Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 561–580 of 2,243 · Ministry of Defence
Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, whether parachute regiment soldiers will continue to complete a) Pegasus Company and b) the Basic Parachute Course.
Parachute Regiment soldiers will continue to complete both Pegasus Company and the Basic Parachute Course.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the approval of Italy’s €8.77 billion in initial funding on the progress of the Global Combat Air Programme.
All three trilateral partners are making significant investments in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), with the partnership itself designed to enhance affordability through shared development and delivery. The precise investment profiles of our international partners are matters for their respective Governments to comment on.
How many Basic Parachute Courses a) took place in 2024, b) took place in 2025 and c) are due to take place in 2026 at No 1 Parachute Training School, Brize Norton.
The number of Basic Parachute Courses (BPCs) by year at Brize Norton are as follows: 2024: 9 2025: 5 2026: 7 forecast
Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the focus on a single battalion group on the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses run each year.
The Strategic Defence Review position on military parachuting capabilities represents no change to the current Defence parachuting provision. Therefore, there is no anticipated change to the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses or the Basic Parachute Course.
Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the focus on a single battalion group on the number of Basic Parachute Courses available to Parachute Regiment soldiers.
The Strategic Defence Review position on military parachuting capabilities represents no change to the current Defence parachuting provision. Therefore, there is no anticipated change to the number of All Arms Pre-Parachute Selection courses or the Basic Parachute Course.
What feedback is collected by his Department from medically discharged personnel following the completion of the process.
Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces. Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick. All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life. This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.
When was the last end-to-end review of the medical discharge process undertaken.
Tri-Service Medical Policy (Joint Service Publication (JSP) 950) sets out the standards and guidance for assessing medical conditions across the Armed Forces. Whilst JSP 950 provides consistency across the Services in terms of procedures and governance, each Service applies these standards according to its own operational demands given that personnel may find themselves subject to significantly different environments and roles. This includes medical boards which have the authority to recommend medical categories that may result in a Service Person’s discharge from the Armed Forces. Defence recognises that discharge for medical reasons can have implications for financial stability, housing, and wellbeing. The discharge process is therefore designed to mitigate these risks through coordinated case management, warm handovers to civilian services, and the provision of compensation where eligible, based on a structured timeline of actions commencing nine months prior. Actions include final medical and dental reviews, resettlement interviews, pension and administrative preparation, and tailored support for those who are wounded, injured, or sick. All personnel discharged for medical reasons are automatically referred to Veterans Services to ensure that they and their families can continue to access tailored support with health, housing, employment, and welfare as they transition into civilian life. Feeback is collected from those using Veterans Services, as well as the Career Transition Partnership, both of which routinely capture insight on the challenges encountered during discharge and subsequent transition to civilian life. This feedback informs continuous improvement work within both Defence medical pathways and transition policy. We recognise the need to develop a cohered Occupational Health Service to simplify policy and processes, improve patient experience, and better support the retention of Armed Forces personnel. The new Joint Defence Termination check list, being created in conjunction with the single Services aims, in particular, to protect those leaving Service earlier than they expected by ensuring all safeguarding steps are completed.
What the UK contribution is to Operation Firecrest.
Operation FIRECREST will be delivered by the United Kingdom's Carrier Strike Group, led by HMS Prince of Wales. I am unable to provide further detail of Operation FIRECREST in order to maintain the Operational Security of His Majesty's Armed Forces.
What he plans to commit to NATO’s Task Force X Baltic.
The UK is fully committed to NATO’s broader deterrence posture in the Baltic region, demonstrated through our significant contributions across air, maritime, and land domains. This includes our Forward Land Force commitment in Estonia, regular participation in NATO exercises, and involvement in maritime operations. We continue to work closely with our NATO Allies to regularly review and assess how best to allocate resources to ensure the greatest possible deterrent effect and to uphold the security of the Alliance.
Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what roles across the Armed Forces are defined as specialists.
Within the Armed Forces there are two levels of parachute specialisation: Low Level Para and High Altitude Para.
How many medically discharged personnel have been referred to (a) Op COURAGE, (b) Op RESTORE and (c) Op VALOUR in each of the last five years.
Op COURAGE and RESTORE are both NHS initiatives; to date Op COURAGE has received 35,000 referrals, whilst over 1,000 veterans have used the Op RESTORE service.VALOUR is a programme which will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. There are three components of VALOUR. VALOUR Recognised Centres will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans, and will connect local, regional, and national services. A network of VALOUR Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination, enabling data-driven policy and service development. Finally, a VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed strike action by Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers on Royal Navy operations.
The Royal Fleet Auxiliary remains essential in supporting operations alongside the Royal Navy and our global allies. They continue to meet their operational commitments, and we are dedicated to resolving this dispute through ongoing dialogue with their trade unions.
With reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what is the a) total value of the package announced and b) from which budget will the funding be taken.
The total value of the air defence package announced by the Defence Secretary at the most recent Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, is £540 million. This is funded through the UK’s annual commitment of military aid to Ukraine and Ukrainian funding underwritten by UK Export Finance.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, when he expects the Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 reach Drop 4 standard.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
Pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, by when will those Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 will reach Drop 4 standard.
All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.
What is the total planned number of tanks to be upgraded to Challenger 3.
148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.
Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, by when will the delivery phase of Project Goldweed be completed.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.
What is the total planned number of Challenger 3 tanks for Royal Armoured Corps Regiments.
148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.
Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 110953 on Military Intelligence: Digital Technology, when does he expect the SCC to be fully operational.
Secret Community Cloud capability will continue to be delivered on a phased basis, with Full Operating Capability expected in Autumn 2026.
When does he expect the UK’s commitment to Atlantic Strike to commence.
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 98877 provided on 18 December 2026.