Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 February 2026 to Question 112783 on Prisons: Unmanned Air Systems, what is the full scope of the challenge launched on behalf of the Ministry of Justice by UK Defence Innovation.

This UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) competition is run on behalf of the Ministry of Justice (MOJ), His Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service (HMPPS), the Ministry of Defence (MOD), the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA), the Home Office, the Police, Innovate UK, and wider UK security stakeholders. It is seeking proposals that offer innovative, low-collateral solutions to counter or defeat hostile drones targeting secure sites and locations. Drones, or ‘uncrewed aerial systems’ (UAS), pose a growing challenge when used for contraband delivery, surveillance and disruption near prisons, sensitive sites or critical national infrastructure, including in congested urban areas. The users for the solutions would include HMPPS security teams, MOD, police, law enforcement agencies, and operational staff, these groups need solutions to work alongside existing ‘last line of defence’ technology that are activated when other mitigation measures fail. Technologies in this area are developing rapidly. UKDI is keen to understand how innovation can keep up with the pace of development while remaining legally and ethically compliant, fully considering operational constraints, and integrating easily into existing security frameworks such as the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA), SAPIENT (Situational Awareness and Preparedness for Improved Operational Effectiveness and Efficiency), the Prison Act 1952, and the Police Act 1997. The calling notice can be found on GOV.UK.

What is the full scope of Project VANAHEIM.

Project FLYTRAP (formerly Project VANAHEIM) is a joint UK/US/Australian Army initiative focused on countering small uncrewed aerial systems. The project aims to accelerate the British Army’s ability to address this threat through operational experimentation, system integration, and evidence-based capability development. It is evaluating a range of sensors, effectors, networks and tactics in realistic field conditions to inform doctrine and support future capability decisions.

What is the UK contribution to NATO’s Standing Naval Maritime Group 1.

The Standing Naval Forces are under the control of NATO Allied Maritime Command which responds to Allied Command Operations. This multinational, integrated force is continuously available for tasking, ranging from NATO missions to exercise participation.

When he plans to provide an answer to Question 107814.

The Proteus Rotary Wing Uncrewed Air System has been designed and built to unlock the potential of uncrewed aerial systems, operating them side-by-side with crewed aircraft in a future ‘hybrid air wing’, and supporting future anti-submarine operations under the Atlantic Bastion strategy. The Proteus Technology Demonstrator is being developed by Leonardo under a £60 million programme supporting 100 highly-skilled British jobs. Procurement decisions, including for the New Medium Helicopter contract, will be made in the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.

What decision framework is being used to assess potential future calibre changes within Project Grayburn.

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

What definition his Department uses of export potential in the context of Project GRAYBURN.

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

What Chinese made electric vehicles are currently leased by his Department through the Phoenix II white fleet contract.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle) on 29 April 2025 to Question 45896 to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Alicia Kearns).

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the role of UK-based (a) manufacturing, (b) testing and (c) assurance activities under Project GRAYBURN.

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export. There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted. With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.

What steps his Department plans to take to help support defence organisations to meet their obligations under the Public Office (Accountability) Bill.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my hon. Friend the Minister of State for the Armed Forces (Al Carns) on 16 July 2025 to Question 65995 to the hon. Member for Lagan Valley (Sorcha Eastwood).https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-07-08/65995

What permissions the US requires from the UK Government in order to launch offensive operations from United States Visiting Force bases in the UK.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.

What British Army units form the Global Response Force.

The Army’s contribution to the Global Response Force is the Air Manoeuvre Task Force (AMTF). The AMTF is comprised of force elements from 16 Air Assault Brigade Combat Team (16 AABCT), a task dependent Task Force formed from 1 Aviation Brigade, and specialist capabilities drawn from across the Army (including, but not limited to: Military Intelligence, Explosive Ordnance Disposal, Air Defence, Electronic Warfare, and Military Working Dogs) .

What progress he has made in developing interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade and (a) the US 82nd Airborne Division and (b) the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste.

