Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What are his Department’s ethical principles for developing and deploying AI.

The SDR recognised the transformative potential of AI and set out MOD's commitment to accelerate the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across warfighting domains. All development and use of AI across Defence must align with MOD's AI Ethics Principles, published in 2022 in the Ambitious, Safe Responsible policy. The five principles are: human centricity, responsibility, understanding, bias and harm mitigation, and reliability. Joint Services Publication 936 on Dependable AI defines the governance and assurance processes necessary to apply these principles as part of a proportionate, risk managed approach.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of renegotiating the 1967 Outer Space Treaty to reflect current exploitation of the difference between (a) air and (b) space.

The Outer Space Treaty (OST) is the cornerstone of international space law with all major space-faring nations being party to this treaty. The Treaty explicitly affirms that activities in the exploration and use of outer space must be carried out in accordance with international law, including the United Nations (UN) Charter. This includes the prohibition on the threat or use of force, which applies to States’ space activities, as it does to other domains. The Treaty also prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in outer space. The Treaty does not impose a formal distinction between air and outer space, and this has not impeded the UK’s ability to pursue its ambitious goals in both aviation and space. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Outer Space Treaty and the peaceful uses of outer space, ensuring space remains a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for future generations. Across government, there are efforts to strengthen governance of space more generally though the UN, including working through the UN Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and promoting norms rules and principles of responsible space behaviours to address threats to space systems.

What progress his Department has made on securing new capability by the Royal Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead programme.

The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Spearhead Programme has focussed on accelerating the Navy’s understanding of advanced capabilities. Key areas progressed include maritime autonomy, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to supplement existing crewed platforms. Investment in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonar 2087 system has led to improvements to Type 23 capabilities. These improvements will also be pulled through to the Type 26 programme. ASW Spearhead has developed new capability for the Merlin Mk2 Maritime Patrol Helicopter, resulting in a significant increase in sensor coverage.

What lessons his Department learned from Project Hunter.

In 2023, a review of the approach used to inform the down-selection of AR15 variants for Project HUNTER was conducted. The intent of this review was to capture and understand any lessons or short-comings from this approach so that these can be addressed for future weapon procurement projects. Specific lessons cannot be released due to their sensitivity, however key aspects include training, ergonomics, maintenance, sight systems, safety, suppressors, ammunition, cleaning, equipment, personnel, information, doctrine, organisation, infrastructure, and logistics.

What progress his Department has made on (a) developing and (b) procuring the A2 variant chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor of the L129 rifle.

L129 Sharpshooter rifles have recently been upgraded to the A2 standard and will be issued to units in the coming months. This upgrade has delivered a modular weapon system that can be modified to 6.5 Creedmoor.

What balance of (a) airmanship, (b) handling aptitude and (c) capacity his Department will use to stream pilots for Protector as opposed to fast-jet, rotary or multi-engine.

Airmanship, handling aptitude and capacity has been interpreted to be characteristics of an individual pilot. There is no specific set balance regarding airmanship, handling aptitude, and capacity used when streaming pilots for Protector as opposed to fast jet, rotary wing or multi engine aircraft. This is owing to the number of other factors that the Streaming Boards also need to consider, such as previous experience, performance during each training element, personal preference and the ongoing needs of the Service. After completion of Elementary Flying Training - a 26:30 flying hour syllabus containing formative and summative assessments in airmanship, handling and capacity - individual trainee performances and military qualities are summarised in their end of course report. The report will also capture attributes such as learning rate, attitude to instruction, previous experience and character. All trainees are reviewed by a Streaming Board – a panel of experienced instructors and professional aviators - to determine the most appropriate pipeline for the next stage of training. This Streaming Board, with representatives from each pipeline (fast-jet, rotary, multi-engine and RPAS), takes into account trainees’ performance during Elementary Flying Training, to make a professional judgement on their suitability for each of the pipelines, including Protector. Having taken account of suitability, the Board will ensure Service needs are met in terms of filling priority training slots from the cohort, while aiming to support personal preference wherever possible.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force’s APPIVATE programme to upskill users.

The effectiveness of the RAF's Appivate programme is continuously assessed through user testing, feedback and engagement from application development through to rollout. For each product delivered through the Appivate programme, metrics on customer satisfaction and engagement are tracked to ensure user needs are met at every stage. The product rollout process involves comprehensive user testing and feedback to guarantee that users are proficient in utilising the new solutions. This includes providing guides or demonstrations and offering in-person support to assist individuals. As part of RAF Digital, there is also wider engagement and input into larger Defence programmes around digital upskilling of users, such as DS4D (Digital Skills for Defence).

