Every parliamentary written question tabled by Graeme Downie this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Showing 21–40 of 136 · Ministry of Defence
How much spare storage there is at DM Crombie as a proportion of its total capacity.
I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.
How much spare storage there is at each Defence Munitions site as a proportion of their total capacity.
I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.
What funding has been allocated for the implementation of ASGARD for the British Army.
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
If plans to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027 are on schedule.
The Department, through Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, is progressing plans to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027. This includes the establishment of the Defence Targeting Enterprise Office, which will enable the orchestration of cross-defence activity. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to delivering this Strategic Defence Review recommendation and will continue to monitor progress to ensure that delivery remains on track.
If he will provide an update on the implementation of ASGARD.
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
What assessment he has made of the potential of ASGARD for UK armed forces.
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of increasing the use of DM Crombie by Royal Navy ships to protect (i) the High North and (ii) North Sea subsurface cables.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
How many (a) Royal Navy and (b) RFA ships will use the jetty at DM Crombie in each of the next five years.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
When he expects the pier at DM Crombie to be fully operational.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What assessment he has carried out on the strategic importance of DM Crombie to the Royal Navy and UK allies.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main jetty at DM Crombie.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What steps he is taking to increase the use of DM Crombie by the Royal Navy.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What assessment he has carried out of the condition of the main pier at DM Crombie.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
When he expects the jetty at DM Crombie to be fully operational.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of increased use of DM Crombie on transit time for Royal Navy ships patrolling the North Sea.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What plans he has to upgrade the main jetty at DM Crombie.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What role DM Crombie plays in the defence and protection of (i) the High North and (ii) subsurface cables in the North Sea.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What discussions have taken place regarding adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.
The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.
What advice is given to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea on steps to take in the event of threat or intimidation from Russian military assets.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not provide training or advice to operators of offshore oil rigs and installations in the North Sea. The Department for Energy Security and Net Zero is responsible for the security of energy infrastructure. The MOD keeps Russian military capabilities and assets under continuous review as part of our routine defence intelligence and wider strategic assessment. This contributes to wider HMG efforts to reduce the vulnerability of networks and assets and ensure an effective response to disruptive incidents.