Written questions by Cartlidge.

How many Boxer armoured vehicles he plans to procure; and whether this figure has changed since 5 July 2024.

The Trinity House Agreement, a defence cooperation agreement between the UK and Germany, was signed in October 2024 and aims to deepen defence cooperation across all domains. As a direct consequence of this agreement, 60% of the original production contract for Boxer is planned to come from the UK, with the additional 40% of production continuing to come from Germany. The first UK manufactured BOXER platform was unveiled at the International Armoured Vehicle conference in January 2025. Whilst the Army’s modernisation will continue over the next decade with a programme of investment worth billions of pounds, future capability development priorities will be guided by the Strategic Defence Review.Current plans see Defence procuring 623 BOXER vehicles, this has not changed since July 2024.

What his Department's target is for direct SME spending in the 2024-25 financial year.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is committed to publishing the target for direct SME spending by June this year. The target, covering the period up to 2028, will be challenging but achievable and will be significantly above the current level of MOD direct spending with SMEs of 4% (£1.3 billion annually) in Financial Year 2023-24. Every 1% increase would mean over £250 million of additional direct MOD spending with SMEs annually.

Whether he plans to conduct an investigation into drone activity over (a) RAF Mildenhall, (b) RAF Feltwell and (c) RAF Lakenheath in November 2024.

The use of uncrewed aerial systems around protected areas in the UK causes a risk to life and is illegal. Such activity will be subject to thorough investigation. The Ministry of Defence Police is leading the investigation into drone activity over RAF sites on behalf of the Ministry of Defence and we continue to work in partnership with our allies and the appropriate civilian authorities. We take the safety and security of our sites seriously and we maintain robust security measures, including counter-drone capabilities.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of uncrewed land systems in use by the British army.

The Army is undergoing a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have the lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary. There are a number of programmes and projects across the Army actively developing and aiming to deliver uncrewed land system capabilities over the next decade. Project TIQUILA will equip the Royal Artillery with a Brigade-level Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) capability and remains on track for Initial Operating Capability by May 2025. Whilst the Army’s modernisation will continue over the next decade with a programme of investment worth billions of pounds, future capability development priorities will be guided by the Strategic Defence Review.

Assessment he has made of the preparedness of the Military Aviation Authority for uncrewed testing.

The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as the air safety regulator for the Defence Air Environment sets the regulatory framework for Uncrewed Air System (UAS) Test and Evaluation (T&E) but does not own, direct or deliver any UAS T&E activity. In support of the Ministry of Defence’s uncrewed ambitions, over the past five years the MAA has reorganised, upskilled and developed an updated and flexible approach to certification and regulation of UAS.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Military Aviation Authority in increasing the testing of uncrewed systems.

The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as the air safety regulator for the Defence Air Environment sets the regulatory framework for Uncrewed Air System (UAS) Test and Evaluation (T&E) but does not own, direct or deliver any UAS T&E activity. In support of the Ministry of Defence’s uncrewed ambitions, over the past five years the MAA has reorganised, upskilled and developed an updated and flexible approach to certification and regulation of UAS.

With reference to the oral statement of the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 631, whether it remains his policy to proceed with the decommissioning of (a) HMS Albion and (b) HMS Bulwark.

All named ships remain scheduled for decommissioning in line with the Secretary of State’s announcement of 20 November 2024. We continue to invest in the capabilities needed to meet current and future operational requirements. This will see the introduction of the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, the Multi-Role Support Ships, and the Fleet Solid Support Ships.

With reference to the Oral Statement by the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 631, whether he plans to proceed with the decommissioning of (a) RFA Wave Knight and (b) RFA Wave Ruler.

All named ships remain scheduled for decommissioning in line with the Secretary of State’s announcement of 20 November 2024. We continue to invest in the capabilities needed to meet current and future operational requirements. This will see the introduction of the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, the Multi-Role Support Ships, and the Fleet Solid Support Ships.

With reference to the Prime Minister’s oral statement on Defence and Security of 25 February 2025, Official Report, column 631 whether he plans to proceed with the decommissioning of HMS Northumberland.

All named ships remain scheduled for decommissioning in line with the Secretary of State’s announcement of 20 November 2024. We continue to invest in the capabilities needed to meet current and future operational requirements. This will see the introduction of the Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates, the Multi-Role Support Ships, and the Fleet Solid Support Ships.

Whether he has considered adapting the Military Aviation Authority for uncrewed testing.

The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) as the air safety regulator for the Defence Air Environment sets the regulatory framework for Uncrewed Air System (UAS) Test and Evaluation (T&E) but does not own, direct or deliver any UAS T&E activity. In support of the Ministry of Defence’s uncrewed ambitions, over the past five years the MAA has reorganised, upskilled and developed an updated and flexible approach to certification and regulation of UAS.

