Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What progress he has made on migrating all users to the new managed print service.

The Migration Phase of the new Managed Print Service is complete. The project has achieved Full Operating Capability.

What the in-service date is for the Royal Navy’s Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon.

The Future Anti-Surface Guided Weapon (FASGW) requirements will be fulfilled by a “light” and “heavy” capability. FASGW (Light), also known as Martlet, achieved Initial Operating Capability in October 2021 and has been in operational service with the Royal Navy since then. The programme is progressing towards Full Operating Capability and achievement of this milestone is forecast for December 2025. FASGW (Heavy), also known as Sea Venom, reached Initial Operating Capability in May 2025 in time to be deployed on Operation HIGHMAST. Full Operating Capability is on-track to be delivered by 2029.

Whether she has made an assessment of the potential impact on E10 petrol production following the closure of the Vivergo bioethanol plant.

On 15 August 2025 Vivergo announced the closure of its UK bioethanol production plant in Hull, which at full capacity could produce 420 million litres of bioethanol per year from wheat for blending with petrol.Whilst the UK retains bioethanol production capacity elsewhere, the closure of Vivergo represents a significant loss.  However, it is not considered likely to impact the production or supply of E10 petrol in the UK. It is expected that the supply of bioethanol for petrol suppliers will continue to be met by both bioethanol produced at the remaining UK plants and by imports.

What discussions he has had with members of the Coalition of the Willing on the potential deployment of troops to Ukraine in the event of a ceasefire.

Operational discussions continue with fellow Multi-National Force Ukraine nations, but we will not be drawn into detail on the specifics of UK Armed Forces deployments at the risk of operational security. This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including deployment to Ukraine.

How many fully deployable manoeuvre brigades does the British Army have.

The Army has five fully deployable manoeuvre brigades.

What the outcome was of the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Gate 4 programme review of the Mechanised Infantry Programme.

The most recent National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) review outcome of the Mechanised Infantry Programme is reflected in the NISTA 2024-2025 annual report which is published online. The supporting data grades the Mechanised Infantry programme as AMBER. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nista-annual-report-2024-2025

With reference to recommendation 47 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on augmenting the existing fleet of A400M with (a) more A400M, (b) civilian charter and (c) sponsored service options.

A range of options to meet future air mobility requirements are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan which will be published in due course.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the ongoing challenges are in meeting the delivery date for the first Dreadnought submarine nuclear core.

The red delivery confidence rating for the Core Production Capability programme in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) report reflects the complexity of simultaneously completing the Astute Class cores while transitioning to a new core type for the Dreadnought Class. The Ministry of Defence is working closely with Rolls-Royce Submarines to improve delivery confidence by increasing production rates and improving manufacturing resilience. NISTA has confirmed these actions are appropriate. The first of Class, HMS Dreadnought, remains on track to enter service in the early 2030s.

With reference to recommendation 23 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, which Ukrainian industries he has identified for potential post-conflict industrial collaboration with Ukraine.

Long term collaboration with Ukraine’s defence industrial base, which has evolved rapidly and become a recognised world leader in innovation and technology adoption, is a priority for the Ministry of Defence. Since Russia’s illegal full-scale invasion, the UK has cooperated closely with Ukraine to deliver capabilities required by its armed forces, while bringing together the best of UK and Ukrainian industry. Trade missions, of which the government has led six into Ukraine, are helping build defence industrial relationships for the near term and for enduring, post-conflict industrial collaboration. Our future cooperation on battlefield technology, announced by the Prime Minister and President Zelenskyy on 23 June, will deepen that collaboration through sharing of data and expertise between the UK and Ukraine, paving the way for our two countries to work long term on jointly-agreed priorities for the benefit of both our nations’ armed forces and defence industries.

With reference to recommendation 46 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of how a mix of F-35A and B models provide value for money.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave to Question 64538 on 10 July 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge). The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B is expected to deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft. Final prices will be identified during contract negotiation.

With reference to page 133 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in implementing the Defence Estate Optimisation programme.

The Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio was mobilised in 2016 and has completed, or is on construction on 22 projects having disposed of 30 surplus Ministry of Defence sites.

With reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, how arrangements for fast jet training are inadequate.

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 identified inadequacies in fast jet training arrangements, primarily due to the underperformance of the Hawk T2 aircraft, necessitating the initiation of a replacement programme. This issue, combined with the increased demand for fast jet pilot training following the Strategic Defence and Security Review 2015, has placed strain on existing training capacity. During this transitional period, the shortfall has been mitigated through outsourcing agreements with allies and partners, utilising their military fast jet training programmes worldwide.

On what date did the UK sign the deal with Lockheed-Martin to procure 12 F-35A Lightning II jets.

Negotiations with the Joint Program Office are ongoing. Further information regarding the procurement of the 12 F-35A Lightning aircraft will be communicated in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to page 133 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in implementing the Defence Estate Optimisation programme.

The Defence Estate Optimisation Portfolio was mobilised in 2016 and has completed, or is on construction on 22 projects having disposed of 30 surplus Ministry of Defence sites.

With reference to recommendation 48 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on revising the flying training arrangements for fast jets.

The RAF continues to implement incremental improvements as part of the continuous review of flying training. These include delivering additional synthetic training devices to RAF Valley and implementing the Combat Edge human performance optimisation programme, both designed to improve pass rates and enhance trainee resilience. Decisions on capabilities will be made in the Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what civilian (a) qualifications and (b) standards are in scope to be adopted.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking a comprehensive review of military training to confirm appropriate alignment with civilian qualifications and standards, while ensuring operational readiness and the capacity to scale up training to meet warfighting requirements. This work is part of the Defence Accreditation Review, which aims to cohere, simplify, modernise and improve existing accreditation frameworks. The review encompasses qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, apprenticeships, professional certifications, and industry standards. Progress includes an assessment of current qualifications, the identification of data gaps, and the trialling of artificial intelligence to enhance training development and accreditation. We are formulating recommendations for accreditation policy and exploring the role of the Defence Awarding Organisation in this context. This work demonstrates our commitment to maintaining operational readiness and the professional development of our personnel, ensuring they are prepared for both the demands of war and their future civilian careers.

When the Protector programme will receive approval for a review note.

A revised Review Note will be submitted to re-baseline the Protector RG Mk1 programme once the Defence Investment Plan has been released and the impact is understood.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential impact for the RAF's F-35B fleet of the reasons for the crash of a USAF F-35A on 28 January 2025.

The RAF has a comprehensive Air Safety Management System, which includes learning from aircraft accident and incidents. As a F-35 Partner Nation, the UK works with the F-35 Joint Program Office to continuously improve F-35 operational effectiveness and safety.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Materials Campus programme.

The Future Materials Campus programme remains in an early phase of its development and we are engaging with industry to support its delivery. The programme is developing a value for money model that utilises modern methods of construction and ensures flexibility to meet future demands of the nuclear deterrent programmes.

What recent progress he has made on implementing the Mine Hunting Capability programme.

The Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme continues to deliver an advanced suite of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) into service within the Royal Navy, enabling frontline mine warfare specialists to enhance operational effectiveness. These cutting-edge autonomous mine-hunting systems are deployed by the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group for evaluation, training, and operational deployment. The comprehensive scope of the MHC programme encompasses multiple USVs, UUVs, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for identification and neutralisation, and a state-of-the-art, sovereign mine-sweeping capability. Additionally, the programme has delivered HMS STIRLING CASTLE, a dedicated support vessel designed to enhance the deployment and sustainment of autonomous systems.