Written questions by Rosindell.

What assessment he has made of the capabilities of the Royal Air Force Chinook fleet.

The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters, as announced by the Secretary of State in November 2024, will be optimised to ensure that the Chinook Force continues to meet its many operational commitments to the British Army and that UK and global readiness continues to be delivered. From January 2027 these 14 helicopters will be replaced by state-of-the-art H47 (Extended Range). The Force remains ready to rapidly deploy as directed by Defence.

Whether he is taking steps to increase the presence of the Royal Navy in the Indo-Pacific region.

In 2025, our maritime presence in the Indo Pacific will increase through Operation HIGHMAST, an eight-month multi-national UK-led carrier strike deployment comprising four Royal Navy platforms and an air wing. Op HIGHMAST will complement the Royal Navy's persistent maritime presence, which since 2021 has retained two Offshore Patrol Vessels in the region.

What steps he is taking to ensure that the UK’s financial contributions to the Commonwealth War Graves Commission are sufficient to maintain the graves of UK military personnel.

The annual funding for the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC’s) is split between the six member countries, in proportion to the number of war dead from each nation. The United Kingdom is by far the largest contributor at 78.4%. Defence officials work very closely with the CWGC each year to set the annual budget, and therefore funding, for the following year. This work takes account of any specific requirements or projects that may be forecast, whilst also ensuring that the Commission works effectively and efficiently. On that basis, the Ministry of Defence will continue to provide adequate funding going forwards.

What steps he has taken to increase defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and Japan.

The UK’s defence relationship with Japan is the closest it has ever been. The Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) allows our forces to deploy to one another’s countries for large-scale exercises and operations, such as Exercise VIGILANT ISLES which saw more than 100 UK troops deploy to Japan’s island of Kyushu in January 2025. The Carrier Strike Group will conduct training alongside the Japanese Self Defence Forces and HMS PRINCE OF WALES will conduct a port visit in Tokyo later this year. We have stepped up industrial collaboration through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) to build the next generation of fighter jet by 2035.

What steps he has taken to increase defence co-operation between the United Kingdom and Italy.

Italy remains one of the UK's most critical partners for European defence and security. The UK has a valuable and longstanding partnership with Italy built on deep tri-service links and historic cooperation in the combat air and weapons sectors. Through annual 2+2 meetings between our Foreign and Defence Secretaries, our bilateral High-Level Military Dialogue, and regular interaction through other groupings such as NATO and E5 Defence Ministers Group, we continuously explore how our nations can better work together to address issues of shared strategic interest. The closeness of our relationship is exemplified by our commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). Alongside Italy and Japan, we have made great progress delivering GCAP, achieving Treaty Ratification between all partner nations in December 2024 and establishing the GCAP Headquarters, based in Reading. This programme will not only deliver a cutting-edge combat aircraft but will foster closer defence cooperation between the three nations while also strengthening each country's defence industry, creating jobs and fostering economic growth. Outside of GCAP, the bi-annual Senior Armaments Export Group meeting brings together government and industry to understand how we can best work together to pursue opportunities for deeper collaboration on defence programmes and exports. In February 2025, British and Italian capability directors signed a Statement of Intent focusing on complex weapons cooperation, adding more structure to this relationship.Operationally our relationship is strong. We continue to deepen interoperability between our Carrier Strike Groups. As the only other European nation with carrier-capable F-35B aircraft, the Italian Armed Forces are providing a crucial contribution to the UK's 2025 Carrier Strike Group deployment, Op HIGHMAST.

What recent steps he has taken to support the aerospace industry.

The strategic aim of this Government’s Defence Industrial Strategy is to make sure the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned. This Government is committed to supporting UK defence manufacturing, including in the aerospace industry, ensuring a robust industrial base and creating skilled job opportunities, particularly through projects which uphold our sovereign capability in producing defence equipment. This Government recognises the vital contribution of the aerospace industry. There are already over 3,500 roles supporting the Global Combat Air Programme in the UK alone, compared to 1,800 in 2021. All Ministry of Defence procurement decisions are carefully considered, taking into account not only the capabilities of the equipment but also the wider economic impact and the need to maintain operational sovereignty.

Whether he plans to increase the pay of soldiers, in the context of planned increases in defence spending.

Pay is an important part of a comprehensive benefits package to our Service personnel including subsided food and housing; together, these play a vital role in supporting wider recruitment and retention. Pay for most frontline public sector workforces, including the Armed Forces, is set through an independent Pay Review Body process. These independent bodies consider a range of evidence when forming their recommendations and then submit reports to the Government, which considers them before announcing final settlements. The Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body submitted its report to the government on 10 April 2025. The Government will now carefully consider the recommendations before publishing the report and the Government’s response to it, recognising the importance of giving certainty on 2025-26 pay settlements as early as possible.

Whether he has held discussions with his US counterpart on the proposed treaty with Mauritius on the sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory since the commencement of US strikes on Houthi rebels in Yemen.

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a wide range of security issues. We welcome US support of the UK proceeding with the proposed treaty with Mauritius, as well as the President's recognition of the strength of the deal.

What steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to reduce UK businesses' reliance on foreign-produced satellites.

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with other Departments to support the UK space sector. On 22 April, I met with colleagues from across Government to discuss our approach to this vital part of the UK economy, and to develop plans in the Government’s Spending Review and Strategic Defence Review. The Government’s Industrial Strategy will strengthen the UK's advanced manufacturing sectors and promote sovereign industrial capabilities. It will set out plans to boost innovation and secure long-term sector growth. Additionally, the Ministry of Defence will continue to invest in sovereign space capabilities.

Whether he has had discussions with his Australian counterpart on the prevention of Chinese naval (a) incursions and (b) shelling off the coast of Australia.

