Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Pursuant to the answer of 27 January 2026 to question 107527 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, for what reason the first 100 Ajax-vehicles are not in service with any unit.

The majority of the first 100 Ajax vehicles were withdrawn from units in 2024, with the final vehicle withdrawn from 6 Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME) in October 2025. These vehicles are currently located in Merthyr Tydfil, Llanelli, and the Bicester Holding Area, where they are awaiting planned upgrades to meet the requirements for the current Capability Drop level before being delivered into service.

What the five shortlisted projects are from the Defence AI sprint.

The five shortlisted projects are: Advanced Reasoning for Decision Advantage (ARDA)AI Exploitation for the Digital Targeting WebAutonomous Mission ExecutionUnderwater Acoustic Foundation ModelAI Enabled Cyber Defence

Whether the Advanced Reasoning for Decision Advantage (ARDA) is within the projects shortlisted from the Defence AI Sprint.

Yes.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, what recent assessment he has made of the accuracy of declaring Ajax as safe to operate ahead of Exercise Titan Storm.

I refer hon. Member to Question 107817, answered on 28 January 2026, which remains extant.

Pursuant to the Answer of 21 January 2026 to Question 106072 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the issue raised in the post-exercise report for Exercise Scorpion Cyclone on the inability of the vehicle CES to be carried by the vehicle whilst up-armoured.

Feedback from user experience in trials and during exercises will continue to inform updates to Ajax including Capability Drop 4. It would not be appropriate to comment on the specifics around the capability and its armoured configurations due to operationally sensitivities.

When HMS Richmond is due to be decommissioned.

The Royal Navy continues to modernise its Fleet through careful management of a surface fleet transition plan to ensure the highest priority outputs are maintained through this decade and the next. We are replacing our Type 23 Frigates with eight of the world’s most advanced anti-submarine warfare ships, the Type 26 Frigates. They will be bolstered by five general purpose Type 31 Frigates, providing opportunity to project power, support NATO operations and influence on the global stage. The Royal Navy keeps the planned out-of-service dates for its vessels under continual review as part of routine force planning, in light of operational requirements and affordability. Any decisions on the decommissioning of individual ships will be announced in the usual way.

What arrangement governs the use of UK-based US fighter jets for interception taskings.

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

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, what is the current medical status of the eight military personnel still injured after Exercise Titan Storm.

Since my Written Statement on 22 January 2026, I can confirm that there are less than five personnel remaining in the medical chain. We continue to ensure they receive necessary support.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, whether he will publish the Ministerial-led review into the quality of advice to Ministers, senior officials and military leadership across the MoD.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant. Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, who are the individuals appointed by him to the panel of experts with experience of noise and vibration.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant. Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, a) by when is he expecting to receive the findings of the Army Safety Investigation and b) will the report be published.

The Army safety investigation is ongoing and initial findings are expected soon. As advised in recent Written Statement, in addition to the two safety investigations, a panel of experts has been established with experience of noise and vibration to bring knowledge and challenge to this work. That panel consists of a range of experts from academia, maritime, aviation, science and medical and will also inform on human factors. I refer the hon. Member to Question 102949, which remains extant. Whilst the Army Safety Investigation remains ongoing, it would be inappropriate to release the contents of any of the reviews related to Ajax. I have, however, undertaken to keep this House updated on the Ajax programme and will continue to do so.

If he will set out the full scope of Commercial-X.

Commercial X, established by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) in 2022, is a team of Commercial officers dedicated to disrupting and modernising Defence’s approach to acquisition while reducing bureaucracy. Its mission is to deliver groundbreaking technology and innovation to the MOD more quickly. It achieves this through three key approaches: Positive Disrupters: A team of experts in procuring and scaling innovation and digital solutions at speed. They collaborate directly with frontline teams to deliver contracts valued up to £50 million within two years, driving pace by innovating within existing processes.Modernising Procurement: A team committed to overhauling procurement processes and policies to better support fast-moving innovation, cutting through excessive bureaucracy and red tape.Specialist Skills Development: A development programme designed to build the commercial officers of the future—equipping them to be digital-savvy, risk-smart, customer-focused, and agile. Notable deliverables to date: delivery of circa 650 innovation and technology contracts with an average time to contract of 31 days, 47% faster than average timelines for similar procurements. The creation of two new platforms to support small, business-friendly buying routes where suppliers can compete for contracts in technology and innovation. Recent notable contracts include: DragonFire, Hypersonics and NATO Allied Underwater Battlespace,

What assessment has he made of the adequacy of the available number of personnel to crew HMS Iron Duke following its planned maintenance period.

The Royal Navy keeps the crewing of all Ships under continuous review through its Force Generation and personnel management processes, including during operations and maintenance periods in order to deliver units for operations required by the Defence Plan. Following completion of planned maintenance, ships will routinely be assigned an appropriately trained and qualified Ship’s Company to meet operational requirements. This approach will be adopted in any force generation activity regarding HMS IRON DUKE.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on Ajax, published on 22 January 2026, by when will he publish the Defence Accident Investigation Branch triage report.

Defence Accident Investigation Branch (DAIB) triage reports are internal documents and are not published. Triage reports provide the initial detail gathered immediately following an incident as understood at that time. Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure that all information and evidence is considered. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments as I have done since the issue arose on Exercise Titan Storm.

What was the full scope of the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme.

The Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme (HAAIP) aims to deliver automotive improvements across the Challenger based Heavy Tracks Fleet, Driver Training Tanks, the Challenger Armoured Repair and Recovery Vehicle, TITAN, TROJAN, and Challenger 3. It addresses automotive performance, reliability, through life costs and maintainability out to 2040. The modifications provided by HAAIP will increase the mobility, agility and stability of the wider family of Heavy Tracked vehicles, providing a critical foundation for future enhancements and systems. Much of HAAIP’s work is supported by British Industry and supports the Strategic Defence Review’s directive to make UK Defence an engine for growth.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2026 to Question 106082 on Defence Equipment: Expenditure, what was the commercial off the shelf solution procured as a replacement for Melorius.

Commercial negotiations to supply the replacement for Project MELORIUS are ongoing, it would therefore be inappropriate to provide any further details at this time.

What progress he has made in procuring (a) camouflage nets and (b) thermal sheets for vehicles in the Ajax programme.

The Ajax programme has delivered a significant number of mobile camouflage systems. Additional detail such as numbers of systems would impact operational security.

Pursuant to the answer of 21 January 2026, to question 106072 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what assessment has he made of the potential impact of the issue raised in the post-exercise report for Exercise Scorpion Cyclone that highlighted concerns that a stoppage on the 40mm CTA cannon causes an enforced 30min wait period that means the chain gun is inoperable and the vehicle is unarmed.

Trials and exercises are used to identify equipment issues. There is a process to ensure any issues are identified and rectified as part of the project life cycle.

Pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2926, to question 106076 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, when was the Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot round a) introduced and b) cancelled, prior to the assessment regarding whether it should be reinstated for use.

The review of options commenced in October 2022. This preliminary assessment was to determine feasibility and potential options. A stop notice was issued in December 2023 under the last Government after assessment trials were conducted.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 January 2026 to Question 106285 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning, what progress he has made in replacing the (a) Fuchs vehicle and (b) Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) capability.

Options to replace the Fuchs vehicle are being explored as part of the Land Mobility Programme, within the Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme.The Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme is in its Concept Phase and is currently evaluating the Finnish led Common Armoured Vehicles System (CAVS) Programme's suitability in meeting UK's Heavy Protected Mobility requirements. All decisions are subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.