Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many (a) tests and (b) trials of uncrewed aerial vehicles (UAVs) that were conducted (i) in-house and (ii) in conjunction with industry were carried out by the RAF 126 Squadron since its formation; if he will list the names of the UAVs; and whether any of those UAVs (A) have been recommended for acquisition, (B) are in the process of acquisition and (C) are in service.

Since the formation of 216 Squadron in 2020 there have been no completed tests or trials conducted either in-house or with industry. 216 Squadron personnel have participated in several technical demonstrations as military advisers and subject matter experts in partnership with the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory.

A trial was planned for June 2023 using the Callen-Lenz 'Koios' Air vehicle and the Blue Bear Systems Research 'Centurion' Ground Control Station but this activity was cancelled due to competing resource priorities.

No UAVs have been recommended by 216 Squadron for acquisition into service.