The Secretary of State speaks regularly with his Australian counterpart and last spoke on 11 February. These discussions typically cover a range of issues of mutual interest, including the importance of upholding security and stability in the Indo-Pacific. We remain committed to international law, the primacy of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), to freedom of navigation and overflight and to a free and open Indo-Pacific.

Whether he has had recent discussions with his US counterpart on the future of the airbase on Ascension Island.

The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagements with the US Secretary of Defense on a range of topics. The future of the airbase on the Ascension Islands has not been discussed during these engagements.

Whether he has received representations from his US counterpart on the proposed transfer of sovereignty of the British Indian Ocean Territory to Mauritius.

The Secretary of State for Defence speaks regularly with US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on a wide range of security issues, including the long-term, secure and effective operation of the base on Diego Garcia. We welcome US support of the UK proceeding with the proposed treaty with Mauritius, as well as the President's recognition of the strength of the deal.

What steps he is taking to improve defences against hypersonic missiles.

The UK continually reviews its approach to evolving threats, including hypersonic missiles, as part of wider plans for Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD). We mitigate air and missile threats through a spectrum of activities including counter proliferation, arms control and deterrence as well as active and passive defences. Allied co-operation is key to addressing advanced threats and we are working with the USA and Australia on this topic through the AUKUS framework. In addition, we are investing in developing future defensive capabilities of tomorrow through our defence science and technology portfolio.Additional measures are under consideration as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

What steps he is taking to support the work of armed forces chaplains.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) value our Armed Forces Chaplains and are committed to supporting their work to provide spiritual support and guidance to Service personnel and their families, in times of war and peace. In addition to providing and maintaining faith, belief and worship spaces across the Defence Estate, the MOD funds continued professional development for chaplains including places on coaching courses, post-graduate courses in chaplaincy, attendance at annual retreats, spiritual conferences, and visits to a spiritual director. Chaplains are also able to access health and wellbeing resources available to all Service personnel which are designed to support mental and physical resilience.

What steps he is taking with faith groups to support veterans.

Britain’s rich history and our links with Commonwealth countries mean our Armed Forces have always benefitted from the dedication of personnel from diverse backgrounds and faiths. Whether they be Christian or Hindu, Muslim or Sikh, Jewish or Buddhist, of any other faith or indeed not of any faith, it is the contribution, dedication, personal sacrifice and bravery of diverse individuals which keep Britain secure at home and strong abroad. We recognise that faith plays an important part in the lives of many veterans. This is reflected in the participation of representatives of a diverse range of faiths in the national act of Remembrance. The National Memorial Arboretum, in Staffordshire, provides a reflective space for people from all walks of life to celebrate lives lived and commemorate lives lost. Among the almost 400 memorials at the Arboretum are tributes to Sikh soldiers who served during the First World War, members of the Association of Jewish Ex-Servicemen and Women, and those who work in the Royal Army Chaplains Department. In recent years there have been many expressions of interest from many diverse groups and communities interested in sponsoring a memorial at the site, including people wishing to recognise the contribution of Armed Forces personnel from the Caribbean and those of Muslim faith. Another example of support for faith groups is how the Government is exploring plans to deliver a Muslim War Memorial and recently ran a market engagement exercise to inform our thinking on delivery options. Muslim soldiers are among the many people who fought incredibly bravely throughout the World Wars alongside the British Army and Allied Forces and it is right that they’re respected and remembered for their vital contribution to our country.

What steps he is taking to improve the defence of British undersea infrastructure.

The UK Government constantly monitors and assesses the security of critical underwater infrastructure, as part of a whole-of-Government effort involving multiple Departments, including the Ministry of Defence, Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, alongside industry and international partners. The Royal Navy plays a critical part in maintaining security within UK waters, deploying a variety of vessels and aircraft. RFA Proteus, the UK’s first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship (MROS), is now operational and is using its leading-edge technology to monitor underwater infrastructure in areas of UK sovereign interest.

What proportion of invoices from UK suppliers his Department paid within 10 days of receipt between September 2024 and February 2025.

Between September 2024 and February 2025, a total of 619,531 invoices were received, of which, 97.28 per cent (602,704) were paid within ten working days of receipt.Details of the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) supplier invoicing and payment information, including supplier payment performance, invoice processing and MOD contract payments, are published at the following link:https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/ministry-of-defence-supplier-invoicing-and-payment-information

What steps he is taking to increase recruitment and retention within the Royal Navy Reserves.

Our Reserve Forces help the UK Armed Forces meet the threats we face at home and overseas, with the scale, skills, agility and connection to society that we need, in a cost-effective way. We are actively recruiting for the Royal Navy Reserve through our engaging social media campaign. Key themes for recruitment and retention include growth on the Maritime Reserves along with meaningful, diverse, and rewarding employment, reviewing and evolving administrative models for Part Time Volunteer Reserves to make sure they are fit for purpose, optimising selection processes for specialisations, credible career development pathways, and the modernising and flexibility of training pipelines.

Whether the Government plans to conduct military exercises with (a) Malaysia, (b) Brunei, and (c) Singapore in the next twelve months.

The UK military exercises regularly with allies and partners across the Indo-Pacific. Over the next twelve months, we will be conducting bilateral and multilateral exercises with Malaysia, Brunei and Singapore.

What steps he plans to take to protect British businesses against the effects of grey zone attacks on undersea cable communication infrastructure between Taiwan and Europe.

Subsea cables are critical to UK telecommunications digital infrastructure, and we are committed to maintaining and enhancing the security and resilience of that infra- structure. We continue to co-ordinate with HMG partners, particularly DSIT who own subsea cables policy, as well as security partners, the subsea cables industry and international bodies to assess and understand risks to subsea cables.