Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of selecting a new individual weapon to replace the SA80 in a larger calibre than 5.56mm.

The British Army’s projected Out of Service Date for the L85A3 (SA80A3) variant of the L85 rifle family is currently 2030. The replacement for the L85 rifle will be procured under Project GRAYBURN, which is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements. As part of this phase, various rifle calibres are being considered. Performance, interoperability and complexity are some of the factors under consideration. The Army will take measures to mitigate any risk of potential capability vulnerabilities. Recent Project GRAYBURN progress includes discussions with manufacturers and industry experts to analyse the influence of the Land Industrial Strategy and UK manufacturing on the project. Due to the current phase of the project, we are unable to provide a formal cost estimation yet. This will be established once the scope, timeline and complexity of the project is confirmed but may be subject to commercial sensitivities.

What estimate his Department has made of the cost of replacing the SA80A2 and SA80A3 as the standard individual weapons of the Armed Forces in 2030.

The British Army’s projected Out of Service Date for the L85A3 (SA80A3) variant of the L85 rifle family is currently 2030. The replacement for the L85 rifle will be procured under Project GRAYBURN, which is currently in the concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding the capability requirements. As part of this phase, various rifle calibres are being considered. Performance, interoperability and complexity are some of the factors under consideration. The Army will take measures to mitigate any risk of potential capability vulnerabilities. Recent Project GRAYBURN progress includes discussions with manufacturers and industry experts to analyse the influence of the Land Industrial Strategy and UK manufacturing on the project. Due to the current phase of the project, we are unable to provide a formal cost estimation yet. This will be established once the scope, timeline and complexity of the project is confirmed but may be subject to commercial sensitivities.

How many (a) phones, (b) laptops and (c) other electronic devices have been lost by their Department since 5 July 2024.

The Ministry of Defence takes the security of its devices seriously and requires all losses and thefts to be reported. I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 33948 on 7 March 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge). The updated figures for the requested period are: ComputersUSBsPhonesLaptopsFrom 5 July 2024112148August 202400611September 202401198October 2024023719November 20240142December 20240073January 2025051247February 2025021454March 2025121832Up to 21 April 20250051Total121537995It is important to note that not all of the above incidents have resulted in actual losses or thefts. On some occasions where devices could not be accounted for, they would be reported but may have subsequently been found. January and February figures are high due to two incidents submitted by one part of Defence regarding the mustering of assets. Although it appears likely that the cause is poor accounting, the phones are still recorded as losses as this has not been confirmed. The discrepancy came to light following the strengthening of accounting processes within that organisation. This new audit process will ensure record keeping and utilisation are carefully managed in future, minimising associated costs and wastage.

What the total size is of the Royal Navy advertising budget, excluding the Royal Marines, in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the RAF advertising budget for FY 2025-26 has not yet received final Cabinet Office approval so is unable to be confirmed at this time. This differs from the British Army, who have a different recruitment contract with ‘Capita’, which has already gained Cabinet Office approval.

Whether he plans to introduce a Type 32 Frigate to the Royal Navy.

The Ministry of Defence is continuously evaluating its capabilities, which includes considering potential enhancements to the Royal Navy's fleet. Future capability plans for the Royal Navy will be part of the Strategic Defence Review.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Government's recent policies in relation to British Steel on the Royal Navy's shipbuilding capacity.

The Ministry of Defence is developing a Defence Industrial Strategy that will align this Government’s national security and economic priorities. This will include a review of the UK’s approach to critical supply chain elements, such as steel, alongside reviewing and reconfirming the areas where the UK needs to retain sovereign production capacities onshore. The decisive action taken by the Government on 12 April 2025 will safeguard steelmaking capabilities, protecting jobs, national security and supply chains. The Government is also bringing forward a steel strategy that will ensure a sustainable future for UK steelmaking. It will be published in Spring 2025, following consultation with industry and stakeholders. The strategy will establish a long-term vision for the industry, promoting long-term growth, that aligns with wider priorities including Invest 2035, the upcoming Industrial Strategy. Royal Navy shipbuilding capacity will not be negatively impacted by recent policies.

What the total size is of the Royal Air Force advertising budget in the 2025-26 financial year.

The Royal Navy, Royal Marines and the RAF advertising budget for FY 2025-26 has not yet received final Cabinet Office approval so is unable to be confirmed at this time. This differs from the British Army, who have a different recruitment contract with ‘Capita’, which has already gained Cabinet Office approval.

How many (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy pilots are needed to qualify on F-35 in 2025.

I am withholding the number of pilots planned to qualify in 2025, as it would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Throughout 2025, 207 Squadron are continuing to train Qualified Flying Instructors, deliver Operational Conversion Unit courses and providing refresher training for F-35 pilots returning to the Force. This will provide the planned force growth in number of pilots as we progress to Full Operational Capability.

How was the sale price of (a) HMS Albion and (b) HMS Bulwark calculated.

On a recent visit to Brazil, at the Latin American Aerospace and Defence Expo, I witnessed the signing of a Statement of Intent (SOI) between the Federative Republic of Brazil and the UK Ministry of Defence. This concerned cooperation and assistance in relation to the acquisition of HMS ALBION and HMS BULWARK. This is a significant step in strengthening bilateral defence cooperation with Brazil and enables discussions regarding the possible sale of the vessels to the Brazilian Navy. I am unable to provide further information due to commercial sensitivities.

