Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason for the contract for the delivery of the Falcon cryptographic solution was terminated.

The Falcon End Crypto Unit obsolescence issue was due to be resolved by developing a new software build for the existing hardware and was placed on contract in September 2020. Due to increased Threat Assessment analysis from the National Cyber Security Centre, it was determined that these plans were no longer suitable for military operations. An alternative, more cost effective, solution to mitigate the new threat level is now being procured to support Falcon.

This decision has no impact on the fielded Falcon system and ensures utility until Falcon's Out of Service Date. It has no effect on live service support to UK MOD operations, ensuring Falcon endures and is capable of protecting UK MOD from the increased threat.