Written questions by Cartlidge.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the decision by the US Defence Secretary to suspend (a) operations and (b) planning for offensive cyber operations against Russia.

The Ministry of Defence maintains a close security partnership with US counterparts. While the UK’s offensive cyber capabilities remain essential to both its and partner nations national security, I hope the hon. Gentleman will recall from his time as a Minister in the Department that we do not comment on operational matters.

What proportion of the work undertaken on the development of the RCH 155 will be British; and whether this proportion has changed since 5 July 2024.

The Mobile Fires Project (MFP), delivering the Remote Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155), is currently in its Assessment Phase. I am withholding further information relating to the number of RCH 155 platforms being procured as it is commercially sensitive. I can confirm, however, that the number is subject to ongoing commercial negotiations and will also be guided by the outcome of the Strategic Defence Review. The proportion of work undertaken on the production of RCH 155, including manufacturing workshare, by the United Kingdom and Germany will be subject to contractual arrangements with industry following commercial negotiations. Throughout this process the Department will seek opportunities to maximise the nation’s workshare in support of UK prosperity and realisation of benefits to the Land Industrial Strategy.

What plans his Department has to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Japan.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is the cross-Government lead for events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with DCMS colleagues to support the national programme of events for both anniversaries. On 5 May over 800 members of the Armed Forces will process up The Mall, culminating in a flypast over Buckingham Palace with current and historical military aircraft including the RAF Aerobatic team ‘The Red Arrows’. On 6 May, the MOD will support the Poppy Installation launch at the Tower of London with a military Band. On 8 May, VE Day, the MOD will provide senior Defence representation and musical support for the Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. In the evening the MOD will provide musical support as part of the VE concert on Horse Guards Parade. To commemorate VJ Day, an event will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum which the MOD will support with senior representation and military assets.

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.

What proportion of the workshare on M270 MLRS will be British; and whether this figure has changed since 5 July 2024.

The UK workshare for the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and Repair and Recovery Variant (RRV) equates to approximately 6% of the total value in question. These figures have not changed since 5 July 2024. The UK currently has 61 M270 MLRS launchers and eight Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRV) on order with the US Department of Defense. The MOD is currently considering the procurement of a further 15 MLRS and one RRV. Following the initial replenishment contract for M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), a subsequent investment of £800 million for GMLRS and Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) missiles over 10 years has been committed for the procurement of missiles. The stockpile number remains classified.

Whether he is taking steps to allow SMEs greater access to ranges owned by his Department for the testing of uncrewed systems.

Access to the training estate is already permitted for the testing of uncrewed systems, where does this does not impact upon Military Use.Any use of uncrewed systems would be subject to the issue of a Defence Infrastructure Organisation licence. Every request for third party use of the estate is managed through this process.

How many and what proportion of Boxer armoured vehicles will be primarily manufactured in (a) the United Kingdom and (b) Germany.

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.

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.

Whether the Military Aviation Authority is fully optimised 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.

Which countries his Department classifies as threats with regards to offensive cyber operations.

The Ministry of Defence works closely with HMG partners to monitor, understand and counter the cyber threat to the UK from hostile states and organised criminals. In the last year, disruptive cyber activities against the UK and its partners have been attributed to Russian and Chinese state-affiliated actors; others based in Iran and North Korea also remain a threat to the UK.

How many Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems he has ordered since 5 July 2024.

The UK workshare for the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and Repair and Recovery Variant (RRV) equates to approximately 6% of the total value in question. These figures have not changed since 5 July 2024. The UK currently has 61 M270 MLRS launchers and eight Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRV) on order with the US Department of Defense. The MOD is currently considering the procurement of a further 15 MLRS and one RRV. Following the initial replenishment contract for M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), a subsequent investment of £800 million for GMLRS and Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) missiles over 10 years has been committed for the procurement of missiles. The stockpile number remains classified.

What plans his Department has to commemorate the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe.

The Department for Culture Media and Sport (DCMS) is the cross-Government lead for events commemorating the 80th anniversaries of Victory in Europe (VE) Day and Victory over Japan (VJ) Day. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is working closely with DCMS colleagues to support the national programme of events for both anniversaries. On 5 May over 800 members of the Armed Forces will process up The Mall, culminating in a flypast over Buckingham Palace with current and historical military aircraft including the RAF Aerobatic team ‘The Red Arrows’. On 6 May, the MOD will support the Poppy Installation launch at the Tower of London with a military Band. On 8 May, VE Day, the MOD will provide senior Defence representation and musical support for the Thanksgiving Service at Westminster Abbey. In the evening the MOD will provide musical support as part of the VE concert on Horse Guards Parade. To commemorate VJ Day, an event will be held at the National Memorial Arboretum which the MOD will support with senior representation and military assets.

When the Defence SME Hub will be fully operational.

Planning for the establishment of the Defence Small and Medium Enterprise Support Hub has already started. The detail of how the hub will operate be developed in close consultation with industry and wider stakeholders, including companies outside of the existing defence sector. Further detail will be outlined in due course.

How many M270 MLRS he plans to recondition; and whether this figure has changed since 5 July 2024.

The UK workshare for the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) and Repair and Recovery Variant (RRV) equates to approximately 6% of the total value in question. These figures have not changed since 5 July 2024. The UK currently has 61 M270 MLRS launchers and eight Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRV) on order with the US Department of Defense. The MOD is currently considering the procurement of a further 15 MLRS and one RRV. Following the initial replenishment contract for M31 Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS), a subsequent investment of £800 million for GMLRS and Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) missiles over 10 years has been committed for the procurement of missiles. The stockpile number remains classified.

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.

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.

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.