Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether a survey or other feedback provision has been conducted on the implementation of Defence Reform.

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

We have actively engaged personnel throughout the Defence Reform activity to build awareness and understanding across the Department. The July 2025 Internal Communications survey showed that 76% of respondents had some level of awareness of the reform activity. Feedback is captured through established mechanisms, including the annual People Survey and the Armed Forces Continuous Attitude Survey (AFCAS). These provide comprehensive data on how personnel are responding to reform activity and wider organisational change. Results will be reviewed when published in December 2025. Listening to feedback from both military and civilian personnel remains central to ensuring the reform activity delivers its full potential in strengthening defence capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has extended the deadline for signing the Army Collective Training Service contract.

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

The competition for the Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP) remains ongoing and is currently in the final stages. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has closed bidding on the Army Collective Training Service contract.

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

The competition for the Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP) remains ongoing and is currently in the final stages. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his planned timetable is for the implementation of the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Cabinet Office leads the Home Defence Programme, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a key contributor. Implementation is guided by the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, the National Security Strategy, and the Resilience Action Plan, each setting distinct timelines for projects within the programme.

Defence of the homeland is an ongoing responsibility for the MOD, ensuring the safety and resilience of the United Kingdom in accordance with the threat. Accordingly, the MOD will maintain up-to-date plans in coordination with NATO and wider Government.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when the Home Defence Programme will be fully implemented.

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

The Cabinet Office leads the Home Defence Programme, with the Ministry of Defence (MOD) as a key contributor. Implementation is guided by the recommendations of the Strategic Defence Review, the National Security Strategy, and the Resilience Action Plan, each setting distinct timelines for projects within the programme.

Defence of the homeland is an ongoing responsibility for the MOD, ensuring the safety and resilience of the United Kingdom in accordance with the threat. Accordingly, the MOD will maintain up-to-date plans in coordination with NATO and wider Government.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the urgent question response made by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 20 November 2025, what percentage of the 100,000 drones produced this year were made by British companies.

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

Where the UK's drone industry can meet Ukraine's requirements, the Ministry of Defence sources equipment from UK suppliers. A significant proportion of the drones procured for Ukraine this year have been produced by British companies, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country and contributing to local economies.

At the last Ukraine Defence Contact Group in October 2025, the Defence Secretary confirmed that £600 million has been invested by the UK this year to accelerate drone delivery to Ukraine, with more than 85,000 military drones delivered in just six months.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to deploy British service personnel to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force.

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

As the Prime Minister has said previously, the UK is ready to play a leading role in accelerating work on security guarantees to achieve a lasting peace for Ukraine. This includes further support for Ukraine's military, where the UK has already committed £3 billion a year until at least 2030. But it also means being ready and willing to contribute to security guarantees to Ukraine by putting our own troops on the ground after the ceasefire if necessary.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with his EU counterparts on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether there has been any enhanced cooperation between the European Union and the UK through the proposed SAFE instrument since 2 June 2025.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally invited the UK to join the proposed SAFE instrument.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with Cabinet ministers on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally issued the UK with a proposed fee to participate in the proposed SAFE instrument.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, did the European Union request payment to allow UK participation in the proposed SAFE instrument.

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

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument.

As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine.

SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what discussions he has has with relevant stakeholders regarding the recent hacking of MOD software at RAF and Royal Navy bases.

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

This was an incident within the supply chain and not an attack on Ministry of Defence (MOD) systems.

We take a robust and proactive approach to cyber attacks against MOD and our suppliers. Our initial assessment of the Dodd Group incident indicates that the data involved is largely routine and does not pose a significant security threat. For all investigations, the MOD has a well-tested incident coordination process led by the Defence CISO liaising across our Military Commands (including RAF and Royal Navy) to understand and mitigate any impact.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the post of Chief of Defence People has been abolished or re-titled.

