Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask Her Majesty's Government, in response to the war in Ukraine, what plans they have, if any, (1) to fill shortages in weapons stocks held by UK armed services, (2) to bring ships, aircraft and any vehicles up to their latest state of modification and maintenance in order to be ready for operations, (3) to speed up delivery of platforms and weapons systems already in procurement pipelines, (4) to call up reserves for certain specialist tasks that are currently gapped, and (5) to strengthen the training pipeline in preparation for a greater volume of recruits.

The MOD proactively manages its stocks of weapons and munitions to ensure that existing and new Armed Forces’ commitments can be met, including any provision to Ukraine.

The Government recognises the need for rapid modernisation of our Armed Forces. The Defence Command Paper outlined the Department’s commitment to rapid modernisation, shipbuilding, and accelerated Research and Development and plans to achieve strategic advantage. Our Armed Forces will become more agile and adaptable, to respond at pace to emerging threats.

Delivery schedules for platforms and weapons are under continual review and subject to adjustment in accordance with evolving Defence requirements.

As an integral part of the Armed Forces, Reservists are routinely used for military commitments whenever it makes sense to use the capability that they provide.

Military workforce levels are set in line with capability requirements as set out in the Defence Plan and are reviewed on this basis. This in turn sets the requirement for recruitment and training pipelines which are adjusted to ensure Defence Plan commitments are met.