Written questions by Cartlidge.

What the (a) names and (b) roles are of each person who sits on the Joint Requirements Oversight Council; and what meetings of the council (i) have taken and (ii) are scheduled to take place in 2024.

The Joint Requirement Oversight Committee (JROC) is chaired by the Vice Chief of Defence Staff, General Dame Sharon Nesmith DCB ADC. The Committee is formed from representatives from across Defence, and the standing attendance is: Deputy Chief of the Defence Staff (Military Capability), Lieutenant General Sir Rob Magowan KCB CBE; the Second Sea Lord, Vice Admiral Martin Connell CBE; the Deputy Chief of the General Staff, Lieutenant General David James Eastman MBE; Deputy Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Paul Lloyd CBE; Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, Lieutenant General Tom Copinger-Symes CBE, and; Mr Ben Moores, Procurement Adviser to the Secretary of State for Defence. Subject matter experts from other areas of Defence including intelligence, scientific, exports, commercial, and information, may be requested to provide advice to the Committee on an ad hoc basis, subject to the agenda items being discussed. This attendance is usually at Director General level, or the equivalent military rank. The following JROC sessions have occurred, or will occur, in 2024: 16 January 2024, 28 February 2024, 18 March 2024, 15 April 2024, 15 May 2024, 22 July 2024, 18 September 2024, 16 October 2024 and 20 November 2024.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of pursuing Government to Government agreements on defence exports.

The United Kingdom’s defence industry produces world class capabilities for our Armed Forces, allies and partners. His Majesty’s Government (HMG) remains committed to supporting and enabling the UK defence industry to export, recognising the benefits such exports can bring to the UK defence industry, HMG, and the purchasing nation. We recognise that in some instances countries may wish to procure via a Government to Government agreement, and doing so can enable the UK to offer access to exports through the assured processes of our delivery agents such as Defence Equipment & Support, as well as generating a wider relationship beyond the procurement of military equipment to allies and partners e.g. training and development. For this reason, HMG is developing an improved Government to Government offer and will bring forward a Defence Industrial Strategy to support growth and strengthen both the UK defence industry and HMG’s relationships with allies and partners.

What steps he plans to take to engage with industry as part of the development of the defence industrial strategy.

This Government recognises the vital role the defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK. Our industry partners, of all sizes, are at the heart of our One Defence approach and we recognise the value that suppliers bring to the defence enterprise. The Defence Community, including industry Primes and SME’s, will be consulted throughout the development of the new Defence Industrial Strategy, which aims to deliver a better, more innovative and more resilient defence sector that contributes to national security and wider UK prosperity.

What the scope of the defence industrial strategy will be.

This Government recognises the vital role the defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the economic prosperity and growth of the UK. The scope of the Defence Industrial Strategy is being set to explore how to establish a better, more innovative and more resilient defence sector, enabling the UK to innovate at speed to help Ukraine defeat Russia and restock its armed forces; deter its adversaries; seize opportunities presented by the technologies of the future; as well as creating new partnerships and promoting defence exports.

Whether he plans to prioritise increasing UK sovereign capability across defence as part of the defence industrial strategy.

This Government recognises the vital role the defence industry plays not only in our national security but also to the prosperity and economic growth of the UK. This Government is committed to developing a UK defence industrial base that is able to better support our own and allies’ security. That is why this Government is committed to bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy which will align our defence, security and economic priorities. The new Defence Industrial Strategy will review the consideration of sovereign capability and capacity and will align our security and economic priorities.

When he plans to publish the defence industrial strategy.

The Government will issue its new Defence Industrial Strategy in 2025. With defence identified as a high-growth sector within the UK Industrial Strategy, the Defence Industrial Strategy will be developed at pace in parallel to, but independent of, the Strategic Defence Review. The Defence Industrial Strategy will ensure that the imperatives of national security and a high-growth economy are aligned.

What weighting will be given to sovereign capability in the procurement of the SKYNET Enduring Capability Satellite System.

The specification for the next generation of the Skynet communications Satellite obligates the bidders to meet certain requirements related to the UK technical and manufacturing content of their offered solutions. As this is a live competition it is not possible to share details on the relative weightings as they are commercially sensitive.

What assessment he has made of the strategic value of maintaining sovereign capabilities in military satellite communications.

The UK's military satellite communications programme is based on the principles of freedom of action, operational advantage and operational independence, and therefore 'sovereign control' is a core design tenet. This is regularly validated through the Department's requirements and investment approvals processes.In order to deliver its tasks of providing assured, positive command and control of UK Armed Forces and support to other government departments, an appropriate level of UK sovereign control is required for this capability.

What his policy is on the 30 year shipbuilding pipeline outlined in the refresh to the national shipbuilding strategy.

This Government is committed to delivering a thriving shipbuilding sector across the UK. The National Shipbuilding Office provides strategic oversight of all Government shipbuilding activity, driving forward transformative change in the sector. This includes a 30-year pipeline of Government shipbuilding opportunities which gives industry a clear demand signal from the public sector, supporting them to invest in research and development, infrastructure and people.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, how his Department plans to use artificial intelligence to help comprehend the content of submissions to the Strategic Defence Review on defence expenditure.

