Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which the 10 largest programmes are by value in his Department's latest Equipment Plan; and what estimate he has made of the (a) acquisition cost and (b) through-life cost of each of those programmes.

We plan to publish the Ministry of Defence's 2021-2031 Equipment Plan in Autumn 2021.

The 10 largest programmes by whole life costs in the department's Equipment Plan, as of 31 March, are:

Programme Name

Dreadnought

Complex Weapons Portfolio

Type 26 Global Combat Ship Programme

Nuclear Warhead Capability Sustainment Programme

Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems

Astute Boats 1-7

Future Maritime Support Programme

Lightning Programme

Future Beyond Line Of Sight

Armoured Cavalry

The department reports on these programmes as part of the Government's Major Projects Portfolio which includes whole life cost data:

https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/major-projects-data#2021-data.

Cost estimates are developed in accordance with HM Treasury guidance (including The Green Book and HM Treasury Business Case Guidance) and the MOD's guidance on investment approvals (Joint Service Publication 655). Costs are regularly scrutinised and monitored through these processes.

The Infrastructure and Projects Authority will be publishing their annual report shortly that will include those whole life costs that can be disclosed while respecting ongoing competitive tendering or other commercial sensitivities.