Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of developing a wing-in-ground effect craft for (a) naval logistics and (b) Royal Marines amphibious assault.

The Ministry of Defence engages routinely with the United States Department of Defense, the US Navy and the US Marine Corps on capability development and experimentation. We are aware of allied activity relating to seaglider technologies and wing-in-ground effect platforms and we keep all such emerging technologies under review.

What recent progress he has made on the single digital platform for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP) has been directed to deliver a comprehensive tri-Service recruiting solution to establish a unified recruiting operating model. Future tri-Service recruiting will provide a flexible Candidate recruiting pathway that optimises the digital environment and will recruit against demand. It will engage, assist, and support the Candidates from expression of interest through to application, assessment, and job offer, to joining their chosen service and commencing initial training. The development of the single digital platform continues to progress in line with the delivery timeline. It is being built in line with Government Digital Service standards and the user experience is core to its development. Digital development is using an Agile methodology with a number of sprints taking place to align development to the overall solution requirements. AFRP submits quarterly reports and regular updates detailing the progress of the transition from Contract Effective Date which was 1 April 2025, to Service Commencement in 2027 which allows the monitoring and assurance of transition activity. The digital platform is currently in the detailed design phase and we are unable to provide further detail at this stage.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of increasing the overall capability of the National Space Operations Centre.

The National Space Operations Centre acts as a central hub for UK Space Domain Awareness operations, working in collaboration with UK Space Agency and Met Office. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is investing in research and improving the UK's ability to monitor and understand activities in space. This includes upgrading the National Space Operations Centre and developing new space monitoring sensors. Across Government, UK Space Domain Awareness requirements have been generated, which will support a coordinated approach to building a network of sensors and data systems, using information from various sources. The National Space Operations Centre proactively identifies and evaluates new capability development opportunities, ensuring they are prioritised to align with the MOD requirements, working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. As the space domain continues to become more congested, contested, and competitive we expect the National Space Operations Centre responsibilities and capabilities to expand over time, continuing to support the growing UK space sector and protect UK interests in, from, and to space.

With refence to his Department's press release entitled New munitions factories and long-range weapons to back nearly 2000 jobs under Strategic Defence Review, published on 1 June 2025, what are the locations of the six new (a) munitions and (b) energetics factories.

The Strategic Defence Review committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made in exploiting the Defence estate to generate income for the MOD.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 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 SDR highlights the significant opportunity to exploit the Defence estate to generate income for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and to help meet the wider needs of Defence and the Government. Given the scale and unique nature of the Defence estate, identifying and evaluating evolving land use requirements requires a fully considered approach. Any land identified as part of this process will be announced in due course.

Where is the (a) technology development centre and (b) interim firing point that form part of Project Teutates located.

The TEUTATES programme is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). It includes the ongoing development of an interim firing point at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston site. The Technology Development Centre is also at AWE Aldermaston and is now being repurposed to support other programmes, having originally been constructed for TEUTATES.As set out in the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament published on 22 May, the first X-rays by the UK-supplied Induction Voltage Adder machine were fired at the EPURE hydrodynamics facility in November 2024, marking an important Treaty milestone.I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding cost estimates for the programme as release would prejudice international relations.

Which units will receive Ajax as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

The following units are due to receive Ajax vehicles. HCR – Household Cavalry RegimentRL – Royal LancersRDG – Royal Dragoon GuardsQRH – Queens Royal HussarsKRH – Kings Royal HussarsRTR – Royal Tank Regiment26 RA - 26th Regiment Royal Artillery1 RHA - 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery19 RA - 19th Regiment Royal Artillery22 Engrs - 22 Engineer Regiment26 Engrs - 26 Engineer Regiment6 REME - 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME3 REME - 3 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME1 RRF - 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers5 Rifles – 5 RIFLES1 Mercian – Mercian Regiment1 Royal Welsh - 1st Battalion The Royal WelshCMC - Combat Manoeuvre CentreDSEME – Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical EngineeringCTS – Crew Training School [part of CMC]

How many Type 83 destroyers will be built by the Royal Navy.

The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, which encompasses the Type 83 destroyer, is in its concept phase. On current plans, the Outline Business Case will be submitted in June 2026 and subject to the Defence Investment Plan is due for publication this Autumn. The number of Type 83s will be confirmed by the Full Business Case.

What is the full scope of Project MORPHEUS.

MORPHEUS is a project within the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) Programme with the aim of delivering the next generation of Communication and Information Systems to forces operating in a Land Tactical Environment, inclusive of the Royal Navy in the littoral environment and elements of the Royal Air Force. MORPHEUS was initiated to replace Bowman, MOD’s current in-service Tactical Communications and Information System capability, and aimed to: - Exploit modern technology to deliver a new, more capable baseline capability from which we can more rapidly evolve- Enable easier and more effective interoperability, both with other UK systems, and with allies- Lower the training burden on users, through more intuitive interfaces- Avoid vendor lock-in, and use competition to drive Value for Money- Employ open architectures, to more easily integrate new technologies

What assessment he has made of the feasibility of using Mount Pleasant Airfield as a forward mounting base for increased activity in Antarctica.

The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of its future requirements for its basing in the South Atlantic. The Department is supporting the FCDO to publish a UK Antarctic strategy by the end of this year, which will set the Government’s aims and ambitions for Antarctica for the next five years.

If he will list what services are contracted through the Future Maritime Support Programme.

The Ministry of Defence contract for 11 Lots through the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP), with each Lot providing a suite of services to deliver end outputs as agreed through each Lot contract. An overview of the Lots and their descriptions are within the table and the image below. CORE FMSP Lots: Lot No.TitleStrategyStart Date Note 1Contract Duration Note 1Bidder(s)Status1Naval Base Services at DevonportSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract live, due to expire in March 2026.2Ships Engineering Management and Delivery at Rosyth, Devonport & ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 1 yearsBabcockContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 April 20263Submarine Engineering at Devonport & ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract live, due to expire in March 20264Hard Facilities Management Services and Alongside Services at ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract Live, due to expire in March 20265Hard Facilities Management Services and Alongside Services at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsJoint Venture between BAES & KBR InterserveContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20266Soft Facilities Management Services at ClydeCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcock ESS ISS SodexoContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20267Soft Facilities Management Services at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsESS ISS SodexoContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20268 Note 2Ships Engineering Management and Delivery at PortsmouthSingle Source (QDC)1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 1 yearBAESContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 202610Warehousing and Distribution at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus options for 2 plus 1 yearsKuehne & Nagel Unipart WincantonContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 202611Warehousing and Distribution at ClydeCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus options for 2 plus 1 yearsBabcock Kuehne & Nagel UnipartContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 2026 with option to extend further 1 year if required.12National FreightAmendment to contract awarded through competition1 Oct 2021 (Portsmouth) 1 Apr 2021 (Clyde)Until 1 Aug 2028 (Note 4)LeidosContract live Notes:1. Start date and contract duration relate to the period of service delivery. They exclude any transition period ahead of service delivery.2. Lot 8 was originally two lots, separating engineering management and delivery. Lots 8 and 9 were merged into a single Lot 8 before Invitation To Negotiate (ITN) release.3. Details of the two winning bidders will be provided via a separate LIMDIS note.4. The Leidos contract under lot 12 expires on 1 Aug 2028. The intention is to add the additional scope to the contract for the remainder of its life.

Whether Project Grayburn will include 300 Blackout as a calibre option within the scope of the Individual Weapons requirements.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor 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 assessment he has made of the feasibility of the next class of ship to be developed by the Royal Navy to have electric engines.

The UK has committed to reducing its contribution to global warming by setting a target to reduce all greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050. All future shipbuilding programmes will therefore investigate alternative power and propulsion options and energy efficiencies within their designs as well as technologies for measuring and optimising power consumption. Importantly, as well as cutting carbon this improves the warfighting resilience of our platforms.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring (a) lower-value and (b) highly attritable autonomous collaborative platforms in order to saturate defensive systems.

The Strategic Defence Review recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy, including Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACPs), within the UK's conventional forces over the next five years. High numbers of ACPs will be incorporated into the Integrated Force across the full breadth of operating environments as part of a '20-40-40' mix of capabilities alongside fifth and sixth generation platforms. This means combining advanced, crewed systems with cheaper, autonomous, and expendable assets to deliver greater mass, agility, and resilience.We will prioritise investment in UK-based defence firms as part of this autonomy drive, aiming to stimulate economic growth, create jobs, and enhance national security by fostering innovation and resilience within the sector. Investment opportunities with British Defence companies will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question HL9397 on Typhoon Aircraft: Factories, what proportion of the funding for Combat Air will be spent with companies in the North West.

The planned Combat Air investment will benefit every region of the United Kingdom in the next ten years. In a new era of threat, we need a new era for our defence industry and the Defence Industrial Strategy launched on 8 September 2025 is designed not just to spend more, but to spend smarter: speeding up development to delivery (factory to frontline) and ensuring our defence investment benefits local communities.A significant proportion of investment will be devoted to companies in north-west England as a key region for the manufacture of fixed-wing military aircraft, and support of complex weapon systems from concept to delivery. The region also offers unique platform and system testing capabilities.The Defence Investment Plan will be published in the Autumn and provide further detail on how we will deliver our Strategic Defence Review vision for Combat Air investment.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on decarbonising energy systems across defence.

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 of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure and people, alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technological opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. The decarbonisation of energy systems is incorporated into this approach.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of procuring orchestrike for the Royal Air Force.

While the Ministry of Defence is not currently procuring Orchestrike as a discrete capability, the development of Spear Capability 3 and STRATUS-LO includes the integration of such network-enabled technology.

How does StormShroud function autonomously as part of the RAF’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.

StormShroud supports RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by jamming enemy radars, which increases the survivability and operational effectiveness of our crewed aircraft. As StormShroud is the first Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) introduced into RAF service it does not currently function autonomously with other ACP as it is the first platform and no other ACPs exist yet to collaborate with yet. StormShroud may be directly controlled from a ground station or operate autonomously at range, where it confuses or jams adversary radar. However, I am withholding the exact nature of the autonomous behaviour as it would harm the security or effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

When he plans to replace the remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons.

The remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons have a planned out of Service date of 2027. Upon Tranche 1 retirement, Typhoon will continue to serve as the backbone of the UK's Combat Air Force until at least the 2040s. To ensure it remains at the cutting edge of capability, the UK is planning significant investment in the Typhoon through-life equipment programme. This includes the delivery and integration of the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, which will enhance the aircraft's operational effectiveness.

What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the result of the trial drone against drone engagement using the APKWS precision-guided rocket conducted by BAE Systems Falconworks unit.

The trial referenced by the hon. Member was conducted by BAE Systems for a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and the information on the trial can be found on the open internet.The UK Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing their already strong capabilities. They continuously explore the potential adoption of new equipment, including drones, to ensure they remain at the forefront of operational effectiveness.This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. We are delivering our commitment to spend 2.6% of GDP on defence, accelerating it to 2027, and we have set the ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.