On what aircraft will SPEAR Capability 5’s (a) low-observable TP15 and (b) supersonic RJ10 be compatible.

SPEAR Capability 5 is being delivered through the collaborative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. This is progressing with our European partners and it has recently entered the demonstration phase. The programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme.

What engine is used as the test demonstrator for the Global Combat Air Programme.

The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) demonstrator is planned to use EJ200 engines from the Eurofighter Typhoon, giving a reliable engine for testing the aircraft’s design. A brand-new engine will power the final production aircraft.

What progress he has made on upgrading (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Akrotiri to a new digital Air Traffic Control system.

The Lossiemouth Programme team has completed a programme of thorough research into potential suppliers of Digital Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems and understand the required regulatory assurance processes for the Military Aviation Authority. The programme is now proceeding to its second formal investment approval gate prior to commencing commercial action to invite industry to tender for this programme. The forthcoming approval will also seek a decision of the best value proposition to provide the infrastructure and advanced building design that will also be required. For RAF Akrotiri, a wider infrastructure project to deliver a new Headquarters building has commenced which will include provision for a Digital ATC Control Room. This is aiming to complete construction by early next decade. The Akrotiri project team are working closely with the Lossiemouth project team to ensure that opportunities to align procurement of new Digital ATC equipment are understood.

What proportion of aid dropped in Gaza during Operation Underhill was on target.

UK Defence delivered approximately 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2024. UK aid drops were judged to be accurate and to have landed within the designated drop zones.

How many tonnes of humanitarian aid were delivered to Gaza as part of Operation Underhill.

UK Defence delivered approximately 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2024. UK aid drops were judged to be accurate and to have landed within the designated drop zones.

What is the 8005 manning establishment for an infantry (a) platoon, (b) company and (c) battalion in the heavy mechanised role equipped with Boxer.

The Department does not release detailed information on its workforce requirements below top-level figures. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that 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 impact of F-35B aircraft (a) production and (b) delivery into service on the delivery of the SPEARCAP 3 programme.

The programme for the Spear Capability 3 air-to-surface weapon and its integration onto the F-35B is currently under review, with a Review Note in development and planned for submission towards the end of 2025. The estimated current timeline for in-service capability is expected to be early 2030s, but this will be confirmed as part of the review.

When the SPEAR Capability 4 will be operationally ready.

SPEAR Capability 4 reached Full Operational Capability on Typhoon in 2022. The system remains in-service with Typhoon.

What progress he has made on the Future Air Dominance System programme.

The Future Air Dominance System’s Strategic Outline Case has been approved. The Programme is currently in its Concept phase as a Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) item. Investment in a UK-sovereign maritime Radar Technology Demonstrator programme has commenced, with a contract placed with BAE Systems in July. As a critical element of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, with the potential to deliver a genuine regional spread of growth, FADS remains one of the Navy’s highest priority future capability programmes.

What recent progress he has made on the Fleet Solid Support programme.

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects the UK’s shipbuilding capability, and the supply chain that supports this, now and over the long-term. The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard were restarted in spring following NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity. NUK have recently started work on a new transport barge at their Methil facility in Fife. The barge will play a key role in the FSS programme, facilitating construction of the ships across multiple sites and represents an £8 million investment by the company. Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade. Whilst we have agreed with NUK the minimum changes to the contract necessary, the impact on the approved cost and in-service dates is still being assessed and will be mitigated as far as possible. On completion of this work, it will be subject to re-approval by the relevant authorities, with updates provided through official channels at the appropriate time. We are unable to comment any further on the details of the contract due to commercial sensitivities.

What assessment he has made of the capability of the Royal Navy’s Project CETUS crewless submarine demonstrator following its launch in February 2025.

The Ministry of Defence is continuing to assess XV EXCALIBUR to determine its operational capabilities. Since its launch in February 2025, the vessel has already completed Sea Acceptance Trials and recently participated in multinational collaboration as part of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE. As a capability demonstrator, XV EXCALIBUR is not intended to enter operational service, but will continue to be subject to progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities. XV EXCALIBUR will inform the Royal Navy’s future Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) fleet by helping to understand and develop how XLAUVs can be operated, maintained and commanded.

What recent progress he has made on the Dreadnought programme.

I refer the hon. Member to page 11 of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 Annual Update to Parliament, which was published on 22 May 2025. The publication is available at the following location: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682f01c2e9440506ee95398c/20250522-Defence-Nuclear-Enterprise-2025-Annual-Update-to-Parliament-v10.pdf

What recent progress has been made in developing SPEAR Capability 5.

SPEAR Capability 5 is being delivered through the collaborative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. This is progressing with our European partners and it has recently entered the demonstration phase. The programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme.