Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What is the estimated completion date of the Future Air Dominance System programme.

Future Air Dominance System (FADS) will feature a combination of crewed and uncrewed platforms in a hybrid fleet formation. FADS ‘system of systems’ comprises several major projects and dependencies. These include the next generations of radars, computer Combat Management Systems, new lethal effectors, new communication technologies, plus the uncrewed Type 91 ‘Missile Ship’ and the advanced, minimally (or optionally) crewed Type T83 Combatant. The Type 83 is planned to enter service from the mid-2030s and is assumed to have a 25-year service life.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of Project Grayburn procuring a rifle with a common lower receiver group and a variable upper receiver group, based on role.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

What recent progress has been made in developing the Future Cruise/ Anti Ship Weapon.

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.

Whether Project Grayburn will include a suppressor within the scope of the Individual Weapon requirements.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

Whether Lewis machine and tool are included within the Project Grayburn contest for a new British Army individual weapon.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items. As such, a competition is yet to be formally launched for Project GRAYBURN.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what MOD land for building new houses has been identified by the cross-government taskforce.

The Strategic Defence Review sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations is underway. Implementation will be priority business for the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. The Department will be making further announcements about land and estates in due course.

How many EJ200 engines have been manufactured by Rolls Royce in (a) 2020, (b), 2021, (c) 2022, (d) 2023, (e) 2024 and (f) 2025.

No new engines were manufactured for the UK MOD in the timeframe specified.

On what date will the Defence Exports Office be operational.

Design work for the Exports function is well underway and building momentum through several pilot Government to Government exports. Initial stand up is expected no later than end October 2025 with full implementation continuing over the next 12 months.

What recent progress he has made on the Spearfish Upgrade programme.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 30 April 2025 to Question 47292 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

What progress he has made in reaching consensus on the development path for Meteor across all six partner nations.

Options for future Meteor development remain under consideration by the Meteor Partner Nations. Further working level discussions are planned for September and October with the aim of reaching a consensus by the end of the year.

What (a) units and (b) functions will be moved from MoD Chicksands to RAF Wyton; and how many personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to identify the best approach to realise the sale of the surplus land parcels including MOD Chicksands. This will include a detailed options appraisal and analysis of the proposed move's business case, however at the present time the preferred option has not yet been identified.

What information his Department holds on the size of (a) domestic and (b) overseas orders that would be required to maintain 100% of workforce skills at the Warton assembly line.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, this Government is committed to ensuring Defence is an engine for growth, driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry. The Department continues to work very closely with our most important suppliers to support UK economic growth and drive exports, including those of the Typhoon aircraft. However, the size and scope of the workforce at BAE Systems’ Warton site is a matter for the company.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Kamchatka earthquake on the (a) Russian submarine fleet and (b) Russian Pacific surface fleet at Rybachiy.

While the Department can't comment on specific intelligence related to this matter in the interests of maintaining national security. The hon. member can be reassured that assessments of Russian capability continue to be an important activity for the Department.

How many scimitar tanks the British Army currently holds (a) in reserve and (b) that are awaiting disposal.

No Scimitar vehicles are held in reserve and only one vehicle is awaiting disposal.

What doctrinal publication defines the British Army’s armoured infantry company group tactics.

The British Army’s Armoured Infantry company group tactics are defined within the doctrinal publication Army Field Manual Warfighting Tactics, Part 5A: Armoured and Armoured Infantry Subunit Tactics.

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

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 comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the performance of the (a) 338 Lapua Magnum round and (b) .338 RUAG round for the L115A3 Long Range Rifle.

Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will reconsider calibre and ammunition natures as it progresses.

From what date RPAS will pilots be streamed for selection rather than recruited separately from crewed systems.

With effect from 1 April 2024, Pilots recruited into the Royal Air Force are eligible to be streamed to Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) following completion of their Elementary Flying Training.

By what date sufficient crews and familiarisation with the new Protector system will be achieved to allow Protector to be deployed.

I am withholding the requested information as it would harm the Capabilities and Security of the Armed Forces.

From when will Protector be certified to operate in Class A to C airspace.

As a military registered air system, Protector RG Mk1 only requires certification by the Military Aviation Authority, who issued the Military Type Certificate for the air system in April 2025. Protector is already capable of operating in Class A and C airspace in the UK and the MOD continues to work closely with the CAA and international authorities to integrate Protector globally.