Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What the outcomes were of his meeting with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission on foreign and security policy.

On 22 October 2025, the Defence Secretary met in London with the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy for the first foreign and security policy dialogue between the United Kingdom and the EU established under the recently agreed UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership. The Foreign Secretary also held a separate engagement with the High Representative during the visit. Together, these discussions underscored the shared commitment to strengthening defence and security cooperation at this critical moment for Euro-Atlantic Security, particularly in support of Ukraine. The Defence Secretary and the High Representative’s discussion emphasised the importance of effectively implementing the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership, including as a means of bolstering NATO. Their talks also covered European defence industrial mechanisms, including the SAFE initiative, EU Defence Readiness 2030, and the use of frozen Russian assets to help ensure Ukraine receives the support it needs in its defence against Russia. They looked ahead to future dialogues as an opportunity to further shared objectives.

What assessment has he made of the potential implications for his policies of the use of anti-satellite weapons in all orbital regimes by a) Russia and b) China.

Space is increasingly contested, and actors are demonstrating the capability and intent to employ sophisticated counterspace capabilities. In response, Defence is enhancing resilience and redundancy in UK space systems to deter threats to and, if necessary, protect national interests. As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, we are delivering assured space-based capabilities by focusing on supporting UK freedom of action in space, decision advantage for real-time understanding, and integrated support to operations, including resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing systems, in collaboration with cross-Government partners.

What potential undersea threats have been identified off the coast of northern Scotland by Royal Air Force P8 Poseidon aircraft a) ZP802, b) ZP803, c) ZP805, d) ZP806, e) ZP808 and f) ZP808 since 1 August 2025.

The Ministry of Defence takes threats to the UK's waters seriously, and UK Armed Forces are ready to respond to any potential threat. We are unable to disclose specific details around the missions conducted by the RAF's P8 Poseidon aircraft, as to do so would undermine operational security.

What assessment has he made of the potential benefit of forward mounting Royal Marines from the Fleet Contingency Troop to HMS Somerset in order to provide interdiction options for the tracking of the Russian ship Yantar.

The Ministry of Defence continually evaluates the most appropriate options and resources to address the evolving threats faced by the United Kingdom. For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific assessments or operational decisions publicly. However, we can confirm that the Ministry of Defence maintains robust and responsive capabilities to safeguard the UK’s territorial waters and ensure national security as required.

Following the use of lasers by the Russian ship Yantar to disrupt a Royal Air Force Poseidon P-8, what is the threshold needed to necessitate offensive action by the UK military if a foreign vessel is operating in a) UK territorial waters b) our Exclusive Economic Zone and c) international waters off the UK coast.

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence continuously assess its response options to ensure our Armed Forces can act appropriately against malign activities and future threats. For reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific details of military operations or response options. To do so would be beneficial to our adversaries.

With reference to the press conference he gave on 19th November 2025 regarding the use of lasers by the Russian ship Yantar, what changes has he made to the Royal Navy’s rules of engagement.

The Royal Navy and the Ministry of Defence continuously assess our Rules of Engagement to ensure our Armed Forces can act appropriately in response to malign activities and evolving threats, including unsafe or unprofessional behaviour by foreign vessels and aircraft. For reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific detail on Rules of Engagement.

Pursuant to the answer of 19 November 2025 to question 89765 on Military Aircraft: Procurement, what the in-year saving made by cancelling the Shadow Mk2 upgrade programme was.

The decision to cancel the Shadow Mk2 upgrade programme was driven by delays in delivering the required capability and an assessment of increased costs for uncontracted work. As a result, no direct in-year savings were realised from this decision. However, allocated sustainment funding continues to support the operational output of the existing Shadow R Mk1 fleet.

Pursuant to the answer of 17 October 2025 on question 83063 on Warrior Vehicles: Procurement, when the concept phase of Project Atilla is due to end.

Project ATILLA is now in the early stages of commercial competition. This means that the project has progressed from considering conceptual elements such as evaluating project feasibility. The project is now preparing to move into the Invitation to Tender aspect of the commercial competition.

What the scope was of Project Magenta.

Project Magenta was initiated to provide infrastructure to support the Dreadnought Programme and the Continuous At Sea Deterrent. Due to the classification of Project Magenta, it is not possible to provide any further detail on the project's scope.