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

Significant reforms are being implemented within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), fundamentally transforming its operations. This is the biggest transformation of the MOD in over 50 years. Defence is now led by a strengthened Department of State, a fully-fledged Military Strategic Headquarters, a new National Armaments Director Group, and the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

Under Defence Reform, the post of Chief of Defence People has been disestablished. The Vice-Chief of the Defence Staff and Deputy Chief of Defence Staff (Force Development) will play a key role in supporting our Military people, working with the Director General, People, to improve accountability, efficiency, and clarity in our people policy and strategy.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, when he plans to place a contract for a Phase 4 Enhancement electronics upgrade.

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

The Phase 4 Enhancement capability package (P4E) is an essential enabler for the implementation of the next generation radar enhancement for the UK's Typhoon fleet.

The System Definition Contract for P4E was signed in June 2024 and since then the UK, Germany, Spain and Italy have been working closely alongside NETMA and our industry partners to agree on the final P4E capability package, which will then move into the Design, Development and Demonstration phase.

Additionally, the Core Nations have agreed to begin early design work on long lead activities, ensuring that critical path activities for P4E capability are protected. The delivery of the P4E package is planned to take place by the end of this decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, whether he has a proposed timetable for the procurement of E-Scan radar.

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

The UK has already made significant investment into the development of the next generation radar system for our Typhoon Aircraft, including over £200 million released earlier this year by the Chief Secretary to the Treasury for initial production and which followed the successful completion of initial flight trials in February.

We remain committed, alongside our partners in Industry, NETMA and the other Core Nations, to the delivery of the next generation radar capability to the UK's Typhoon fleet by the end of this decade.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the level of protection of sensitive military documents from online hacking.

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

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of its information very seriously. Our policies set out a range of technical and procedural controls applied to systems and content throughout their lifecycle and we use a range of assurance measures. We do not comment on details as these could provide a potential adversary with information which could help them to craft a cyber attack against the MOD, which would adversely impact Defence and National Security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the estimated cost to his Department for the implementation of Defence Reform.

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

The Department is currently working to determine the estimated cost of implementing Defence Reform across Defence. At present, a total cost figure is not yet available.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised changes to the Army Collective Training Service contract since 5 July 2024.

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

In accordance with the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011, there have been no changes to the Army Collective Training Service contract that have required Ministerial approval since 5 July 2024.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the Army Collective Training Service contract to be signed.

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

The competition for the Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP) remains ongoing and is currently in the final stages. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the status is of the Army Collective Training Service contract.

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

The competition for the Army's Collective Training Transformation Programme (CTTP) remains ongoing and is currently in the final stages. Therefore, it would be inappropriate to comment further.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Type 45 Destroyers will DragonFire be installed on in 2027.

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

Initially, DragonFire, a state-of-the-art laser weapon, will enhance the capabilities of the Type 45 fleet with the first DragonFire unit being delivered in 2027.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has discussions with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on levels of funding for training conducted by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the current financial year.

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

There have been no discussions around funding for training specifically. Spend on training continues to be a Departmental priority.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the budget is for the British Army's RAPSTONE Task Force.

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

Task Force RAPSTONE has a budget of £150 million over three years. The upcoming Defence Investment Plan will provide more information around the UK’s defence procurement investment plans.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has made an assessment of the potential for delays to orders of new investments in (a) defence equipment, (b) weaponry and (c) infrastructure in the (a) current financial year and (b) next financial year.

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

As part of routine Departmental planning processes, both for in-year and future years spend, The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continually reviews balance of priorities against available funding. The MOD remains focused on delivering the priorities set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). A full ten-year plan on how the MOD will deliver the vision of the SDR will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, whether he has met with representatives of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund since 5 July 2024.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The Secretary of State for Business and Trade has not met with representatives of the National Security Strategic Investment Fund (NSSIF) since his appointment.

While the Secretary of State is the sole shareholder of the British Business Bank, which provides operational support and the investment platform for NSSIF, the strategic mandate and policy direction for NSSIF are set by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 70779 on Defence: Intelligence Services.