With reference to the comments by the Prime Minister published in the Telegraph on 16 February 2025, whether he plans to proceed with the decommissioning of the Puma helicopter fleet .

The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters over the next four years, synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, represents the optimal transition that delivers the new aircraft and trained aircrew.Likewise, it remains the Department's position to retire Puma on 31 Mar 25 while the new Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopter will enter service from 2026 in both Brunei and Cyprus. In the interim, the Department continues to assess any capability gaps and will deploy Chinook to Cyprus in support of the wildfire season.

With reference to the oral statement of the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 631, whether it remains his policy to proceed with the decommissioning of the Puma helicopter fleet.

The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters over the next four years, synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, represents the optimal transition that delivers the new aircraft and trained aircrew.Likewise, it remains the Department's position to retire Puma on 31 Mar 25 while the new Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopter will enter service from 2026 in both Brunei and Cyprus. In the interim, the Department continues to assess any capability gaps and will deploy Chinook to Cyprus in support of the wildfire season.

With reference to the comments by the Prime Minister published in the Telegraph on 16 February 2025, whether he plans to proceed with the decommissioning of fourteen CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters over the next four years, synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, represents the optimal transition that delivers the new aircraft and trained aircrew.Likewise, it remains the Department's position to retire Puma on 31 Mar 25 while the new Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopter will enter service from 2026 in both Brunei and Cyprus. In the interim, the Department continues to assess any capability gaps and will deploy Chinook to Cyprus in support of the wildfire season.

With reference to the oral statement of the Prime Minister of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, column 631, whether it remains his policy to proceed with the decommissioning of fourteen CH-47 Chinook helicopters.

The phased retirement of the 14 oldest Chinook helicopters over the next four years, synchronised with the delivery of replacement state-of-the-art Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) from 2027 onwards, represents the optimal transition that delivers the new aircraft and trained aircrew.Likewise, it remains the Department's position to retire Puma on 31 Mar 25 while the new Airbus H145 HC2 Jupiter helicopter will enter service from 2026 in both Brunei and Cyprus. In the interim, the Department continues to assess any capability gaps and will deploy Chinook to Cyprus in support of the wildfire season.

With reference to the Prime Minister’s Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, columns 361-364, whether he will extend any contacts for the lead members of the Strategic Review team beyond their original termination date.

The external review team continue to support the Government in delivering this crucial piece of work. The Strategic Defence Review-which will be published in the Spring-will ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad, now and for the years to come.

How many draft versions of the Strategic Defence Review he has received from Lord Robertson.

The Strategic Defence Review is advanced as the Prime Minister has said. The Review, which will be published in the spring, will help set the path for Britain's defence for the next decade.

Whether he has had discussions with Cabinet colleague on the potential deployment of British peacekeeping forces in Ukraine.

The Secretary of State regularly holds discussions with his Cabinet colleagues on the war in Ukraine and how we can continue to best support Ukraine going forward.We are not going to get into any further details at this stage and our focus is on ensuring Ukraine is in as strong a position as possible. When, how and on what terms this war comes to an end can only be decided by negotiations with Ukraine at the heart of them.

What discussions he has held with international allies regarding Britain’s role in the Joint Expeditionary Force, in the context of his attendance at the Munich Security Conference 2025.

The UK is the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF). Since the Munich Security Conference, the Secretary of State has discussed the JEF with his Norwegian counterpart during a visit to Norway from 19 - 20 February 2025 and at a meeting of JEF Defence Ministers by VTC on 27 February 2025. The Secretary of State will also host a meeting of JEF Defence Ministers in London on 26 March 2025. Additionally, I discussed matters relating to JEF on visits to Finland, Lithuania, Denmark and the Netherland last week.

What steps he is taking to help reduce the number of electrical devices (a) misplaced by and (b) stolen from staff in his Department.

The Ministry of Defence takes the security of defence assets very seriously, and we have robust policies and procedures to prevent losses and thefts, including where such devices can be taken and not leaving them unattended. Defence personnel are regularly reminded of their responsibilities to safeguard Defence assets. Proportionate security controls are used to protect electronic devices according to the classification and nature of the information which the asset can hold.

What discussions he has held with international allies on the appointment of the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe in the context of his attendance at the Munich Security Conference 2025.

Supreme Allied Commander Europe (SACEUR) is one of NATO’s two strategic commanders and is a post that is traditionally held by the US. The Secretary of State did not have any specific discussions about the appointment of the next Supreme Allied Commander Europe in the context of his attendance at the Munich Security Conference 2025.