Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 19 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy - Public Summary, how he will harness the power of data and AI to deliver and track defence diplomacy.

Through the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence will enhance how its data, digital, and AI platforms support Defence to plan and deliver defence diplomacy activity. Defence is already utilising these platforms through its Strategic Effects Cycle to support the prioritisation of defence diplomacy activity. The Ministry of Defence will use data and AI to support implementation of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy and improve how we deliver and track defence diplomacy. This will include using our existing data and digital platforms to support the long-term planning of targeted and impactful High-Level International Engagement; using the new digital Pan Defence Skills Framework to track the training and skills of our personnel to support career progression and how international postings are assigned; and using data and AI to draw insights on how our defence diplomacy activity is contributing to strengthening our international relationships.

How much the UK has pledged to the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in a) 2024/25, b) 2025/26 and c) 2026/27.

The UK remains fully committed to supporting Ukraine's defence and security against ongoing Russian aggression. Over $80 billion has been pledged by the international community in military support for Ukraine since the UK took on the convening and co-chairing of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group in February 2025.

With reference to the statement given by Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment & Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, at the Public Accounts Committee hearing on 24 March 2026, what Ajax 2 is.

It has not proved possible to respond to the hon. Member in the time available before Prorogation.

What role did Director Strategic Capability, Engagement and Operations, Defence Equipment and Support, Lieutenant General Anna-Lee Reilly, play in the decision of the Army to declare Initial Operating Capability for Ajax in September 2025.

The Army confirmed Initial Operating Capability internally on 15 September 2025 at the Chief of the General Staff Command Group. Director General Materiel Delivery sits outside the Army’s command structure and is not a member of this group.

On what date is HMS Daring due to a) start and b) finish sea trials.

As the hon. Gentleman will recall, in accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its vessels.

For what reasons the Royal Navy’s commitment to provide the flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group One would be rescheduled.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

On what date discussions were held between his Department and (a) NATO and (b) the Deutsche Marine regarding the replacement of HMS Dragon by the German frigate Sachsen in the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, what the reason given by the Qatari Government was for the formal request of 12 Squadron moving to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

On what date was the decision taken to withdraw HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact upon the UK military of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The UK actively monitors and assesses all emerging threats to national security to safeguard the nation's interests. It would be inappropriate to comment on a hypothetical operational scenario.

Whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

Whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

For what reason he withdrew HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, on what date the formal request from the Qatari Government was received to deploy 12 Squadron to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

When did the Royal Navy last hold the flagship Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

The Royal Navy (RN) has never held the Flagship role for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG)1 but regularly commits resources to the Group.

What is the scheduled decommissioning date of each Royal Navy Type 45 ship.

On current plans, the last Type 45 Destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038. The Royal Navy does not release out of service dates for individual ships.

Whether the Royal Navy will take charge of the Allied Reaction Force (a) before or (b) after the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

How many Rapid Sentry Systems have been procured for the RAF Regiment.

I am withholding the number of Rapid Sentry that have been procured as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

What assessment has he made of the potential risk posed to British shipping in the Bab el Mandeb Strait by the Houthis.

The UK Government regularly assesses the security situation in the region including the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The Department for Transport, supported by the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation, continues to provide UK and Red Ensign flagged shipping with advice on the risk posed by the Houthis to merchant vessels.

What steps he is taking to enhance the detection capability of RAF Fylingdales within the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.

I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.