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

I responded to the hon. Member on 20 November 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list all named exercises that have been cancelled by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force since 5 July 2024.

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

This information is not held centrally and is taking time to collate. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the Defence Committee's report entitled The UK contribution to European security, published on 19 November 2025, HC 520.

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

The government welcomes the Committee’s report.

NATO is the bedrock of our defence, with the UK committed alongside our Allies to our collective security. With our NATO First approach, the UK is stepping up to strengthen European security further, and will continue to do so. Backed by the biggest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War, the outcomes of our Strategic Defence Review will ensure our Armed Forces are moving to warfighting readiness, so that Britain is secure at home and strong abroad.

We will respond to the Committee’s recommendations in full in due course.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has had formal discussions on reducing the amount of training conducted by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the current financial year.

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

On current plans, the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force have not reduced planned training for the current financial year. We have defined training to mean Phase 1 (basic training) and Phase 2 (initial profession training) only.

The Royal Navy has increased training delivery this year in response to increased recruitment and continues to modernise and streamline training pathways to meet operational needs. The amount of training conducted by the British Army and Royal Air Force remains unchanged.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has authorised changes to the amount of training conducted by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the current financial year.

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

On current plans, the Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force have not reduced planned training for the current financial year. We have defined training to mean Phase 1 (basic training) and Phase 2 (initial profession training) only.

The Royal Navy has increased training delivery this year in response to increased recruitment and continues to modernise and streamline training pathways to meet operational needs. The amount of training conducted by the British Army and Royal Air Force remains unchanged.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact on national security of the Russian spy vessel Yantar entering British waters.

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

Russia’s Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research is developing capabilities intended to survey underwater infrastructure during peacetime and damage, or even destroy, it during a conflict. These capabilities are deployed from submarines and specialist surface vessels, including Yantar.

MOD takes this threat extremely seriously. The Royal Navy closely track and monitor the activities of the Yantar, and have military options ready to respond if needed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to protect British military pilots from lasers fired from Russian spy vessels.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him (column 844) and the answer I gave to the Rt hon. Member for New Forest East (column 847) on 20 November 2025 for the Urgent Question on Russian Ship Yantar.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK building the factories of the future as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, what percentage of the £1.5 billion of additional defence investment will be allocated to British companies.

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

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is an engine for growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. We have committed £1.5 billion in the Strategic Defence Review to move munitions production to "always on" and build six new munitions and energetics factories, taking our total munitions spend this parliament to £6 billion. The £250 million investment is supporting the Defence Growth Deals that were announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. Whilst it is currently premature to comment on specific proposals, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK building the factories of the future as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, what percentage of the £250 million funding will be spent on British companies.

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

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is an engine for growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. We have committed £1.5 billion in the Strategic Defence Review to move munitions production to "always on" and build six new munitions and energetics factories, taking our total munitions spend this parliament to £6 billion. The £250 million investment is supporting the Defence Growth Deals that were announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. Whilst it is currently premature to comment on specific proposals, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK building the factories of the future as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, whether the £1.5 billion is new funding.

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

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is an engine for growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. We have committed £1.5 billion in the Strategic Defence Review to move munitions production to "always on" and build six new munitions and energetics factories, taking our total munitions spend this parliament to £6 billion. The £250 million investment is supporting the Defence Growth Deals that were announced in the Defence Industrial Strategy. Whilst it is currently premature to comment on specific proposals, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has plans to cancel any named exercises by the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy and (c) Royal Air Force in the (i) current financial year and (ii) next financial year.

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

The Department conducts military exercises to maintain operational effectiveness, raise warfighting readiness and ensure the armed forces are prepared to respond to a wide range of scenarios. These exercises often involve collaboration with our allies and partners, enhancing interoperability and collective readiness.

