Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,881–2,900 of 4,549 · this parliament
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 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 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).
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 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.
On what date Ant Middleton was appointed by the Executive Council as the first Chief Cadet of the Volunteer Cadet Corps.
In November 2019, Ant Middleton was appointed as Chief Cadet and Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy’s Volunteer Cadet Corps. This ended nine months later following controversial statements made on Twitter.
Whether she has had discussions with UK aviation authorities on the certification of the Royal Air Force’s Protector MQ-9B.
The UK’s independent aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) is leading work with the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and NATS towards developing the necessary approvals to integrate the RAF’s Protector MQ-9B. The aim of this collaborative approach is to ensure that this technology can operate safely within the UK’s controlled airspace alongside other users. I receive regular updates from the CAA on all aviation matters.
What steps he is taking to integrate the Royal Air Force’s Protector MQ-9B’s automatic (a) take-off and (b) landing capability with civilian (i) air traffic and (ii) air traffic control.
The aviation regulator, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), the Ministry of Defence (MoD) and NATS continue to work collaboratively towards integrating the RAF Protector (MQ-9B) technology so that it can be safely used within the UK’s controlled airspace. The CAA and the MoD will only give the necessary approvals for Protector to be fully integrated into controlled airspace when it is safe to do so.
How many Ares vehicles will be required by an infantry platoon in the armoured role.
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.
Whether he has made an assessment of the (a) immediate and (b) short-term threat posed to Taiwan by recent Chinese military activity in the region.
The Ministry of Defence pays close and persistent attention to Chinese military activity and its implications. The UK considers the Taiwan issue one that should be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. This includes increased Chinese assertiveness towards Taiwan.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Russian use of (a) Kinzhal and (b) Zircon missiles.
The Department is aware of and continues to monitor the impact of the Russian use of these and other missile types.
What the composition is of the UK ISTAR Force.
The current RAF UK ISTAR Force is listed below: Poseidon MRA1 RC-135W Rivet Joint Reaper (MQ-9A) Protector RG Mk1 (MQ-9B) Shadow R1 Wedgetail AEW Mk1
What AI tools are used by the Defence Equipment and Support Artificial Intelligence and Automation Centre.
Defence Equipment and Support's (DE&S) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Team uses a range of tools and techniques to develop software and AI within Defence. Their tools and techniques evolve quickly and in line with the rapid evolution of AI technology and the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) obligations to ensure responsible use of AI. The tools used are commercially available cloud-based tools, including open source. The AI software is built on Defence's Digital Backbone (including MODCloud and Defence DevSecOps Service). DE&S make careful use of Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service where appropriate. All such use is assured through Secure by Design and in line with MOD policy on AI.
Whether the forthcoming Timms Review will include the needs of veterans in its scope.
Veterans, depending on their needs, can access a variety of support including PIP, the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS), the Guaranteed Income Payment (GIP), and the Armed Forces Independence Payment (AFIP). No changes are proposed to the Armed Forces Independence Payments.The government is committed to ensuring that Personal Independence Payment (PIP) is a non-means tested cash benefit which is there for people, now and into the future. That is why we have launched a wider review of the PIP assessment as a whole, to make sure it is fair and fit for the future in a changing world and helps support disabled people to achieve better health, higher living standards and greater independence.My officials will work with their counterparts in the Office for Veterans’ Affairs (OVA) to ensure they are kept informed of the Timms Review, and its deliberations, as the review progresses in the coming year.
What is the planned in-service date of SSN-AUKUS.
The planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces. The aim is to deliver the first UK submarines into service in the late 2030s to replace the current Astute-Class vessels.
How many people will be required to move home in order to facilitate the third runway at Heathrow.
The Government is currently assessing proposals for the delivery of a third runway at Heathrow. Detailed impacts, including on homes, social infrastructure and community facilities, will depend on the final scheme design and boundary, which have not yet been confirmed. Further updates will be provided as the assessment progresses.
What the scope is of the TIQUILA intelligence, surveillance, tracking and reconnaissance programme.
TIQUILA is delivering Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) enabled Mini Uncrewed Air Systems (MUAS). TIQUILA will deliver Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) persistent ISTAR information to Brigade Combat Teams across a wide-range of environmental and climatic conditions. This capability will support Light, Medium and Heavy manoeuvre brigades beyond visual line of sight.
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2925 to Question 68113 on Army, what assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of the prototype software defined deep recce strike complex tested in May 2025.
A thorough technical review of the progress and lessons learnt has been conducted to inform the future ASGARD development pathway. Much of the capability derived is now being exploited, including one-way effectors and networking that enables the flow of data between software and domains. The provision of Artificial Intelligence features has improved the speed at which decisions are made, increasing operational tempo, while reducing the risk to human life.
What plans the Global Combat Air Programme has to use the EJ200 engine.
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is developing a new aircraft to enter service in the mid-2030s. The early flying demonstrator will utilise EJ200 engines, these engines won’t be used in the final production model.