munitions factories have begun construction.

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

Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress he has made on delivering at least six new munitions factories.

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

Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in Spring 2026, and to conclude in August 2026. The Ministry of Defence intends to announce investments in quarter 3 2026 with a view to beginning construction of the first factories before the end of the year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 1 April 2026 to Question 123068 on Navy: Guided Weapons, in which month in 2026 will his Department deliver the Minimum Viable Product of 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 will deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a 'Minimum Viable Product', in 2026. This is part of wider plans that 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.

Found: Letter dated 16/03/2026 from John Healey MP to James Cartlidge MP regarding deployment of HMS Dragon,