We continue to develop interoperability between 16 Air Assault Brigade, the 82nd Airborne Division and the French 11e Brigade Parachutiste. These links are strong and will continue to be demonstrated during 2026. 16 Air Assault Brigade will participate in the 82nd Airborne Division’s validation exercise for its Immediate Reaction Force role in March 2026; this is the culmination of a number of preparatory exercises throughout 2025-2026 which has seen tangible links developed between the two Headquarters. The US relationship is also reinforced annually as part of Exercise SWIFT RESPONSE, which are a series of exercises alongside NATO partners and has been confirmed through to 2027. The relationship with 11e Brigade Parachutiste is focused around the Airborne Combined Joint Force which is formally recognised within the Lancaster House Treaty. This is a bi-annual alternating responsibility to command a combined brigade. This is achieved through a series of low-level bilateral exercises and culminates in a confirmatory exercise. Furthermore, there are exchange officers between the two brigades who maintain the relationship, offering parachuting and coordinate capability development opportunities.

When he plans to provide an answer to Question 101920.

The number of personnel with a recorded code for the relevant symptom has been provided. It should be noted that personnel who had a recorded symptom for noise or vibration may have had this on their health record prior to their first Ajax use. For any service person, use of Ajax will be mixed with other hazardous exposures in Defence, such as load-carriage, fitness tests and noise and vibration exposures from other sources such as small arms fire on ranges or other armoured vehicles. It is also possible that any symptoms may be non-Ajax related. Therefore, although a noise or vibration symptom may have been recorded on the health record since the individual first operated Ajax, it does not mean that the symptom was caused as a direct result of operating on the Ajax platform and could be entirely unrelated. Of those recorded as using Ajax since the start of the Armoured Cavalry programme between 23 July 2025 and 13 November 2025: 25 personnel had a noise symptom recorded on their electronic medical record since they first used Ajax.59 personnel had a vibration symptom recorded on their electronic medical record since they first used Ajax.

What progress he has made on delivering Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems.

Over the past three years, the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems project has delivered a range of enhanced capabilities to the UK's Armed Forces which are now in service on systems including Heavy Machine Gun, Grenade Machine Gun, and General-Purpose Machine Gun. Further work is ongoing through a Surveillance and Target Acquisition framework to enable the wider rollout of capabilities across Front Line Command support weapon systems.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring the Lockheed Martin Lamprey Multi-Mission Autonomous Undersea Vehicle.

The Department keeps under review the potential operational benefits of emerging autonomous maritime systems, including autonomous undersea vehicles, as part of wider capability development.

Pursuant to the answer of 13 February 2026 to question 111268 on Ministry of Defence: Redundancy, when the targeted voluntary exit scheme launched on 6 January 2026 will close.

Applications for the voluntary exit scheme closed on 23 January 2026. This is not a redundancy process but provides eligible employees with the opportunity to leave the Ministry of Defence (MOD) on a voluntary basis. The scheme is targeted at specific in-scope groups, based on future organisational needs, protecting areas of growth and retaining skills and talent. As stated in my response to Question 111268, this exercise is ongoing and the number of exits will not be known until later in the year. The Ministry of Defence will look to avoid redundancies wherever possible. If this becomes unavoidable, this will follow full and meaningful consultation with affected employees and Trade Unions.

By what date SONUS acoustic weapon detection will be issued to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery.

The SONUS system is an Acoustic Weapon Locating capability and part of a wider programme which is delivering the next generation of Weapon Locating Systems. The first SONUS equipment delivery date has been accelerated and is now currently scheduled for early 2026, five years earlier than planned. This equipment will be issued to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery for use in training and User Acceptance Trials. Full Deployable Capability is forecast for early 2027.

What assessment he has made of the ability of Defence Equipment and Support to incorporate a (a) UK manufacturing and (b) Land Industrial Strategy components into all procurement programmes.

Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.

When HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry-dock.

HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry dock in Rosyth on 29 August 2025 to undertake planned maintenance. Information relating to the maintenance status and movements of warships are not published to avoid compromising operational security.

What assessment he has made of the ability of Defence Equipment and Support to incorporate a UK sovereign component into all upcoming body armour procurement programmes.

Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.