Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

Pursuant to the answer of 20th October 2025 to question 79337 on Uncrewed Systems, what was the outcome of the proposed endorsement of the outline governance proposals for the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at the 3* Uncrewed Systems Steering Group in November 2025.

The 3-star Uncrewed Systems Steering Group approved the proposal and endorsed the establishment of the Uncrewed Systems Centre in 2026. The specifics of governance and organisation will be communicated formally once the design phase has completed.

What progress has he made in disposing the 20 Puma helicopters no longer in service.

The remaining aircraft have been passed to the Defence Recycling and Disposal Team within Defence Equipment and Support, who are currently exploring disposal options.

What Phase 2 training and/or qualifications will those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme receive.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.

What assessment has he made of the potential benefit of procuring the AMPV from BAE as a replacement for the FV430 Mk3 Bulldog.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 102953 on 8 January 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102953

What progress has he made in identifying a tracked replacement for the FV430-series Mk3 Bulldog ahead of its out-of-service date of 2030.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him to Question 102953 on 8 January 2026. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102953

What is the full delivery timeline for all RCH 155mm.

The Mobile Fires Platform Project which will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System intended to be mounted on Boxer, remains in its assessment phase and is subject to contract. It is therefore too early to confirm platform numbers, delivery timelines and expected in-service dates. Analysis of future equipment fielding is ongoing. We are making good progress however with the purchase of two of these systems which are undergoing further testing.

Whether those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme be able to deploy overseas in a) training exercises or b) operations.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.

What a) UK and b) other NATO forces are currently deployed in Greenland.

The UK does not currently have forces deployed in Greenland. Denmark is responsible for the defence of Greenland and maintains a military presence. NATO has made clear that the Arctic region is a priority for Euro-Atlantic Security, which is why, alongside our NATO Allies, we have increased our defence spending, presence and activities to keep the Arctic safe and deter the collective threat we face from Russia.

What his plans are for the 140 Challenger 2 tanks not due to be upgraded to Challenger 3.

A decision on what will happen to the Challenger 2 platforms not being used as part of the Challenger 3 programme has not yet been taken.

What was the total number of remedial tasks conducted by each unit receiving Ajax vehicles in order to make them usable on exercise as of 31 December 2025.

All Army vehicles and equipment are subject to before use and routine maintenance schedules to ensure serviceability. Where faults are identified, these are rectified as part of business as usual activity. Information relating to each remedial task carried out on Ajax platforms is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

What recent progress he has made in replacing the FV430 series Mk3 Bulldog.

The long-term replacement for the FV430 series Bulldog is being considered as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility sub-programme, within the Land Mobility 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. The programme is being considered and is part of the Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation HCWS1212, published on 18 December 2025, how much delay to the investigations will the suspension of Ajax trials cause.

Ongoing investigations into the safety of the Ajax platform remain on track.

What assessment has he made of the feasibility of replacing the Army’s formation reconnaissance capability via Project ASGARD.

Project ASGARD is not a replacement for the Army's formation reconnaissance capability; it enhances and improves it. It provides the digital backbone that links our reconnaissance and strike systems at machine speed. Formation reconnaissance remains essential: it finds enemy targets, and ASGARD uses that information to deliver rapid, integrated effects through a range of precision weapons.

What is the out-of-service date of the M60D machine gun.

The ramp mounted 7.62mm machine gun requirement has an Out of Service Date of 2040. This is currently fulfilled by the M60D.

What rank those participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will hold in the a) Army, b) Royal Navy and c) Royal Air Force.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.

If he will publish the full scope of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme for under-25s.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, what are the 45 points of inspection each Ajax vehicle has undergone.

The 45-point check is a comprehensive inspection of the vehicle for serviceability, functionality and condition of systems and components. It focuses on a number of areas:· Vehicle usage data.· Track and running gear, including track tension.· Driver and Crew compartments, including seats and controls.· Vehicle superstructure, including armour, engine decks and Powerpack.· Collective Protection and Environmental Control System.· Communication and Information Systems.· Noise and Vibration Harshness modifications.

With reference to the Written Ministerial Statement on the Ajax Investigation (HCWS1212), published on 18th December 2025, who are the independent group of experts supporting the investigation.

It would not be appropriate to comment on the individuals undertaking and supporting the ongoing investigations at this stage as to do so could prejudice the outcomes of the investigations. Their work is ongoing.

How many (a) RCH155 and (b) Boxer-variants will each Royal Artillery regiment be equipped with.

The Mobile Fires Platform Project which will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System intended to be mounted on Boxer, remains in its assessment phase and is subject to contract. It is therefore too early to confirm platform numbers, delivery timelines and expected in-service dates. Analysis of future equipment fielding is ongoing. We are making good progress however with the purchase of two of these systems which are undergoing further testing.

What the projected cost of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme is in (a) 2026-27, (b) 2027-28 and (c) 2028-29.

The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Services are finalising their Gap Year plans, including the specifics on terms of engagement, professional training and military qualifications. Services will have the flexibility to provide the most appropriate employment, experiences and skills that offer best value to both participants and Defence. It is intended that participants will be remunerated with equivalency to Regular personnel, with pay, allowances and pension arrangements to be finalised prior to implementation. The schemes will start as a pilot during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. The pilot is expected to include 150 entrants, with an intention to increase capacity for future cohorts. The total cost to Defence to deliver the pilot scheme is £13M, which will be drawn from existing training and workforce budgets. No costing has yet been completed for future cohorts; which will be informed by the pilot scheme. Participants will undertake their Foundation Years in the enlisted recruit entry rank for each Service, on enlisted terms of engagement. Following completion of training, Royal Navy participants will be classed as Able Seaman Class 2, Army participants will be classed as Private soldiers (or capbadge equivalent) and RAF participants will be classed as Air Specialist 2. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme for sailors with employment offered across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities with participants living and working alongside sailors on ships at sea.The Army is developing an 18-month training scheme, with roles varied across specific trades in the Infantry, Royal Artillery and Royal Logistic Corps.The RAF is developing a one-year programme which will involve participants working alongside Regulars from the RAF’s twelve professions, working across all departments and gaining an understanding of the potential roles available within the RAF.