Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to Heading 8 entitled Service Prosecuting Authority – Indecent Images of Children in the Official Statistics entitled Murder, manslaughter, sexual offences and domestic abuse in the Service Justice System: 2025, published on 26 March 2026, under what circumstances would a case involving indecent images of children be referred to the Commanding Officer.

The offences related to Indecent Images of Children (s1 of the Protection of Children Act 1978) are listed as Schedule 2 offences within the Armed Forces Act 2006 and therefore cannot be referred to a Commanding Officer (CO) to be dealt with via summary hearing. Investigations into serious offences, including Indecent Images of Children (IIOC) are investigated by the Defence Serious Crime Command independently of the Chain of Command. In the 2025 Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse in the Service Justice System, within the Service Prosecuting Authority (SPA) tab, one IIOC case is recorded as referred to CO. Cases are shown on the SPA statistics against the most serious charge, but cases may also contain less serious charges. A case that is shown under the “Indecent Images of Children” heading may be referred to the CO by the SPA, where the decision was taken that the “Indecent Images of Children” charge did not pass the Full Code Test (and therefore could not be charged), but other charges in the case are appropriate for the CO to deal with.

With reference to Heading 10 entitled Domestic Abuse in the Official Statistics entitled Murder, manslaughter, sexual offences and domestic abuse in the Service Justice System: 2025, published on 26 March 2026, how many of the 27 male reported victims were serving military personnel.

In the interest of protecting the anonymity of victims of domestic abuse (which may constitute victims of sexual offences) and to ensure that victims of domestic abuse (which may include sexual offences) are not deterred from coming forward, I do not intend to release information confirming whether any of the male victims of domestic abuse were serving military personnel.The published figures for victims of sexual offences and domestic abuse are based on investigations opened, and the most serious offence initially reported, not convictions. Not all investigations result in an arrest or a charge, and anyone accused is innocent until proved guilty. The official statistics into Murder, Manslaughter, Sexual Offences and Domestic Abuse in the Service Justice System does not breakdown the data to that level of detail. The data is broken down to one demographic at a time, but not by two simultaneously. By breaking the data down further this could contribute to disclosure of individuals’ identities.

Whether, during the meeting between the Chief of the Defence Staff and President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria on 31 March 2026, he discussed a potential end date for Operation Shader.

In the meeting between the Chief of the Defence Staff President Ahmed al-Sharaa of Syria on 31 March 2026, a potential end date for Operation Shader was not discussed.

Whether Polly Miller-Perkins CBE is the interim or permanent Armed Forces Commissioner.

Former Air Commodore Polly Miller-Perkins CBE took up the post of Armed Forces Commissioner on 30 March 2026, serving in the role on an interim basis for a term of one year. An open competition to recruit a permanent appointee will commence later this year.

With reference to page 30 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, published on 24 March 2026, by when he plans to have introduced a new Defence Security and Diplomacy Portfolio.

Defence Security and Diplomacy Portfolio officially launched this financial year.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 52038 on F-35 Aircraft: Cruise Missiles, what the outcome was of the re-baselining conducted in 2025.

The re-baselining conducted throughout 2025 will be formalised on approval of the associated Review Note. Fielding this critical F-35 warfighting capability is targeted within the joint programme from financial year 2028-29; spiral capability upgrades across the programme life cycle will occur thereafter.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 52038 on F-35 Aircraft: Cruise Missiles, when the review note was (a) submitted and (b) approved.

The Review Note has been subject to an extended consultation phase which has now been finalised; Submission is expected imminently.

With reference to the press release entitled Independent champion for Armed Forces appointed as new team stands up, published on 5 April 2026, when he plans to commence the open competition for the permanent appointment.

Former Air Commodore Polly Miller-Perkins CBE took up the post of Armed Forces Commissioner on 30 March 2026, serving in the role on an interim basis for a term of one year. An open competition to recruit a permanent appointee will commence later this year.

Pursuant to the Answer of 27 March 2026 to Question 122321 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, whether he has considered publishing the membership of the expert panel.

An Independent Expert Panel Review of the programme is ongoing. This panel was established to identify human, environmental and technical factors affecting the users of Armoured vehicles. While this review is ongoing, it would be inappropriate to provide any further details.

Which number ships from the Type 26 production run will go to the Royal Norwegian Navy.

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 108598 provided on 4 February 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-27/108598

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring ammunition for HMS Glasgow’s Vertical Launching System prior to its first operational patrol in 2028.

Ammunition procurement is considered through routine Defence equipment planning processes, which takes account of operational requirements, platform readiness and value for money.

With reference to Heading 9 entitled Court Martial Results for Indecent Images of Children in the Official Statistics entitled Murder, manslaughter, sexual offences and domestic abuse in the Service Justice System: 2025, published on 26 March 2026, what sentence was handed down in response to each of the 26 guilty verdicts.

