Written questions by Downie.

When he last met with trade unions to discuss pay and conditions for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

Awaiting answer.

When he last held discussions with Scottish Ministers on Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Scotland.

On 12 March 2026, as part of the Scotland Defence Growth Deal, we announced our stated ambition to establish two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, aligned to support the defence clusters in the East and West of Scotland. This was contingent on the Scottish Government providing match-funding for our £10 million investment. On the same day, together with the Secretary of State for Scotland, I wrote to Scottish Government ministers seeking this commitment. We are still awaiting their response.

When he last met his counterparts from the USA and Australia to discuss potential national security threats posed by Chinese-made connected vehicles.

The Defence Secretary speaks with his US and Australian counterparts regularly on a range of national security topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our nations. The Ministry of Defence is working with other government departments to mitigate any potential threats to national security from connected vehicles. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, irrespective of origin, and we keep them under constant review.

What assessment his Department has made of the risk of the use of Chinese‑manufactured Cellular IoT Modules in defence‑adjacent supply chains.

The Ministry of Defence regularly assesses risks across defence‑adjacent supply chains, including those associated with connectivity‑enabled components. Any use of Cellular IoT technology is subject to proportionate security and assurance arrangements, with risks considered on a case‑by‑case basis in order to safeguard Defence and national security interests. In parallel, the Department supports onshoring and the development of assured supply chains to strengthen the resilience of both defence and wider civilian supply chains.

What assessment his Department has made of (a) trends in the level of Chinese-manufactured technology used in UK defence procurement and supply chains and (b) the potential impact of that technology on national security.

The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains, to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability. While the department does not routinely comment on the origin of specific components of our planned or in service capabilities, we welcome business with foreign companies as long as it follows our strict procurement regulations and does not put our national security at risk. Transactions continue to be monitored where there are potential national security concerns from any country, and the Department will investigate and apply appropriate mitigations where required.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Chinese manufactured electric vehicles, including potential vulnerabilities such as remote kill switch capabilities, on national security.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets very seriously, and is working with other government departments to understand and mitigate any potential threats to national security from vehicles. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicles, not just electric vehicles or those manufactured in China, and we are working across MOD to ensure risks are appropriately managed in accordance with the needs of different communities.

What assessment he has made of the role of Ukrainian defence technology innovation in strengthening NATO partners’ capabilities against drone and ballistic missile threats.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone and missile threats whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

What steps the UK Government is taking to promote collaborative defence innovation initiatives involving the UK, European partners and Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to promoting collaborative initiatives that strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions.

What discussions he has had with European partners on strengthening cooperation with Ukraine in defence innovation and dual-use technology development.

This March, I led the seventh and largest Trade Mission to Ukraine. The mission brought together government and industry officials from the UK, Europe, and Ukraine to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This week [17 March 2026], the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, which strengthens collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. This latest step in the 100 Year Partnership recognises the growing role of advanced drone capabilities and data to help protect military forces, defence infrastructure and national security.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure the defence sector can learn from Ukraine’s operational experience in countering drones, missile threats and electronic warfare.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.

What assessment he has made of the potential economic and security impacts for the UK defence sector of increases in cooperation with Ukraine’s defence innovation ecosystem.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on cooperation between the UK and Ukraine defence sectors. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We will carry out joint defence capability projects and encourage the establishment of joint defence enterprises, strengthening our defence capabilities and ensuring joint arms exports to foreign markets.

What steps he has taken to strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions.

What initiatives his Department is part of that aim to foster cooperation between Ukrainian defence innovators and the UK and European industrial and technology ecosystems.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to fostering collaboration between Ukraine, British and European industry. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What support his Department provides to UK companies seeking to supply innovation-based defence technologies to Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to supporting UK companies in supplying innovation-based technologies to Ukraine, boosting high-skilled British-based jobs and meeting Ukraine's urgent needs in its fight against Russia's illegal invasion.In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK and Ukrainian industry to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain's cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine's Armed Forces. This facility will deliver good jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential economic and industrial merits to the UK of strengthening partnerships with Ukraine’s defence innovation and technology sector.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of joint UK–EU–Ukraine research and development programmes in areas such as autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and European allies on the sharing of knowledge and insight around autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

What mechanisms exist within his Department to capture and integrate lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield experience into UK defence planning and capability development.

The primary mechanism for lessons learnt from Ukraine's battlefield experience is through the Defence Lessons Identified Management System, which facilities their assignment and management.For those of strategic relevance, the Military Commands will route lessons through the newly instituted Military Strategic Lessons Working Group for refinement and drafting of actionable recommendations or for further investigatory activity.Once prepared, lessons are presented to the Integrated Warfare Development Board for validation and sentencing. After which, the Board will monitor the implementation progress of the lesson plus ensuring coherence across Military Strategic Headquarters and the Military Commands.

What steps his Department is taking to support collaboration between UK technology companies and Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What steps his Department is taking to support UK companies seeking to collaborate with Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

What assessment he has made of how the battlefield experience and technological innovations developed by Ukrainian defence forces and industry could inform the United Kingdom’s own defence capabilities and operational readiness.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.