Written questions by Morello.

What mechanisms are used to determine whether UK bases are used for offensive or defensive operations in support of allied military action.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

If he will set out the role that Ministers play in authorising the use of UK bases for US military strikes.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

What assessment his Department has made of the adequacy of the legal and strategic framework governing the use of UK bases by overseas countries in future conflicts.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations' military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity which includes consideration of the applicable legal and policy frameworks.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications of modern military technologies, including drones, for the security of the Falkland Islands.

As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s overseas territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands. We review that posture regularly to ensure it reflects all relevant developments. I am confident that our current military presence in the region is appropriately scaled to ensure the security of the Islands.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of UK military capabilities to deter threats to the Falkland Islands.

As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s overseas territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands. We review that posture regularly to ensure it reflects all relevant developments. I am confident that our current military presence in the region is appropriately scaled to ensure the security of the Islands.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that the defence of the Falkland Islands reflects developments in long-range missile technology.

As the Strategic Defence Review set out, a core role for Defence is the protection of the UK’s overseas territories, which includes maintaining a defensive military posture in the Falkland Islands. We review that posture regularly to ensure it reflects all relevant developments. I am confident that our current military presence in the region is appropriately scaled to ensure the security of the Islands.

If he will allocate funding to support mental health services for armed forces (a) personnel and (b) reservists in the Autumn Budget 2025.

The mental health and wellbeing of our Armed Forces is a priority for the Government and will continue to be funded. All Service personnel have access to mental health support throughout their career, including medical and non-medical services. This includes, but is not limited to, preventative support such as wellbeing services, digital content, access to trained mental health first aiders, interventional support, and appointments with clinical staff. For Armed Forces personnel requiring dedicated mental healthcare, the Defence Medical Services provides a responsive, flexible, accessible, and comprehensive treatment service.

Whether his Department is working with NATO allies to develop (a) joint standards, (b) data sharing and (c) operational protocols for integrated drone defence.

The UK has contributed to the establishment of the NATO Joint Capability Group for Counter small UAS (C-sUAS), which will ensure that NATO has a coherent and consistent approach to the C-sUAS challenge. In particular, it will focus on: establishing NATO training courses; ensuring common standards for equipment integration; and providing a common lexicon. To support the integration of equipment across NATO nations, the UK has funded and developed SAPIENT, a common architecture standard that enables interoperability between autonomous sensors and effectors. It has been used operationally, for example, at the recent NATO Summit in The Hague.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure UK drone defence capabilities are interoperable with NATO systems and frameworks.

The Defence Uncrewed Design Authority (DUxDA) has delegated authority to fulfil the UK Head of Delegation role at NATO Joint Capability Groups for Uncrewed Systems. This role provides the UK a voice at the NATO Standardisation Agreement (STANAG) fora to influence the development of NATO Standards for Uncrewed Systems (UxS). The DUxDA has also mapped out all the UK and NATO standards that are applicable to Uncrewed Systems and are developing recommendations that will identify and enforce specific standards are applied to all Uncrewed Systems development moving forward.

What steps his Department is taking to support the development of UK-made drone defence systems to protect critical national infrastructure.

The UK has procured advanced Counter-Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) capabilities from UK manufacturers which continue to be developed in response to the changing threat. The MOD regularly engages with subject matter experts, including DASA, DSTL, and UK industry partners, to conduct thematic C-UAS capability challenges. These challenges promote the development of C-UAS systems by British companies. In the last two years, the MOD has invested in the development of Directed Energy Weapons, the development teams for which are led by UK consortiums. All C-UAS systems that are currently in use or in development support a range of possible scenarios and user cases, including the protection of critical national infrastructure.

Whether his Department plans to work with international counterparts to align standards and share intelligence on counter-drone systems and tactics.

Yes, the Defence Uncrewed Design Authority (DUxDA) is actively engaging partner nations to establish relationships and identify opportunities for enhanced collaboration on all facets of Uncrewed Systems (UxS).

What funding his Department has allocated to the research and development of (a) drone detection and (b) counter-drone technologies in the last three years.