Our exercise plans are kept under regular review to ensure they align with our priorities and both our own and our partners' operational requirements.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he considered providing information to Parliament on the attempt by a Russian spy vessel to blind RAF pilots on 19 November 2025.

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

The Ministry of Defence is committed to updating Parliament on all matters related to national security, including the use of lasers by the Russian spy ship YANTAR The Minister for the Armed Forces answered an Urgent Question in Parliament about this incident on 20 November.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish the (a) models and (b) manufacturing country of 3D printers currently in use by the British Army.

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

The British Army’s use of 3D printers forms part of its trial and experimentation efforts. Consequently, details relating to 3D printing equipment are not held centrally.

The Army has strict security procedures in place to ensure all sensitive information is protected. Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the British Army does. Therefore sensible security precautions are taken in regard to 3D Printers which are not connected to the defence network and are not used to produce any sensitive materials.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85226 on Defence: Contracts, when he will publish the results of the public consultation.

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

The results of the public consultation will be published in the first half of 2026.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, whether he plans to order any further Typhoons for use by the RAF.

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

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the UK's future combat air capability to enable the Integrated Force is being finalised through the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year. The Plan will consider the appropriate mix of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft required to meet our military requirements and the associated economic benefits of the UK's Typhoon and F35 industrial workshare.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 140 of the MOD Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of his decision to cancel the Rolling Vertical Landing upgrade on F-35 capability.

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

Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landing (SRVL) for the UK's F-35B Lightning aircraft to Queen Elizabeth Class carriers has not been cancelled; it has been re-profiled as a Defence Choice so that fitting the capability aligns with the introduction of a related complex weapons programme. This is not expected to have an adverse impact on overall Carrier Strike or F-35B capability.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, if he will list the 1,000 major defence contracts that have been signed.

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

The Department is withholding the information as full disclosure of all the contract details may prejudice commercial interests and national security.

The Department has provided a list of British companies that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts. These suppliers can be found in the attachment provided.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, if he will provide a list of the British firms that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts.

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

The Department is withholding the information as full disclosure of all the contract details may prejudice commercial interests and national security.

The Department has provided a list of British companies that were awarded contracts out of the 1,000 major contracts. These suppliers can be found in the attachment provided.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85232 on Defence: Contracts, whether he held discussions with representatives from British SMEs regarding the location of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

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

Planning for the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth continues at pace. The Office will reflect modern ways of working and will not be restricted by a physical location. By using a networked approach that utilizes services provided by existing organisations including the Trade Bodies and Regional Defence and Security Clusters, the Office will address one of the significant barriers to entry for SME support. The offering will be across the country and utilising effective digital tools, enabling small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85232 on Defence: Contracts, whether the Defence Office for Small Business Growth will use occupy any physical locations.

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

Planning for the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth continues at pace. The Office will reflect modern ways of working and will not be restricted by a physical location. By using a networked approach that utilizes services provided by existing organisations including the Trade Bodies and Regional Defence and Security Clusters, the Office will address one of the significant barriers to entry for SME support. The offering will be across the country and utilising effective digital tools, enabling small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85232 on Defence: Contracts, whether his Department will rent private office space to be used by the Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

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

Planning for the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth continues at pace. The Office will reflect modern ways of working and will not be restricted by a physical location. By using a networked approach that utilizes services provided by existing organisations including the Trade Bodies and Regional Defence and Security Clusters, the Office will address one of the significant barriers to entry for SME support. The offering will be across the country and utilising effective digital tools, enabling small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will publish a command paper for the Defence Reform programme.

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

At this present time, there are no plans to publish a Command Paper for the Defence Reform programme. The programme is being delivered through established internal governance and Ministerial oversight, which ensures transparency and accountability without the need for a formal Command Paper.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to implement the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal.

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

Our ambition is for all five Defence Growth Deals, including the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal, to be operational by the end of Summer 2026. We have already made tangible progress with the launch of Team Plymouth on 19 September, who will be leading the delivery of the Plymouth Defence Growth Deal.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to implement the South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal.