Artificial intelligence aids in reviewing and analysing submissions during the Strategic Defence Review process, which include recommendations on defence expenditure. However, AI is not a replacement of human involvement, but an enabler of greater efficiency and just one part of the process. This tool helps the team concentrate on tasks like detailed reading and discussion.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, whether all submissions received for the Strategic Defence Review will initially be read in full by a human being.

Artificial intelligence aids in reviewing and analysing submissions during the Strategic Defence Review process. However, AI is not a replacement of human involvement, but an enabler of greater efficiency and just one part of the process. This tool helps the team concentrate on tasks like detailed reading and discussion.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, which company was awarded the contract to collate responses to the Strategic Defence Review using artificial intelligence.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working within Defence’s digital ecosystem to support the Strategic Defence Review, consistent with the Department’s Digital and Data Strategy. As part of the SDR, MOD has contracted under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR), Regulation 16. An exemption can be used in certain situations where a contract is specifically for the purpose of research and development. The tool is enhancing the team's ability to focus on high-value tasks, such as in-depth reading and discussion of the submissions, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive Review. AI is not a replacement, but an enabler of greater efficiency and just one part of the process. The Reviewers and supporting team are applying robust challenge to submissions through Panel Sessions during October and November.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 October 2024 to Question 8456 on Strategic Defence Review, whether there was a contracting process for the artificial intelligence software being used to assess responses to the Strategic Defence Review.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working within Defence’s digital ecosystem to support the Strategic Defence Review, consistent with the Department’s Digital and Data Strategy. As part of the SDR, MOD has contracted under the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations (DSPCR), Regulation 16. An exemption can be used in certain situations where a contract is specifically for the purpose of research and development. The tool is enhancing the team's ability to focus on high-value tasks, such as in-depth reading and discussion of the submissions, thereby facilitating a more comprehensive Review. AI is not a replacement, but an enabler of greater efficiency and just one part of the process. The Reviewers and supporting team are applying robust challenge to submissions through Panel Sessions during October and November.

On how many occasions he has met with Lord Robertson of Port Ellen to discuss the Chagos Islands in the context of the Strategic Defence Review since 5 July 2024.

The Defence Secretary meets Lord Robertson of Port Ellen regularly to discuss matters relevant to, and receive updates on, the Strategic Defence Review.

What measures he is taking to improve sovereign capabilities in anti-UAV manufacturing.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to evolve and strengthen our Counter-Uncrewed Air Systems (C-UAS) capabilities. To counter the growing threat from UAS, the MOD has developed and procured a broad range of cutting-edge C-UAS capabilities, including from UK industries. The Strategic Defence Review will guide future capability to ensure the United Kingdom is both secure at home and strong abroad. However, I am withholding the detailed information requested as its release would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces

What steps he is taking to support the creation of new jobs in the space sector.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) supports the creation of new jobs in the space sector through major spending on projects such as the SKYNET secure global satellite communications programme, worth £5 billion over ten years, and the ISTARI programme which develops a range of world-leading technology. The contracts from these programmes directly support businesses in the UK to grow and recruit in a globally competitive market. As an example, the MOD's contracts with Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd have directly supported around 100 jobs, with many more indirectly. In addition, programmes like SKYNET include requirements for industrial sponsorships, educational schemes and skills development to bring new talent into the industry.

What steps he is taking to increase the UK’s sovereign capabilities in cyber-warfare.

UK Defence has invested significantly in sovereign cyber capabilities, standing up the National Cyber Force in 2020 to counter and contest those who would do harm to the UK or its allies. In addition, Defence has also invested in programmes to improve cyber resilience. The UK is a leading responsible and democratic cyber power and Defence is committed to further investment to both grow the National Cyber Force and build further defensive cyber capabilities. The importance of digital and cyber to future warfare is also being considered as a next step within the Strategic Defence Review. Defence will continue to work together with the Cabinet Office, National Cyber Security Centre and other partners as part of a whole of society approach to delivering the National Cyber Strategy.

What steps he is taking to increase the UK’s sovereign capabilities in direct energy weaponry.

The Ministry of Defence has committed to accelerating the continued investment in UK Sovereign Directed Energy Weapon (DEW) technology, to provide cutting edge capability to the Armed Forces swiftly. The programme is delivering capability demonstrators, accelerated Minimum Deployable Capabilities including DragonFire, delivering Laser DEW into operational capability from 2027, and preparing to deliver DEW capability into core service in the 2030's. Since 2018, Defence has invested in the Directed Energy Weapons Programme and is focused on stimulating UK industry through delivering a capability that prioritises a UK sovereign approach.

If he will direct officials to score UK sovereign capability and jobs in all procurement decisions.

The defence industry plays a vital role not only in our national security but also to the prosperity and economic growth of the UK. This Government is committed to developing a UK defence industrial base that is able to better support our own and allies’ security. That is why we are bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy that will review the consideration of sovereign capability and capacity and will align our security and economic priorities.

What steps he is taking to increase the UK’s sovereign capabilities in space-warfare and communications.

Defence is an important part of the government's efforts on space, and is delivering a programme to enhance our national interests in and through space. We are continuing the investment of over £5 billion in our world-renowned sovereign SKYNET constellation of satellites to provide global, secure satellite communications. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is also investing £1.5 billion in additional defence space technologies in support of our mission to protect and defend the space domain. As technology and the security context evolves we will continue to invest in world-leading technology to maintain our advantage in the space domain.