Written questions by Shannon.

What discussions his Department has had with maritime training providers and coastal communities on encouraging recruitment into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Royal Navy regularly engages with maritime training providers, schools, coastal communities industry bodies, including Maritime UK, to support recruitment into the Royal Fleet Auxiliary. This includes nationally delivered outreach, including in coastal towns, delivered through established partnerships and showcasing RFA employment opportunities, career pathways and contribution to Defence and the wider maritime sector.

What steps he is taking to expand defence-related apprenticeships.

The Ministry of Defence already supports over 460,000 jobs and 25,000 apprentices across the UK, providing sustainable, high-quality, well-paying jobs. Alongside the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Ministry of Defence announced a £182 million skills package that includes a range of initiatives to support defence-oriented careers and apprenticeships UK-wide. This includes initiatives such as establishing five Defence Technical Excellence colleges in England, and the creation of the Apprenticeship and Graduate Clearing System which will become live in due course.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for UK and NATO defence policy of Ukraine’s wartime innovation in areas including drone technology and digital battlefield coordination.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Which UK companies, universities or research institutions are participating in programmes designed to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into defence innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What steps his Department is taking with Ukraine and NATO allies to ensure that lessons from the war in Ukraine inform future cooperation on defence and security innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What steps his Department is taking to support cooperation between British and Ukrainian defence industries in support of European and NATO security.

On 17 March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators and supporting wider security of the Euro-Atlantic region. The UK has delivered seven successful trade missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. Last year, we announced the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement.

How much funding has been allocated by his Department to programmes designed to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into UK defence innovation since February 2022.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What assessment he has made of the role that defence and advanced manufacturing companies in Northern Ireland could play in future UK-Ukraine defence cooperation.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland. The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM. The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

What discussions he has had with NATO allies and regional partners on applying lessons from the war in Ukraine to defence innovation and security cooperation in other regions.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with NATO allies on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone, missile threats, electronic warfare, innovation, and supply chains. The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work with allies in other regions, where the lessons from Ukraine can be applied.

What steps his Department is taking to support trade and industrial cooperation between British and Ukrainian defence and technology companies.

On 17 March 2026, the Prime Minister announced the Enhanced Security and Defence Industrial Collaboration Declaration between the UK and Ukraine. This declaration affirms our commitment to building a sustained defence industrial partnership that enhances industrial capacity while supporting the security of both nations. It is founded on the principles of innovation, resilience, and rapid adaptation to evolving security challenges. Cooperation may include establishing joint production lines, collaborative research and development, integrating defence supply chains, and large-scale production of defence systems and components. We are determined to strengthen our defence partnership, expand cooperation, and continue contributing to global security.

Whether lessons from the use of drones and autonomous systems in Ukraine are informing future UK equipment requirements.

The pace of Defence's 'learn and adapt' cycle has accelerated exponentially as a result of lessons learnt in Ukraine, and the Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of autonomous systems within the UK's integrated force.

What assessment he has made of the relevance to the UK defence innovation ecosystem of Ukraine’s approach to rapid defence innovation during the ongoing conflict.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

What discussions he has had with the Government of Ukraine on collaboration between government, universities and industry to support Ukraine’s long-term defence technological development.

On 17 March 2026, the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, which strengthens collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. The UK has delivered seven successful trade missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.

What assessment he has made of the relevance of lessons from the war in Ukraine for addressing emerging security challenges in other regions, including the Middle East.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge, including insights about drones, missile threats and electronic warfare, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

If he will make a statement on how lessons from Ukraine’s wartime innovation are informing UK defence policy.

The UK is learning extensively from Ukraine, particularly the need for a much faster 'learn and adapt' cycle and the ability to analyse real time data to drive rapid changes in capability and tactics though rapid innovation. This continues to inform UK Defence Policy alongside the Strategic Defence Review and the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. As such, we are strengthening collaboration between operators, scientists and industry to accelerate our innovation activity to satisfy Defence requirements.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications of operational lessons from the war in Ukraine for UK defence procurement and capability development.

The war in Ukraine has demonstrated the importance of speed and technical innovation for UK defence procurement if we are to stay ahead of our adversaries. The Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy reflect these lessons, setting out plans to overhaul acquisition. Our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. Likewise, UK Defence Innovation (UKDI) is placing innovation at the heart of defence procurement. Backed by a ring-fenced budget, UKDI will ensure we are able to rapidly acquire the innovative technologies our Armed Forces need to keep pace with the changing nature of warfare.

What support his Department provides to defence and technology companies in Northern Ireland seeking to collaborate with Ukrainian partners.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators, including companies based in Northern Ireland. The Ministry of Defence has placed contracts with Thales in 2022, 2024 and 2026 to supply Starstreak High Velocity Missiles (HVM) from remaining stocks and to develop new versions of the HVM. The Prime Minister additionally announced a £1.6 billion deal with Thales in March 2025, to supply over 5,000 Lightweight Multirole Missiles (LMM) to Ukraine, supporting 700 existing jobs at Thales in Belfast. This was increased by a further 1,000 missiles following the agreement reached with Ukraine in February this year.

What programmes his Department has established to incorporate lessons from the war in Ukraine into UK defence innovation.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights from the war in Ukraine, whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia. UK Defence Innovation is informed by lessons from Ukraine, sharing knowledge internationally through NATO DIANA and AUKUS Pillar 2. Under Programme LYRA, we are informing future defence and security innovation with the Government of Ukraine, sharing what works and what doesn't. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We recognise that Ukraine's experience in defending itself against large-scale aggression represents a unique and valuable resource for the development of modern defence capabilities. We are committed to promoting the systematic integration of Ukraine's operational experience into military training, doctrinal development, and capability planning. We will stand with Ukraine for as long as it takes.

Whether he plans to take steps to help ensure that soldiers will not be prosecuted for following orders in future conflicts.

The Government is unstinting in its admiration and gratitude for our Armed Forces. We expect the highest standards of our Service personnel and they serve with great distinction. We rightly hold them to account when they fall short. We are committed to supporting our people who act reasonably and in good faith in the course of their duties. Legal advice and welfare support are available to all serving and former members of the Armed Forces, where they face criminal allegations that relate to their service.

When the decision on the New Medium Helicopter programme will be made and announced.

The Government will make a final decision on the award of the New Medium Helicopter contract through the wider Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.