Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects to make a decision on the Puma replacement; and if he will make a statement.

Following on from the Early Market Engagement and Market Interest Day, we are intending to initiate the formal competition in February 2022. Subject to industry responses and timely approvals, we are aiming for a decision date in late 2023. It is important that we give industry sufficient time to compile detailed competitive bids in order to reduce risk in the latter stages of the competition.