The information the hon. Member has requested has been grouped together by defendant, as follows: Sentence of Defendant 1Charge 1: Dismissed from His Majesty's Service, 14 months’ imprisonment suspended for two years with a requirement to undertake 240 hours unpaid work and up to 30 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days.Charge 2: No separate penalty. Overall sentence: Dismissed from His Majesty's Service and sentenced to 14 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a requirement to undertake 240 hours unpaid work and up to 30 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for five years. Sentence of Defendant 2On charges 1 to 3: Eight Months’ imprisonment, suspended for 18 months’ and subject to a Suspended Sentence Order with a requirement to undertake 210 hours unpaid work within 12 months and up to 40 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days. Sentences to run concurrently to each other. Dismissed from His Majesty's Service and reduced to the ranks.Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for seven years. Overall sentence: Dismissed from His Majesty’s Service and reduced to the ranks. Sentenced to eight months’ imprisonment suspended for 18 months, and subject to a Suspended Sentence Order with a requirement to undertake 210 hours unpaid work within 12 months and up to 40 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for seven years. Sentence of Defendant 3Charges 1 to 9: 18 Months’ imprisonment, suspended for two yearsCharges 10 and 11: Six month’s imprisonment, suspended for two years. To run concurrently with charges 1 to 9.Required to attend up to 25 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days. To attend up to 30 days of an accredited programme and undertake 140 hours unpaid work within the community.Dismissed from His Majesty's Service.Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for ten years. Overall sentence: Dismissed from His Majesty’s Service and sentenced to 18 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years with a requirement to attend up to 25 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days and undertake 140 hours unpaid work within the community. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for ten years Sentence of Defendant 4Charges 1 to 5: 12 Months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years with a requirement to undertake 240 hours unpaid work to be completed within 12 months, up to 20 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days, programme requirement up to 42 sessions. Sentence for charges 1 to 5 run concurrently with each other.Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for ten years.Overall sentence: Sentenced to 12 months’ imprisonment, suspended for two years, with a requirement to undertake 240 hours unpaid work to be completed within 12 months, undertake up to 20 Rehabilitation and Activity Requirement days and comply with a programme requirement of up to 42 sessions. Subject to a Sexual Harm Prevention Order and Sex Offenders Register for ten years.The defendant was no longer serving at the time of their Court Martial – therefore dismissal was not required as part of their sentence. Sentence of Defendant 5Charge 1: 122 Days’ Service detention, dismissed from His Majesty's Service and subject to the Sexual Harm Prevention Register and Sex Offenders Register for five yearsCharge 2: Same as charge 1 to run concurrentlyCharge 3: Same as charge 1 to run concurrently. Overall sentence: Dismissed from His Majesty’s Service and sentenced to 122 days’ Service detention and subject to the Sexual Harm Prevention Register and Sex Offenders Register for five years. Sentence of Defendant 6Charge 1: Six months' Service detentionCharge 2: No separate penaltyDismissed from His Majesty's Service Subject to the Sexual Harm Prevention Register and Sex Offenders Register for five years.Overall sentence: Dismissed from His Majesty’s Service and sentenced to six months’ Service detention. Subject to the Sexual Harm Prevention Register and Sex Offenders Register for five years.

If he will set out which current operations have been endorsed by the National Security Council.

Decisions to undertake military operations are taken in accordance with established constitutional and governance arrangements. The National Security Council considers the strategic approach to national security, foreign policy, resilience, international relations, economic security, trade, development, defence and global issues. It is a long-established precedent that information about the discussions that have taken place in Cabinet and its Committees, and how often they have met, is not shared publicly.

What progress he has made on developing co-operation between the UK and France under the 2025 Northwood Declaration.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 27 February 2026 to Question 113496 to the hon. Member for The Wrekin (Mr Pritchard).

What the scope is of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering programme.

The Future Maritime Data Gathering (FMDG) programme is exploring a range of technologies, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and improved data‑processing tools.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and Belgium sign multi-million pound Mission Data partnership, published on 31 March 2026, what is the total value of Belgian investment over five years.

The maximum financial contribution for Belgium is €150 million. This is inclusive of VAT and other taxes, customs duties and similar charges, and accounts for inflation.

When the Armed Forces Pay Review for 2026-27 will be announced.

The Government has received the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body Pay Round 26 report and is carefully considering its recommendations before publishing both the report and our response to it in due course.

With reference to his Department's Pre-Procurement Notice entitled Strategic Defence Review - Energetics Investment Information Notice, published on 2 April 2026, by what date does he plan to confirm the (a) value for money and (b) affordability criteria.

We plan to confirm value for money and affordability criteria by no later than the beginning of quarter 3 2026. Feasibility studies are planned to be contracted in April 2026, and to conclude in August 2026.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Russian use of the Chinese Shennong Shield-3000 mobile high-energy laser directed energy weapon on Taskforce Kindred’s efforts to support Ukrainian armed forces via drone capability.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.

What progress he has made in integrating the Aster 30 missile into the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 123067, tabled on 23 March 2026:https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-03-23/123067