Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many Ajax armoured vehicles had been delivered by General Dynamics to a) his Department and b) the Army as of 1 November 2025.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
As of 1 November 2025:
166 Capability Drop 3 platforms were accepted by the Ministry of Defence and 156 of these were delivered to the Army.
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has considered gifting Watchkeeper to Ukraine.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK and partners will continue to ensure we equip Ukraine as best we can to defend its sovereign territory and ensure it is in a position of strength for any peace negotiations.
Since Watchkeeper Mk1 entered service in 2010, drone technology has evolved at remarkable pace, driven by the extensive use of unmanned systems in the war in Ukraine. The Department has therefore prioritised this effort on more cost-effective drones that deliver comparable capability and can operate in the most demanding environments.
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the total budget now allocated for the Watchkeeper RPV, between November 2024 (the previously announced cancellation date) and March 2027.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
With the retirement of Watchkeeper Mk 1, the Army will transition rapidly to a new, advanced system that draws on the latest operational lessons and technological innovations.
The total budget allocated over the period November 2024 to March 2027 for the Watchkeeper Remotely Piloted Vehicle is £115.886 million.
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the latest estimated in-service date for Project Corvus, the planned replacement for the Watchkeeper RPV.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
With the retirement of Watchkeeper Mk 1, the Army will transition rapidly to a new, advanced system that draws on the latest operational lessons and technological innovations.
On current plans, Project CORVUS is scheduled to be delivered in November 2026, in advance of the Watchkeeper Out of Service Date of March 2027.
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the latest out of service date for the Watchkeeper RPV system.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the right 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.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-15/77261
Asked by: Mark Francois (Conservative - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Question to the Ministry of Defence:
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to withdraw the Watchkeeper RPV from operational service with the Army.
Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the right 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.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-15/77261