Written questions by Cartlidge.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the A400M programme.

The delivery of all 22 A400M Atlas airframes is now complete and they are in frontline service. In co-ordination with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, the A400M Programme off-boarded from the Government Major Projects Portfolio on 31 March 2025. The UK remains committed to the six-Partner Nation agreement for A400M and signed the 'Global Deal' in September 2024 to confirm the final standard of aircraft, commit to the global spares support contract for the coming years and the first spiral upgrade to assure A400M remains at the forefront of technology.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the E7 Wedgetail Programme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois) on 4 February 2025 to Question 26432.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme.

The first tranche of the Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in May 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030. Following Ministerial re-approval of the programme in May 2024, production of the simulators has progressed to plan and construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia, with the first aircraft due to be delivered in 2027. Training of UK aircrew instructors in the US is due to commence in August 2025.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Fleet Solid Support Programme.

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The recent acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects UK’s shipbuilding capability. The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard have restarted since NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity. Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade. Following the administration and takeover of H&W, the Government has worked closely with NUK on the future of the FSS programme and agreed with them the minimum changes to the contract necessary, on commercial terms, to ensure the programme’s continued delivery with the least possible delay. Extensive work is being undertaken to understand the full impact on the programme.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Brimstone 3 programme.

Brimstone 3 remains in the Demonstration and Manufacture phase. The first safe separation firing from the Typhoon aircraft is expected to occur in summer 2025, prior to the weapons system being fielded on Protector in Quarter four 2025 and Typhoon in Quarter four 2026.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Lightning Programme.

The declaration of Full Operating Capability for the first procurement phase is scheduled to occur no later than 31 December 2025, with graduation as a Government Major Projects Portfolio programme by 31 March 2026. The first procurement phase of 48 aircraft continues to be delivered.617 Squadron and 809 Naval Air Squadron have now embarked on HMS Prince of Wales for Operation Highmast. This mission will involve exercises with allies across Europe and Asia, solidifying the UK's crucial role in NATO and global defence. It will be the largest ever operational deployment of a fifth-Generation air wing component aboard a single aircraft carrier in history.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the European Common Radar System Mk2 Programme.

The European Common Radar System Mk2 prototype system has completed a successful initial flight test campaign demonstrating maturity in key capability areas. Development of the production standard system remains on track.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Service contract with Serco commenced on 1 April 2025, with full unification of recruitment being implemented by October 2027, replacing separate schemes for the Royal Navy, Army, and RAF. This will create a streamlined, accessible single-entry point to attract diverse talent and modernise recruitment - making it faster and simpler. Between the contract start and full implementation in October 2027, we are in a funded discovery phase involving development, testing, and configuration, supported by the Single Services to ensure a smooth transition. A robust governance and reporting framework oversees progress, supports decision-making, manages risks, issues, and escalations, and monitors performance. Serco is integrated into all levels of this framework to foster collaboration and shared responsibility for a successful transition.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Defence Estate Optimisation Programme.

The Department continues to deliver on its commitment to invest in its military estate with six infrastructure projects in construction, and four surplus sites sold in the current Parliament.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Cruise Anti Ship Weapon programme.

Work on the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon programme is continuing under contract with MBDA. Discussions with our partners to finalise arrangements for the next phase are in progress.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on NATO.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 April to Question 43574 on Defence: Reform, if he will set out the terms of reference for the Quad.

The "Quad" refers to the Permanent Under Secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Armaments Director and Chief of Defence Nuclear. Each have clear and distinct accountabilities, and together are responsible for the Department's outcomes.The Quad is not a formal board. All four individuals sit on the Defence Board, the Executive Committee, and various other governance fora, which have their own specific terms of reference.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing intelligence sharing structures.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on AUKUS.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK Defence policy.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK operational independence.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing UK defence programmes.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April to Question 43149 on Artillery: Procurement, if he will confirm that (a) no decision has been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV and (b) any decision will not be made until after the publication of the SDR.

We are currently undertaking a Strategic Defence Review which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the 21st century. No final decision has yet been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV.

Whether there is a minimum level of operational experience required to hold the position of Chief of the Defence Staff following the establishment of the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The Chief of the Defence Staff is chosen through a highly rigorous selection process to ensure the most suitable and qualified candidate for the role. This will continue to be the case. Operational experience is one of the criteria for eligible candidates, along with the requisite leadership and management credentials.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the New Style of Information Technology Deployed Programme.

The programme achieved Acceptance into Service, and declaration of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in the Land Environment in March 2024. In the last 12 months the programme has released an updated Operational Network (OpNET) capability with significantly enhanced build software. This is currently being deployed across the land environment and will facilitate the withdrawal of legacy systems from the land environment before the end of 2025. Following installation of OpNET to both Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, the programme is now focussed on extending this capability across the Rest of the Fleet. During financial year 2024-25 OpNET was installed to RFA TIDEFORCE, HMS SUTHERLAND, and HMS SCOTT. Plans are in place for six further installations during the current financial year.