Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

How many RCH155 does he plan to purchase in total.

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 one of these systems which is undergoing further testing.

What is the range of Ajax without refuelling.

Notwithstanding, the current reviews I can tell him that the operational range of the Ajax platform will be confirmed once the Capability Drop 4 build standard is reached, following Reliability Growth Trials.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the BAE CV90 as a replacement infantry fighting vehicle for Warrior.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 98364 on 17 December 2025, which remains extant: The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its current and planned capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary. The CV90 was one of the vehicles considered during the competition for the Scout Specialist Vehicle. An evaluation has not occurred since the Ajax contract was awarded.

Pursuant to the answer of 18th December 2025, to question 100119 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what discussions his Department has had with (a) General Dynamics, (b) the Senior Responsible Officer and (c) the British Army on the Ajax programme between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.

As the hon. Member is aware I have directed a Ministerial review that covers elements of his question. I will update the House in due course.

On what date his Department was first informed a) informally and b) formally by General Dynamics that Initial Operating Capability for Ajax had been achieved.

Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) was announced on 5 November 2025 by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry. IOC was not declared by General Dynamics.

How many applicants for the role of Armed Forces Commissioner have been interviewed as of 1 January 2026.

Five candidates have been interviewed for the role of the Armed Forces Commissioner to date. The recruitment follows the Governance Code on Public Appointments, which is designed to ensure the process is fair, open, and transparent. We are committed to appointing the right person for this critical role, which is central to delivering a trusted and effective service for our people. It is imperative that the Armed Forces Commissioner and their office are set up for success to ensure maximum effect. It is expected that the Commissioner will be appointed this year and their office operational from April, as previously stated.

How many Warrior armoured vehicles have been written off due to a) enemy action and b) accidents, since its introduction.

I am unable to release the data requested as to do so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the security and capability of our Armed Forces.

When is the demonstration phase trial of Challenger 3 due to be completed.

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question 100127, which remains extant: Challenger 3 is currently undergoing demonstration phase trials to prove the performance of the tanks. Manufacturing will begin once the tank's performance is proven, rather than being tied to a specific deadline. The project team will review the timeline regularly to ensure alignment with delivery milestones, operational needs, and emerging technical risks.

What is the out of service date of each Protected Mobility Vehicle platform included within the UK Armed Forces Land Equipment table.

The table below outlines the Out of Service dates for each of the Army’s Protected Mobility Vehicles based on current plans. Protected Mobility VehicleOut of Service DateJackall2030Coyote2030Mastiff2028Ridgeback2028Wolfhound2028Foxhound2030Panther2037Viking2029 These dates are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.

How many noise and vibration injuries were sustained by personnel using Ajax vehicles between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.

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 the Digital Targeting web.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-02/96241 The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a ‘Minimal Viable Product’, in 2026. The detail of these first deliverables is being defined now, but in outline will consist of the digitisation of selected targeting processes to deliver increased scale, speed and precision. Plans will be continually developed and upgraded to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary. No target date will be given for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web. This is because to be competitive, the UK must continually adapt and develop its ability to target, and this will require constant evolution.

With reference to the Ministry of Defence accounts 2024-25, what the retirement of Project Chinook and constructive losses of £129,469,000 relate to.

The figure of £129,469,000 recorded as constructive losses in the Ministry of Defence accounts for 2024-25 relates to the early retirement of 14 of the oldest Chinook aircraft and associated equipment announced in November 2024. This ageing equipment is being removed from service to optimise the sustainment of the remaining Chinook fleet. The associated financial adjustment ensures that the Department's accounts accurately reflect the revised date of retirement for these assets.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2025 to question 98882 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, how much funding has been allocated to Project Rarden in the defence budget in each year since 2000 including financial allocations carried forward for accounting purposes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to his Question 98882 which remains extant. There has been no money spent or specific work carried out under Project Rarden in the last ten years, there is no further data prior to this date. Project Rarden is a legacy project that introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s. The reference to Project Rarden in the 2024-2025 Ministry of Defence Accounts is an error – this will be corrected. I can confirm that this entry relates to ammunition capability which was funded as part of the Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) munition. The Constructive loss of circa £3.7 million is a result of Defence choosing not to pursue procurement of the APFSDS munition following initial trials.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2025 to question 98882 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, what the £3,777,000 in constructive losses related to Project Rarden in the 2024-25 Ministry of Defence Accounts is for.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to his Question 98882 which remains extant. There has been no money spent or specific work carried out under Project Rarden in the last ten years, there is no further data prior to this date. Project Rarden is a legacy project that introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s. The reference to Project Rarden in the 2024-2025 Ministry of Defence Accounts is an error – this will be corrected. I can confirm that this entry relates to ammunition capability which was funded as part of the Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) munition. The Constructive loss of circa £3.7 million is a result of Defence choosing not to pursue procurement of the APFSDS munition following initial trials.

What are the capabilities of the Gravehawk air defence system.

The Gravehawk air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, that uses the Ukrainian R-73/AA-11 air-to-air missile. Gravehawk is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, but will also offer some capability against fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and potentially cruise missiles.

What are the capabilities of the Raven air defence system.

The Raven air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, funded by the UK, that uses the RAF's AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile. Raven is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, with some capability against cruise missiles.

What progress he has made on waiving visa fees for the dependents of Commonwealth veterans.

This Government is committed to waiving visa fees for non-UK veterans, including Commonwealth citizens, who have served for four or more years, and their dependants. We are working closely with the Home Office to deliver this commitment.

Pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2025, to question 68113 on Army, what progress has he made in developing the next iteration of Project Asgard.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to his questions 68113, 73577 and 79396 which remains extant and explains the current position for the Army’s project ASGARD.

How many a) Raven and b) Gravehawk air defence systems have been provided for Ukraine.

13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats.Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far. Of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly, and will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages.

What are the capability differences between Challenger 2 and Challenger 3.

The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will deliver a significant improvement in capability over its predecessor, the Challenger 2. Enhancements include a digitalised turret fitted with the latest 120mm smoothbore gun paired with the most lethal ammunition available; world-class UK-designed armour and an Active Protection System; and improved automotive performance. New advanced sighting systems, sensors and processing capabilities will improve situational awareness and interoperability with other units.