Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 381–400 of 2,243 · Ministry of Defence
On which date was the decision taken to recommence testing of the Ajax vehicle platform.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
On what date did the Army Safety Investigation Team investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm a) commence and b) conclude.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
On what date did the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm a) commence and b) conclude.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the potential cancellation of the the Ajax programme and (b) levels of Ajax export contracts on levels of employment in Merthyr Tydfil.
The Armoured Cavalry Programme's contract has a range of remedies available including but not limited to, step in rights, demand recovery plans, or terminate should its cancellation ever be necessary. While the future of the Merthyr Tydfil factory and future exports is a matter for General Dynamics Land Systems UK, I have frequent engagement with representatives from General Dynamics, the Welsh Government and the local MPs regarding the Ajax platform. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What is the current total remuneration of the National Armaments Director.
The total remuneration package for the National Armaments Director (NAD) is in line with the maximum advertised. The base salary for the role is currently £400,000. In addition, the NAD is also eligible for an annual performance award of up to 60% of base salary. However, as year-end performance has yet to be reviewed no such award has been made. If such an award were made for 2025-26 it would be prorated in light of the NAD having been employed part way through the year. The NAD’s eligibility for other benefits is the same as for other MOD Civilian SCS4 posts in terms of pension and travel benefits. Values for these will be reported in the MOD Annual Report and Accounts alongside any prorated 2025-26 annual performance award value.
Pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2026, to Question 121200 on HMS Duncan, is HMS Duncan currently a) safe, b) capable, and c) endorsed for tasking.
For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.
What is the average length of time for each Type-45 Fleet Time Support Period.
Fleet Time Support Periods (FTSPs) for Type 45 Destroyers vary in duration depending on the scope of scheduled maintenance, operational commitments, capability insertions and any emergent work identified once the vessel enters the maintenance period.
With reference to HCWS1269, published on 22 January 2026, which individuals comprised the panel of experts with experience of noise and vibration chosen by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
An Independent Expert Panel Review of the programme is ongoing; it would therefore not be appropriate to comment on the individuals involved at this time.
What comparative assessments have been conducted between Ajax and like-for-like competitor vehicles which could replace it; and which vehicles have been compared.
Our focus has been, and continues to be, ensuring that AJAX is safe for our soldiers to use. In considering the future of AJAX, several alternative platforms were assessed. I intend to update the House to outline next steps after Easter recess.
What assessment he has made of the Royal Navy’s ability to deploy a Type-45 destroyer to the Eastern Mediterranean prior to March 2026.
For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on detailed readiness assessments or the timelines associated with specific platform movements.
When is HMS Richmond due to be decommissioned.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 108883 tabled on 4 February 2026.
What steps he has taken with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to procure a Joint Commando Craft for the Royal Navy.
The UK is considering a bilateral programme with Norway to procure a Joint Commando Craft (JCC) and, working in conjunction with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, has released a Request for Information. The programme is intended to deliver vessels capable of transporting specialist personnel and equipment, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, for insertion and extraction in demanding littoral environments.
What the scheduled handover date to the Royal Navy is of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 flagship commitment.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2026 to Question 119559.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 119557 on RAF Wyton: NATO, what assessment he has been made of the current ability to conduct NATO-specific intelligence-gathering at RAF Wyton.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 119557 on 16 March 2026.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 118321 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what investigations into Ajax are still ongoing.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 118321 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, by what date does he expect all current ongoing investigations into Ajax to have concluded.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring BAE Maritime’s Littoral Strike Craft for the Royal Navy.
The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of domestic weapons integration advantages of the F-35I over the British F-35B.
Israel procures F-35 directly from the US. This is a matter between the Israeli and US Governments.
What is the Royal Navy’s contribution to the Aspides naval mission.
The Royal Navy does not make a direct contribution to Operation ASPIDES.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 119557 on RAF Wyton: NATO, whether the infrastructure at RAF Wyton is in scope for the Defence Investment Plan.
The Defence Investment Plan will cover investment in infrastructure. It will be published as soon as possible.