Every parliamentary written question tabled by James Cartlidge this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,041–1,060 of 3,710 · this parliament
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Rapid £140 million boost for drone and counter-drone tech from newly-formed UK Defence Innovation, published on 15 December 2025, what additional laser weapons will be developed to complement the DragonFire system.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 100495 on 24 December 2025.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December, what the cost is of establishing the new Military Intelligence Services.
The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December 2025, how many new staff will be employed as part of establishing the Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit.
The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December 2025, what the cost is of establishing the Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit.
The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December, when the new Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit will be fully operational.
The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December 2025, who will lead the Defence Counter-Intelligence Unit.
The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December 2025, how many new staff will be employed as part of establishing the Military Intelligence Services.
The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December 2025, who will lead the Military Intelligence Services.
The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Rapid £140 million boost for drone and counter-drone tech from newly-formed UK Defence Innovation, published on 15 December 2025, what weapon will be procured for the air-launched collaborative Uncrewed Air Vehicle.
The RAF’s Rapid Capability Office are working with industry partners and allies on key underpinning technologies that support the development of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms. The timeline to fielding frontline capability is subject to a range of factors, several of which are dependent on the Defence Investment Plan. However, I am withholding further details as disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and also would prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Rapid £140 million boost for drone and counter-drone tech from newly-formed UK Defence Innovation, published on 15 December 2025, what will the air-launched collaborative Uncrewed Air Vehicle be called.
The RAF’s Rapid Capability Office are working with industry partners and allies on key underpinning technologies that support the development of Autonomous Collaborative Platforms. The timeline to fielding frontline capability is subject to a range of factors, several of which are dependent on the Defence Investment Plan. However, I am withholding further details as disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and also would prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled Rapid £140 million boost for drone and counter-drone tech from newly-formed UK Defence Innovation, published on 15 December 2025, what proportion of the drone and counter-drone tech will be supplied to Ukraine.
I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that this information is classified and not for public release.
Pursuant to the Answer of 11 December 2025 to Question 97152 on Defence: Procurement, which Department is responsible for the Office for Small Business Growth.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 22 December 2025 to question 100492.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK launches new Military Intelligence Services as hostile threats surge, published on 12 December, when the new Military Intelligence Services will be fully operational.
The Ministry of Defence has a current estimate for the Military Intelligence Services to reach Full Operating Capability during quarter 3 of 2026.
With reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 15 December 2025, Official Report, Column 606, when he plans to launch the drone uncrewed centre of excellence.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
What percentage of the drones his Department plans to buy in 2026 will be made by British companies.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
With reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 15 December 2025, Official Report, Column 606, who will lead the drone uncrewed centre of excellence.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
With reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 15 December 2025, Official Report, Column 606, how many new staff will be employed as part of the drone uncrewed centre of excellence.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
With reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 15 December 2025, Official Report, Column 606, what percentage of the 5,400 drones bought in 2024 were made by British companies.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
With reference to the oral Answer by the Minister for the Armed Forces on 15 December 2025, Official Report, Column 606, what is the total cost of establishing the drone uncrewed centre of excellence.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.
How many of the drones due to be bought by his Department in 2026 will be (a) reconnaissance, (b) logistics, (c) First-Person View and (d) long-range one-way attack drones.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan. Due to operational security considerations, it is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation regarding the specific detailed breakdown of UK military capability, including platform numbers and types, so would be inappropriate to comment further. The Uncrewed Systems Centre (USC) announced in SDR 2025, stated that it should be established by February 2026. Further announcements relating to its launch, leadership framework, location and staffing will be made in conjunction with its opening.