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

Our ambition is for all five Defence Growth Deals, including the South Yorkshire Defence Growth Deal, to be operational by the end of Summer 2026. This timeline reflects our dedication to ensuring these Deals are implemented effectively, delivering tangible benefits to local economies and the wider defence sector.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to implement the Scotland Defence Growth Deal.

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

Our ambition is for all five Defence Growth Deals, including the Scotland Defence Growth Deal, to be operational by the end of Summer 2026. This timeline reflects our dedication to ensuring these Deals are implemented effectively, delivering tangible benefits to local economies and the wider defence sector.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to implement the Wales Defence Growth Deal.

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

Our ambition is for all five Defence Growth Deals, including the Wales Growth Deal, to be operational by the end of Summer 2026. This timeline reflects our dedication to ensuring these Deals are implemented effectively, delivering tangible benefits to local economies and the wider defence sector.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to implement the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal.

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

Our ambition is for all five Defence Growth Deals, including the Northern Ireland Defence Growth Deal, to be operational by the end of Summer 2026. This timeline reflects our dedication to ensuring these Deals are implemented effectively, delivering tangible benefits to local economies and the wider defence sector.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent discussions he has had with his US counterpart on future plans for a deployment of foreign service personnel to Ukraine as part of a peacekeeping force.

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

We welcome the significant efforts from both President Trump and President Zelenskyy to make progress on a peace deal and the constructive engagement in Geneva over the weekend towards securing a just and lasting peace.

We always encourage our partners to do whatever they can to support Ukraine. Any decisions on what support a state may wish to consider providing in support of Ukraine, including deploying personnel, rests with individual governments.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress she has made on implementing the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with the Cabinet Office colleagues on a range of issues, including national security and resilience.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence has an integral role in the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme. The Ministry of Defence is therefore working closely with the Cabinet Office across all appropriate levels to ensure alignment between civil and military planning for some of the most serious risks we face.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 70650 on Defence, if he will list which other areas of Government for which the Defence Readiness Bill will be a legislative vehicle.

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

The Ministry of Defence is working to develop defence readiness legislation as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy. We are engaging with other Government Departments as they consider what legislation they may wish to bring forward in the context of the Government’s Home Defence Programme led by the Cabinet Office. No decisions have yet been taken on the detailed composition of the Government’s future legislative programme for future sessions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 70650 on Defence, which legislation the Defence Readiness Bill will provide the groundwork for.

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

The Ministry of Defence is working to develop defence readiness legislation as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy. We are engaging with other Government Departments as they consider what legislation they may wish to bring forward in the context of the Government’s Home Defence Programme led by the Cabinet Office. No decisions have yet been taken on the detailed composition of the Government’s future legislative programme for future sessions.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to protect British waters from infiltration by the Russian spy vessel Yantar.

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

The Royal Navy constantly monitors threats to UK waters, and we are ready and willing to respond if required. The YANTAR’s most recent incursion into British waters was met with a robust response, using capabilities from across the full spectrum of Defence.

The Royal Navy and Royal Air Force deployed HMS SOMERSET and RAF P-8 Maritime Patrol Aircraft to monitor the YANTAR’s every move within the UK’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). In addition, the Defence Secretary took steps to alter and enhance the Royal Navy’s posture to ensure we can better track and respond to threats from YANTAR or any other spy ship.

As the Strategic Defence Review underlined, the protection of Critical Underwater Infrastructure is a priority for Defence. We have invested in new capabilities to ensure our Critical Underwater Infrastructure remains resilient, such as the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance (MROS) programme, which includes RFA PROTEUS. We also will continue to invest in our international partnerships and alliances, including NATO, to coordinate surveillance of the threat, expose those who seek to threaten us and hold them accountable.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on a peace deal in Ukraine.

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

We welcome the significant efforts from both President Trump and President Zelenskyy to make progress on a peace deal and the constructive engagement in Geneva over the weekend towards securing a just and lasting peace.