It is not possible to differentiate, in funding terms, between Research and Development (R&D) supporting drone detection and counter-drone technologies – our counter-drone systems R&D takes a full systems approach to support the delivery of military capability. However, through Defence’s centrally funded science and technology budget, Defence has invested a minimum of £35 million in counter-drone systems science and technology research over the past three years.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the (a) scale and (b) nature of Russian drone capabilities; and what assessment his Department has made of their potential impact on UK national security.

The Ministry of Defence keeps all potential threats from hostile states under review to help protect the UK, but we do not comment on any details that could be useful to adversaries. Protecting CNI is an important pillar of work in the Home Defence Programme, which is led by the Cabinet Office and aims to develop a cross-government plan to strengthen the nation's security preparedness and resilience in order to deter threats to and defend the UK homeland. Defence works closely on this with the Cabinet Office.We maintain robust measures at Defence sites, including counter-drone capabilities. We constantly monitor UK airspace to identify and respond to any credible threat to its integrity. There are multi-layered and multi-domain measures in place to protect UK airspace, including through 24-hour surveillance and Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets.

What recent assessment his Department has made of the potential threat posed by Russian drone activity on (a) critical national infrastructure and (b) defence installations.

The Ministry of Defence keeps all potential threats from hostile states under review to help protect the UK, but we do not comment on any details that could be useful to adversaries. Protecting CNI is an important pillar of work in the Home Defence Programme, which is led by the Cabinet Office and aims to develop a cross-government plan to strengthen the nation's security preparedness and resilience in order to deter threats to and defend the UK homeland. Defence works closely on this with the Cabinet Office.We maintain robust measures at Defence sites, including counter-drone capabilities. We constantly monitor UK airspace to identify and respond to any credible threat to its integrity. There are multi-layered and multi-domain measures in place to protect UK airspace, including through 24-hour surveillance and Quick Reaction Alert Typhoon jets.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of developing unmanned surface vehicle technologies.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommends that an immediate priority should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the UK's conventional forces. The Royal Navy (RN) is already transitioning to uncrewed autonomous surface systems, particularly in the area of mine countermeasures, and the SDR announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation programme which should see the introduction of uncrewed surface vessels to support a wide variety of RN tasks. The RN continues to conduct research, trials, and capability development activity to assess potential operational utility and integration pathways for autonomous and remotely operated systems.

Whether he plans to take steps with his international partners to provide unmanned surface vehicles to Ukraine.

The UK and its international partners remain committed to equipping Ukraine with the capabilities it needs to defend its sovereign territory, in line with its priority requirements. This includes the provision of unmanned surface vehicles. We continue to work closely with the Government of Ukraine to ensure that the support we provide aligns with the evolving tactical demands of the conflict, including through the UK-Germany joint leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group.

How much funding his Department has allocated for research and development on unmanned surface vehicle technologies in the last five years.

It will take time to collate the information needed to respond to the hon. Member’s Question. I will write to him and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

Whether his Department is taking steps to integrate unmanned surface vehicles into Royal Navy operations.

Yes, the Royal Navy (RN) is transitioning to uncrewed autonomous systems for mine counter measures and has already introduced the first tranche of capabilities into service. For a number of years, the RN has also operated autonomous wave gliders to enhance the RN’s ability to collect oceanographic data. The Strategic Defence Review announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation programme, which should see the introduction of uncrewed surface vessels to support a wide variety of tasks for the Royal Navy.

What steps his Department is taking to ensure that communities in (a) rural constituencies and (b) West Dorset constituency can easily access the SAFE European defence funds.

We are committed to ensuring defence is an engine for growth in all regions across the UK, including West Dorset. Our new Defence Industrial Strategy will be a truly nationwide effort, ensuring that the benefits of every pound spent on defence will be felt across the UK. Recognising the potential opportunities SAFE could provide for UK industry, we have set out our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced cooperation through the proposed SAFE instrument, as soon as the EU’s necessary processes are complete.

Whether his Department plans to support organisations in West Dorset to access the SAFE European defence funds.

We are committed to ensuring defence is an engine for growth in all regions across the UK, including West Dorset. Our new Defence Industrial Strategy will be a truly nationwide effort, ensuring that the benefits of every pound spent on defence will be felt across the UK. Recognising the potential opportunities SAFE could provide for UK industry, we have set out our ambition to explore the potential for enhanced cooperation through the proposed SAFE instrument, as soon as the EU’s necessary processes are complete.