Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 110 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review, published 2 June 2025, how his Department prioritises investment in surveillance drones and counter-drone systems.

The Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre (DUSC) considers the potential application of uncrewed systems across military applications, including surveillance. Through the Defence Investment Plan Project CORVUS is investing £310 million of new investment in the Army’s long-range surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, including the next generation of uncrewed aerial systems to replace legacy Watchkeeper drones. Furthermore, it is investing £310 million in the new Uncrewed Systems Centre, including the recently opened DroneTEX facility, to coordinate all output with industry, partners, and allies.

In addition, Defence is investing a further £240 million in an enhanced counter-drone system, providing effective detection and defeat of emerging drone threats. Given the rapid pace of technological development and the evolving drone threat, Defence prioritises flexible and adaptable counter-drone capabilities that can be updated through spiral development and supported by operational learning.