The UK alongside our European allies have supported those discussions and continue to work closely with the US and Ukraine.

While diplomatic efforts continue, we will stand steadfast with Ukraine to keep it in the fight and ensure the Ukrainian people can defend themselves from the ongoing barbaric Russian attacks.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out recent amendments he has made to the Royal Navy's rules of engagement.

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

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence continuously assess our Rules of Engagement to ensure our Armed Forces can act appropriately against malign activities and future threats. For reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific detail on Rules of Engagement.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has held recent discussions with the Cabinet Office on the Home Defence Programme.

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

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular discussions with the Cabinet Office colleagues on a range of issues, including national security and resilience.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence has an integral role in the Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme. The Ministry of Defence is therefore working closely with the Cabinet Office across all appropriate levelsto ensure alignment between civil and military planning for some of the most serious risks we face.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the transcript of his speech entitled Defence Secretary speech on threats to the UK, published on 19 November 2025, how many of the 1,000 signed contracts are valued at (a) below £1 million, (b) between £1 million to £10 million, (c) between £10 million to £100 million, (d) between £100 million to £500 million and (e) above £500 million.

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

The information requested is outlined in the table below.

Contracts by value:

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, as a monetary figure, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems will be spent in the current Parliament.

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

Uncrewed and Autonomous systems are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Ministry of Defence has spent over £450 million on Uncrewed Systems, including over £300 million on their research and development over the last year. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled Major £5 billion technology investment accelerates UK defence innovation in a European first, published on 2 June 2025, as a monetary figure, how much of the £4 billion for autonomous systems is currently unallocated.

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

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK's conventional force. Defence will deliver on this commitment by incorporating uncrewed and autonomous systems into the Integrated Force in higher numbers over the next five years.

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is a powerhouse for economic growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment, and will leverage investments such as the Autonomy Fund to this end whilst ensuring operational benefits. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including autonomous and uncrewed systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled 100 new jobs created as drone factory opens in Swindon, published on 20 November 2025, how many orders he has placed for AI-enabled uncrewed systems.

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

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK's conventional force. Defence will deliver on this commitment by incorporating uncrewed and autonomous systems into the Integrated Force in higher numbers over the next five years.

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is a powerhouse for economic growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment, and will leverage investments such as the Autonomy Fund to this end whilst ensuring operational benefits. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including autonomous and uncrewed systems, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will disclose the total figure in monetary terms that his Department will spend on day-to-day costs in the (a) current financial year and (b) next financial year.

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

The MOD's day to day spending is reflected in its Resource Departmental Expenditure Limits (RDEL).

The MOD's RDEL planned settlements for 2025-26 and 2026-27 have been set out as part of the Spending Review. These were £38.6 billion for 2025-26 and £39.6 billion for 2026-27.

Question to the Department for Business and Trade:

To ask the Secretary of State for Business and Trade, what steps his department is taking to help ensure that Royal Mail provide timely and reliable delivery of NHS appointment letters to patients in rural constituencies.

Answered by Blair McDougall - Parliamentary Under Secretary of State (Department for Business and Trade)

The government recognises the importance of timely delivery of NHS appointment letters, particularly for patients in rural areas. Royal Mail is required under the Universal Service Obligation to deliver priority letters six days a week to every UK address, and Ofcom monitors compliance with these standards.

It is for Ofcom to decide how to use its powers to investigate and take enforcement action should Royal Mail fail to achieve its obligations without good justification.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what criteria he will use to measure the success of Defence Reform.

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

The success of Defence Reform will be measured against the following criteria:

• Clearer accountabilities and responsibilities across the organisation.

• Simpler decision-making processes and systems to improve efficiency.

• Enhanced ways of working, including better use of technology and behaviours.

• The establishment of a 'One Defence' culture, fostering collaboration across allareas of defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many people are employed as part of Defence Reform.