With reference to page 34 of the Ministry of Defence Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, by when the two USAF F-35 squadrons at RAF Lakenheath will reach full operating capacity.

The two US Air Force F-35 squadrons stationed at RAF Lakenheath have reached full operating capacity, which was achieved in Autumn 2025.

What the scope was of Project B Star.

I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of cancelling the Iron Duke conversion programme.

The Ministry of Defence keeps all capability programmes under regular review to ensure they remain affordable, deliver value for money, and align with operational priorities. The decision to cancel the Iron Duke conversion programme was based on a comprehensive assessment. Given the platform's remaining Service life, the time required to complete the conversion, and competing operational priorities, the benefits of proceeding did not justify the additional cost or extended period out of service. Resources were therefore re-prioritised to deliver greater operational effect.

What the scope was of Project Rarden.

Project RARDEN is a legacy project that designed and introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s.

What the scope was of Project Matcha.

The scope of Project MATCHA was to replace the Gazelle AH Mk1, employed in Northern Ireland in the Rotary Wing Manned Airborne Surveillance role, with an Airbus H135. The project scope also included the integration of new Mission Role Equipment.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting a 6.8 x 51mm calibre rifle for frontline combat roles.

A review of performance requirements and technical solutions is ongoing as part of the concept phase for Project GRAYBURN. On current plans, Project GRAYBURN is due to enter its assessment phase in 2026. The project aims to replace the SA80 family of rifles through the 2030s. The ongoing analysis includes efforts to understand the benefits and compromises of changing calibre. While no decision has yet been made, intermediate calibres including the 6.8 x 51mm are part of this work.

What the outcome was of Royal Navy integration into US Carrier Strike Group certification training in October and November 2024.

In October 2024 the UK Carrier Strike Group and US Carrier Strike Group 8 completed a period of combined integration training during Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR. Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR included the successful re-certification of the UK Carrier Strike Group staff as part of the preparations for the Op HIGHMAST deployment in 2025. Exercise STRIKE WARRIOR involved warships and support vessels from the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary along with elements of the British Army, Royal Air Force and NATO warships from six nations – Norway, Denmark, Belgium, Germany, Portugal and the UK.

What level of readiness is 42 Commando’s Fleet Contingency Troop held at in order to conduct maritime interdiction operations in UK territorial waters.

The Ministry of Defence continually evaluates the most appropriate options and resources to address the evolving threats faced by the United Kingdom. For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific assessments or operational decisions publicly. However, we can confirm that the Ministry of Defence maintains robust and responsive capabilities to safeguard the UK’s territorial waters and ensure national security as required.

What is the full scope of Operation Olympic Defender.

Multinational Force Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER (MNF-OOD) is a US led multinational force which provides national-level authority for centralised planning of combined space operations. The core members are the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand. MNF-OOD's focus is to optimise space operations, improve mission assurance, enhance resilience of space-based systems and synchronise efforts to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors. UK Space Command is leading the UK's contribution. The UK's role is to analyse and share information about the space domain to ensure troops on the ground are aware of threats and their options to maintain access to space services.

How many settlements for non-freezing cold injuries did his department make in 2024/25.

The War Pensions Scheme (WPS) and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes (AFCS) compensate service personnel and veterans for a wide range of injuries and illnesses arising from or exacerbated by their service. Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCI) are included in both schemes. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 13 awards for NFCI conditions under the War Pensions Scheme (WPS). Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 32 initial awards for Non-Freezing Cold Injury conditions under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). AFCS awards for NFCI that were initially rejected, but subsequently awarded are not included and not available at this point. In addition, settlements of common law compensation claims for alleged MOD negligence or omissions resulting in personal injury are published annually. The statistical bulletin is published in the year following the end of the previous financial year so settled claims and compensation paid in financial year (FY) 2024-25 will be published in summer 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including NFCI claims. MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK

What are the requirements of the Royal Navy's a) Stratus LO (Low Observable) and b) Stratus RS (Rapid Strike) programmes.

The Royal Navy has a requirement called the Future Offensive Surface Weapon (FOSuW) which will provide a long range anti-ship strike weapon with land attack capabilities, compatible with the Mk41 Vertical Launch System (VLS). The FOSuW requirement will be met through the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon (FCASW) programme, which comprises two concept solutions, STRATUS LO and STRATUS RS. The STRATUS LO concept is planned to be integrated onto the Type 26 frigate to meet the Royal Navy FoSUW requirement.