What upgrades Hawk T2 will require in order to remain in use to its planned 2040 out-of-service date.

The upgrades required to support the Hawk T2 to its planned 2040 out-of-service date are under consideration as part of the Strategic Defence Review.

Which units have had (a) existing and (b) allocated ammunition stocks reduced to donate ammunition to Ukraine.

Since the beginning of the conflict, we have delivered over 500,000 rounds of artillery ammunition worth over £1.5 billion to Ukraine. With European partners, we are also members of the artillery capability coalition which delivers immediate support to Ukraine and also has a long-term plan to support Ukraine's ambitions for a NATO-interoperable future force. For national security reasons we are unable to give a breakdown of how these have been sourced, nor can we comment on munition stockpile levels.This Government is steadfast in our commitment to support Ukraine for as long as it takes. We are committed to giving Ukraine more military support than ever before this year, with a £4.5 billion boost for Ukraine in 2025.

When the Personal Hard Armour Framework will be implemented.

The Ministry of Defence has issued a Prior Information Notice outlining plans to establish a new framework agreement for the procurement of Personal Hard Armour to support British Armed Forces personnel. The agreement, which will be managed by Defence Equipment and Support and is scheduled to run from 31 October 2025 to 30 October 2033, could be worth up to £250 million including VAT, over an eight-year period.

Which company is contracted to deliver recruitment advertising for the Royal Air Force.

All media is bought through the cross Government buying contract with Manning Gottlieb (MG) Omni Media Group. All Government Departments are mandated to use this contract.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of training area availability on Army Cadet Force training in the next five years.

Army Cadets Branch will continue to engage with stakeholders to ensure that the needs of cadets are recognised and considered in the priority of Defence Training Estate (DTE) allocation. Six camps and associated training areas have been ringfenced for cadet summer camps for 2025, through the DTE allocation process, to provide access to camp for c32,000 cadets this summer. It is anticipated that similar arrangements will be made for 2026 and beyond. The Government remains convinced of the value of cadets and wherever possible we have taken steps to maintain the quality of the cadet experience that we offer. To this end I have directed that a review is carried out, closely aligned with the Strategic Defence Review, to determine how we can deliver more cadet activity and increase the size and offer of the Cadet Forces.

For what the reason the new Royal Navy Dreadnought Submarine programme will be built from steel imported from France.

United Kingdom (UK) submarine steel requirements continue to be sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This reflects the need to source specific grades of steel, not all of which are available in the UK, and ensures competitive procurement in terms of cost, time and quality. There are no UK suppliers of the specialised steel required in the manufacture of submarine pressure hulls. Other grades of steel used in the manufacture of submarines are sourced from a range of suppliers, including a number of UK companies. We encourage the sourcing of UK steel wherever it is technically and commercially feasible and publish our future pipeline of steel requirements, enabling steel manufacturers better to plan and bid for government opportunities. This Government is committed to ensuring that defence spending supports British based businesses and economic growth which will be a key tenet in the upcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

What plans he has for the Red Arrows after 2030.

The Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, is one of the world's premier aerobatic display teams. They are a key asset for the RAF and assist in recruiting to the Armed Forces, act as ambassadors for the United Kingdom at home and overseas and promote the best of British.A decision on the sustainment or the replacement of the aircraft will not be made until the Strategic Defence Review is completed.

How long it will take to replenish ammunition stocks to adequate levels.

The Ministry of Defence remains fully engaged with industry, allies and partners to ensure that munitions stockpiles are sufficient to support current and future operations, including any proposed UK contribution of military support to Ukraine. Defence munitions stockpiles are classified and therefore any further commentary would be inappropriate.

If he will publish his Department's analysis of the Private to Sergeant promotion rate for (a) non-UK and (b) UK service personnel.

Work is ongoing to better understand and improve the careers and lived experience of all members of our Armed Forces. The Army Race Action Plan, delivered in April 2023, observed that non-UK Service Personnel (SP) on average take longer to be promoted from Private to Sergeant compared to their UK counterparts. The Army's subsequent investigation identified three main factors causing the discrepancy:Transfers from Gurkhas to UK Regular forces require a minimum Length of Service (LoS) of seven years, affecting the average LoS at promotion for non-UK Service Personnel (SP).Non-UK SP representation varies across trades and Arms/Services, with many roles needing Security Clearances, which non-UK personnel can obtain only after three years of UK residency.Outflow rates differ between UK and Commonwealth SP, with UK SP more likely to leave after four years, while Commonwealth personnel tend to serve longer. This results in a higher average LoS at promotion for non-UK SP.The analysis found no evidence of systematic unfair treatment of non-UK SP in the Army promotion process.

What estimate he has made of the cost to the public purse of US Air Force European Infrastructure Consolidation works.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 3 April 2025 to Question UIN 42680.

How many cadets there are affiliated to the (a) British Army, (b) Royal Navy, (c) Royal Air Force and (d) Combined Cadet Forces.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) publishes annual accredited official statistics on the strength of MOD-sponsored Cadet Forces. The latest iteration provides statistics as at 1 April 2024 and can be found at the following address: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/mod-sponsored-cadet-forces-statistics-2024. The next iteration of these statistics is expected to be published in June 2025 with information as at 1 April 2025.