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

As of 1 November 2025, a total of 41 individuals are employed within Defence Reform, based on headcount.

Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, pursuant to the Answer of 26 March 2025 to Question 39926 on Senior Civil Servants: Pay, when he plans to publish the next list of senior officials high earners salaries.

Answered by Anna Turley - Minister without Portfolio (Cabinet Office)

Departments and their partner organisations are currently collecting the data for the next ‘high earner’ list. It will be published when the data set is complete and the personal information being released about individuals has been fully quality assured. Departments also publish salary information for all their Senior Civil Service (SCS) roles in quarterly organograms on data.gov.uk and for all SCS operating at Board level in their Annual Accounts.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many meetings his Department has held in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

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

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been assessed in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

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

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on the review.

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

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been visited in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

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

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether there is a contracted end date for staff employed as part of Defence Reform.

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

Contract end dates for Ministry of Defence staff engaged in Defence Reform vary by individual.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 70685 on NATO.

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

I responded to the hon. Member on 28 November 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 70669 on NATO.

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

I responded to the hon. Member on 28 November 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 2 of the Strategic Defence Review: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, published on 2 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on establishing a roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies by January 2026.

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

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that our defence policy is ‘NATO First’. The Armed Forces must be capable of operating as part of a NATO force by design. We are taking this forward with and through NATO, which will produce an Interoperability Plan for the Alliance by the end of the year. The Military Strategic Headquarters has appointed an interoperability champion to support the implementation of this plan.

The UK’s own roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies is being developed with and in support of our Integrated Force Design. Officials within the Department meet regularly to discuss these, however, information regarding the total number of meetings is not held in the format requested.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how the competition for the Battlegroup Small Uncrewed Air System will align with the Defence Drone Strategy's commitment to keep up with relentless cycles of battlefield adaptation.

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

The information as to who exactly has bid remains commercially sensitive and is currently not for onward release.

There are however a number of UK companies involved, providing various different Small Uncrewed Aeriel System (sUAS) solutions. This is testament to the growth of the Uncrewed System development in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the competition for the Battlegroup Small Uncrewed Air System on strengthening the British industrial base.

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

The information as to who exactly has bid remains commercially sensitive and is currently not for onward release.

There are however a number of UK companies involved, providing various different Small Uncrewed Aeriel System (sUAS) solutions. This is testament to the growth of the Uncrewed System development in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 2 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, how many meetings have taken place within his Department on establishing a roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies by January 2026 since 2 June 2025.

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

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that our defence policy is ‘NATO First’. The Armed Forces must be capable of operating as part of a NATO force by design. We are taking this forward with and through NATO, which will produce an Interoperability Plan for the Alliance by the end of the year. The Military Strategic Headquarters has appointed an interoperability champion to support the implementation of this plan.

The UK’s own roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies is being developed with and in support of our Integrated Force Design. Officials within the Department meet regularly to discuss these, however, information regarding the total number of meetings is not held in the format requested.

Question to the Department for Transport:

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport, whether her Department plans to review its consultation process on Volumetric Concrete Mixers.

Answered by Keir Mather - Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Department for Transport)

The Department has no plans to review its consultation process on Volumetric Concrete Mixers (VCMs).

The outcome of my department’s review into VCMs was published on 18 March 2025. This can be found at the following link:

https://www.gov.uk/government/calls-for-evidence/volumetric-concrete-mixers-review

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has a target date for the completion of Defence Reform.

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

The Ministry of Defence does not have a single target date for the completion of Defence Reform. Implementation planning will begin in January 2026, and implementation will commence progressively as elements of the unified Defence Operating Model mature. Full implementation will continue throughout 2026 and beyond

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK “building the factories of the future” as government launches next phase of new munitions and energetics factories, published on 19 November 2025, if he will list all contracts placed by his Department with Helsing since 5 July 2024.

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

The Department is withholding the information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.