Written questions by Cartlidge.

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD.

The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April to Question 45049 on Military Strategic Headquarters: Armed Forces, whether posts will be (a) rotational, (b) competitive and (c) divided between the services to be filled by their own boarding procedures.

It is too early to specify the staffing requirements and representation levels for the four new areas of Defence created by Defence Reform: Department of State, Defence Nuclear Enterprise, National Armaments Director Group, and Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ). Head Office responsibilities have been subsumed into the new structure, and Strategic Command is part of MSHQ.However, Service personnel apportionment and representation will be balanced to ensure effective strategic direction, policy formulation, and coordination of joint capabilities and operations. It is anticipated that this continue to apply in new structure through a combination of rotation, competition-based appointments, and individual Service boarding procedures to ensure career progression and suitably qualified individuals.

What recent progress he has made on procuring a ground-based ballistic missile defence radar.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunity of the 21st century. The SDR will ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April to Question 45049 on Military Strategic Headquarters: Armed Forces, what the apportionment is of service representation in his Department's (a) Head Office, (b) MSHQ, (c) Strategic Command and (d) the National Armaments Director Group.

It is too early to specify the staffing requirements and representation levels for the four new areas of Defence created by Defence Reform: Department of State, Defence Nuclear Enterprise, National Armaments Director Group, and Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ). Head Office responsibilities have been subsumed into the new structure, and Strategic Command is part of MSHQ.However, Service personnel apportionment and representation will be balanced to ensure effective strategic direction, policy formulation, and coordination of joint capabilities and operations. It is anticipated that this continue to apply in new structure through a combination of rotation, competition-based appointments, and individual Service boarding procedures to ensure career progression and suitably qualified individuals.

What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the delivery of Project ASGARD.

The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.

Whether he plans to procure the Gambit 5 UCAV for use by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy is exploring how Fixed Wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (FW ACPs) could augment F35B Lightning embarked in Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers to provide additional strike capability. There are a number of emerging solutions for this capability and the Royal Navy will work collaboratively with the Royal Air Force to evaluate these solutions.

What recent assessment he has made of the adequacy of the RAF's anti-radar missile capability.

The Department has no anti-radar missile in its inventory or Equipment Plan programme of record. The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges and threats of the 21st century. The SDR will ensure the UK is secure at home and strong abroad.

What the out of service date is for the Warrior IFV.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

What the out of service date is for the Bulldog armoured personnel carrier.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

What the out of service date is for the Jackal 2 reconnaissance vehicle.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

How many units are currently operating under Project ASGARD.

The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.

With reference to the consultation entitled Strengthening the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, published on 28 April 2025, whether his Department would be exempt from any potential changes to the Soft Drinks Industry Levy, in the context of the procurement of ration packs for armed forces personnel.

Operational Ration Packs contain flavoured drink powders and fortified flavoured drink powders. The Soft Drinks Industry Levy does not apply to drinks sold as a powder and these drinks will continue to be exempt from the levy.

Whether his Department has decided whether to procure additional Typhoon fighter jets.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Fylde (Andrew Snowden) on 4 March 2025 for Question 34040.

Whether he plans to procure the MQ-9B Sea Protector variant for use by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy has a requirement for Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning following the planned withdrawal of the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system when it reaches the end of its service life. A market survey is being conducted to identify suitable solutions to fulfil this requirement. This will aid refinement of the requirements and determine the availability of credible choices based on their performance, availability and wider benefits such as to UK industry and the Government’s sustainability agenda.

Pursuant to the Answer of 20 March 2025 to Question 37596 on Ammunition: Lost Property and Theft, whether any losses have been referred to the Service Prosecuting Authority.

All losses and thefts of ammunition are rigorously investigated, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence Police, Service Police and Home Office Police Forces as appropriate. No ammunition was reported stolen during that period and no reports to the Service Prosecution Authority were made.

With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, whether any financial incentives been offered to encourage serving Gurkhas to transfer to the new unit.

The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.

With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, what equipment will the unit be primarily issued with.

The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.

With reference to the Written Statement of 28 April 2025 on Creation of the King’s Gurkha Artillery, HCWS 605, what role the King’s Gurkha Artillery will fulfil within the Royal Artillery.

The King’s Gurkha Artillery (KGA) will be employed in the Close Support discipline within the Royal Regiment of Artillery. The KGA will initially be trained on the Light Gun, then ARCHER. They will be trained on the remote-controlled Howitzer 155 artillery system when it comes into service. No financial incentives have been offered. However, the new unit will offer career and development opportunities for Gurkha soldiers who join the KGA in recognition of their service to the UK.

Pursuant to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44502 on Puma Helicopters: Decommissioning, how much more it costs in monetary terms to operate a CH47 Chinook than a Puma over a month.

It is not possible to provide comparable figures for different aircraft over a month. Operating costs associated with individual platforms are dependent on several variables, including the operational outputs delivered in any given month which would affect the flying hours and therefore cost to operate. I can however confirm that the overall cost of operating a Chinook H47 is less than the cost of operating a Puma HC2.

Pursuant to the Answer of 10 April 2025 to Question 43141 on Armed Forces: Grants, whether officer cadets in the University Officer Training Corps are entitled to apply for a bursary.

Members of the University Officer Training Corps (UOTC) are entitled to apply for bursaries in order to support them through university, helping them reach their full potential. UOTC cadets are primarily civilian university students who have volunteered for a leadership development programme alongside their studies. Whilst they undertake military training and have a formal association with the Army, they remain prospective entrants and are not considered established Service personnel with a regular or reserve commitment. This status means they are eligible to apply for bursaries as they are still classed as applicants to join the Armed Forces. This is reflected in the Army Commissioning Regulations which explicitly lists UOTC cadets as eligible applicants.