Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what barrel length is required to fulfil the criteria of a) Dismounted Close Combat and b) Dismounted Close Combat (Short) and c) Personal Defence Weapon variants.

The decision on who needs a Dismounted Close Combat rifle versus a Generalist rifle will be based upon a wide range of criteria. The exact criteria will be determined during the Concept Phase. However, the list of criteria is likely to include the user role, likely engagement ranges, their likely targets, plus human factors. Decisions on barrel length will also be determined during the Concept Phase. The barrel length of each variant will be based upon considerations such as user role (for example, Light Infantry, Light Calvary, Armoured), likely engagement ranges, likely targets, and human factors.

With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what weapons are included within the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio.

As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.

What direction was provided to Defence Equipment and Support by the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee regarding Project GRAYBURN.

As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.

With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what criteria will be required to be fulfilled to distinguish between the a) Dismounted Close Combat and b) Generalist variants.

The decision on who needs a Dismounted Close Combat rifle versus a Generalist rifle will be based upon a wide range of criteria. The exact criteria will be determined during the Concept Phase. However, the list of criteria is likely to include the user role, likely engagement ranges, their likely targets, plus human factors. Decisions on barrel length will also be determined during the Concept Phase. The barrel length of each variant will be based upon considerations such as user role (for example, Light Infantry, Light Calvary, Armoured), likely engagement ranges, likely targets, and human factors.

With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what level of a) current and b) emerging body armour the new rifle is required to be able to defeat.

Project GRAYBURN will deliver a capability that will be able to defeat most prolific body armour types used by adversaries. The project remains in its concept phase and it is therefore too early to provide additional detail. However, due to operational sensitivities I do not plan to release this information in the future.

With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what proportion of the weapon system will be manufactured in the UK.

As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.

What the out-of-service date is for a) Terrier, b) Titan and c) Trojan.

The current Out of Service Dates (OSDs) for the platforms can be found in the table below: PlatformOSDsFuchs2029Stormer2028 (extended from 2026)Terrier2043Titan2032Trojan2040 OSDs are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.

What the out-of-service date is for Stormer.

The current Out of Service Dates (OSDs) for the platforms can be found in the table below: PlatformOSDsFuchs2029Stormer2028 (extended from 2026)Terrier2043Titan2032Trojan2040 OSDs are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.

What the out-of-service date is for Fuchs CBRN.

The current Out of Service Dates (OSDs) for the platforms can be found in the table below: PlatformOSDsFuchs2029Stormer2028 (extended from 2026)Terrier2043Titan2032Trojan2040 OSDs are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.

How many operational SSN’s were at sea as of 1 January 2026.

It is UK policy not to disclose the operational availability or deployment details of submarines, including SSNs, as doing so would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of our Armed Forces.

What upgrades will be made to increase the a) power and b) torque of the Perkins CV12-6A V12 diesel engine as part of the Challenger 3 programme.

As a precursor to the conversion of Challenger 2 to Challenger 3, the Heavy Armour Automotive Improvement Programme introduced a series of upgrades to the automotive system, including bringing the Perkins CV12‑6A engine to a common build standard. Options remain available should additional power be required in the future.

What criteria must be met in order to achieve Full Operating Capability for Ajax.

Full Operating Capability will see the Armoured Cavalry and other Ajax users Trained, Sustainable and Ready for Deployment. It would not be appropriate to release a complete list of criteria as to do so could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces.

What criteria was met which permitted Initial Operating Capability for Ajax to be achieved on 5 November 2025.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him to Question 104285 on 14 January 2025. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-08/104285

Pursuant to the answer of 14th January 2026, to answer 104283 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, on what dates assurances and advice regarding the safety of the platform were provided to Ministers.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him to Question 98241 on 12 December 2025. However, I would like to reassure him that it is my intention to provide an update on the safety of Ajax and the Ministerial Review to Parliament in the near future. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-08/98241

Where were each of the (a) 23 Ajax vehicles on Exercise Titan Storm and (b) the Ajax vehicle, subsequently used to establish a baseline for noise and vibration, (i) manufactured and (ii) assembled.

The 23 Ajax vehicles on Exercise Titan Storm and the Ajax vehicle subsequently used to establish a baseline for noise and vibration were all part of Capability Drop 3; manufactured and assembled in Merthyr Tydfil.

What were the a) names, b) dates, c) training areas used and d) exercising units equipped with Ajax of the three exercises that took place between 23rd July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.

The three exercises that took place between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm were: Exercise CYCLONE STORM between 21 July - 1 August 2025 on Salisbury Plain Training Area by The Queen’s Royal Hussars. Exercise TRADEWIND between 17 – 24 October 2025, on Salisbury Plain Training Area by The Royal Lancers. Exercise SCORION CYCLONE between 15 September – 10 October 2025 on Salisbury Plain Training Area, involving The Household Cavalry Regiment, The Royal Lancers, 26th Regiment Royal Artillery, 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion and Royal Electrical Mechanical Engineers.

By when will he respond to Written Question 98879, submitted on 10 December 2025.

170 Ajax platforms have been delivered to Field Army Units up to and including 1 December 2025. The breakdown by variant is as follows: AJAX87ARES33ATHENA25ARGUS3APOLLO13ATLAS9

What Capability Drop were each of the a) 23 Ajax vehicles on Exercise Titan Storm and b) the Ajax vehicle subsequently used to establish a baseline for noise and vibration.

The 23 Ajax vehicles on Exercise Titan Storm and the Ajax vehicle subsequently used to establish a baseline for noise and vibration were all part of Capability Drop 3; manufactured and assembled in Merthyr Tydfil.

With reference to the Ministry of Defence accounts 2024-25, what did the Melorius write-off and constructive losses of £12,552,000 relate to.

Initiated to replace an in-service capability, MELORIUS was a Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) Medical Countermeasure project to rapidly develop and provide immediate treatment to a person exposed to a Nerve Agent.A Commercial Off The Shelf (COTS) product became available during the development stage of the project, following changes in the commercial market. Project MELORIUS was re-evaluated and a decision was made to stop further development, with funds reinvested into procuring a COTS solution. This represented the best value for money for the taxpayer, a low-risk option and significantly reduced the delivery timescales.The constructive loss of £12,552,000 was incurred during the active management of stopping project MELORIUS. It relates to the safe disposal of 110,000 medical devices, a necessary up-front purchase, and the associated costs of development and testing of the products.In delivering the best capabilities for our Armed Forces, it is vital that we continually review the market and emerging technologies for ways to enhance our current offering, to ensure that our troops have what they need to operate effectively and the ability to respond to evolving threats.

Pursuant to the answer of 13 January 2026 to question 101527 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, what was the project regarding the ammunition capability of the Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot munitions.

The Armour Piercing Fin-Stabilised Discarding Sabot munitions was one of three ammunitions proposed to be reinstated for use in the 30mm Rarden used by the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle. It did not have a specific project name.