Every parliamentary written question tabled by Luke Akehurst this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 101–120 of 139 · Ministry of Defence
What the status is of the SKYNET 6 programme.
The Skynet 6 programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. The build of the Skynet 6A satellite has transitioned into the testing and validation phase, and the competition and final negotiations for the remaining Skynet 6 satellites are nearing conclusion. The Skynet 6 programme will ensure that the UK retains a resilient satellite communications enterprise out to 2040.
What the current lead times are for procuring new tanks, artillery systems and missile platform and how do those times compare to other NATO countries; and what steps he is taking to reduce those timelines.
The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.
What the status is of the Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 gun system programme.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 November to Question 88294, which remains extant: The project aims to achieve Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade and will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date
What (a) current and (b) planned capabilities the UK has for defence against attacks by (i) cruise missiles, (ii) drone swarms and (iii) ballistic missiles.
Current capabilities which would be used to defeat cruise missiles, drone swarms and ballistic missiles include existing Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force capabilities. Type 45 destroyers, Ground Based Air Defence, Combat Air platforms and supporting air defence sensing and command and control, as well as Counter-Uncrewed Air System capabilities would all play a part in a response. His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review which will shape future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Further announcement on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan. We have also recently approved £318 million for dragonfire which will help support protection against air threats with the first system being installed on a type 45 destroyer in 2027.
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2024 to Question 69090 on Challenger Tanks: Supply Chains, what proportion of the (a) UK Challenger 3 work will be in the tier 2 supply chain and (b) lead consortium work will be undertaken in the North East.
The Manufacturing phase contracts for the tier 2 supply chain are being agreed by RBSL, the Prime Contractor. The programme will award approximately 60% of supply chain contracts to the UK with a significant contribution from the North East. RBSL have sites in Telford and Newcastle; the proportion of work undertaken at each site is a matter for RBSL.
Whether the contracts for the (a) Ajax, (b) Challenger 3 and (c) Boxer programmes included targets in relation to generating social value in the (a) UK and (b) North East.
In line with prevailing procurement rules at the time, the contracts for the Ajax, Challenger 3 and Boxer programmes did not contain specific targets in relation to generating social value. The Ministry of Defence actively monitors opportunities to enhance social value and UK prosperity through these programmes. Suppliers in the North East support jobs and social value across Defence.
What components of the Challenger 3 will have been manufactured in the UK; and what other industrial processes associated with the programme will have taken place in the UK during its (a) demonstration and (b) manufacturing phase.
The design, development and manufacture of the Challenger 3 tank is being undertaken by RBSL from its sites in Telford, Shropshire and Washington, Tyne and Wear. Challenger 3 sub-system design and manufacturing, including the fabrication of the turret structure and manufacture of the sighting systems, is being carried out by the wider UK supply chain.
What proportion of the supply chain for the Challenger 3 programme is based in the (a) UK and (b) North East.
Approximately 60% of the Challenger 3 supply chain will be provided by UK suppliers. North East suppliers represent a significant contribution to this figure.
What proportion of the supply chain for the Boxer programme is based in the (a) UK and (b) North East.
The Boxer programme is planned to deliver 60% by value of the original production contract from the UK.The long-term support solution for the programme is still under development but will look to build on the hundreds of UK jobs that have already been protected during the manufacture of the platform. It is not yet known what proportion of that supply chain will be based in the UK and North East.
What proportion of the Ajax programme supply chain is based in the North East.
4% of the Ajax programme’s key suppliers are based in the North and North East of England.
What his planned timetable is for developing the deep precision strike capability with Germany.
UK and Germany are considering several concepts and technologies to address emerging threats and have defined a joint range requirement of over 2,000km. Specific characteristics, in-service dates and launch platforms are to be confirmed.
With reference to the policy paper entitled Australia-UK Ministerial Consultations (AUKMIN) 2024: joint statement, published on 17 December 2024, what progress he has made on exploring enhanced collaboration on Land Mobility Platforms.
As outlined in our December 2024 AUKMIN Joint Statement, the UK and Australia agreed to explore enhanced collaboration on Land Mobility Platforms. We are doing just this with our Land Mobility Programme which includes a recognition of Australian land mobility capabilities and how cooperation could mutually benefit our defence industries. This programme is currently underway and is informing investment considerations and decisions, subject to cross-Government approval.
When his Ministers next plan to meet their Australian counterparts.
Given the strength, breadth and depth of the bilateral defence relationship, The Defence Secretary and Defence Ministers regularly engage with Australian counterparts. Australia will hold federal elections no later than 17 May so I hope the hon. Member will understand, as is normal in any election period, all engagements are under review until Australia has held its election.
If he will make an assessment of the potential impact of direct action taken by Palestine Action on the (a) defence sector and (b) adequacy of the supply of assets to the Armed Forces.
The Ministry of Defence regularly monitors risks and issues facing the defence sector as part of our supply chain resilience work. A number of UK Defence companies have reported that they have incurred costs through installing additional security measures in responding to the threat of actions from groups such as Palestine Action. It is also recognised that there are a small number of defence companies, and associated supporting businesses, who have been targeted by Palestine Action with criminal damage and intimidation of their staff. At an individual level these businesses have incurred costs and disruption through the damage caused and we are working with the Police to deal with such offences and mitigate potential future such action. However, the overall impact to Defence has been limited and there have been no significant reported impacts to the Defence supply chain.
What his policy is on procuring UK-made vehicles for his Department’s White Fleet.
The Department does not have a mechanism in the current lease vehicle procurement contract (Phoenix II) which would allow us to specify the country of manufacturer of our vehicles.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Type 83 destroyer programme on (a) sovereign capabilities, (b) supply chain involvement and (c) social value.
This Government is committed to delivering a thriving shipbuilding sector across the UK, supporting the whole supply chain, from design to repair, systems and integration. The Type 83 Destroyer is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, which has commenced its concept phase. FADS will replace the UK’s present Maritime Air Defence Capability vested in the Type 45 Destroyer Programme. It is not yet possible to confirm where these ships will be built as it is subject to due commercial process, but the build of the Type 83 will secure work until at least the mid-2040s, depending on the number of platforms built. Analysis of supply chain involvement and social value will be conducted during this phase. Social value and sovereign considerations will inform any subsequent investment.
Whether the (a) design, (b) manufacture and (c) support for Type 83 destroyers will be carried out by UK companies.
This Government is committed to delivering a thriving shipbuilding sector across the UK, supporting the whole supply chain, from design to repair, systems and integration. The Type 83 Destroyer is one element of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, which has commenced its concept phase. FADS will replace the UK’s present Maritime Air Defence Capability vested in the Type 45 Destroyer Programme. It is not yet possible to confirm where these ships will be built as it is subject to due commercial process, but the build of the Type 83 will secure work until at least the mid-2040s, depending on the number of platforms built. Analysis of supply chain involvement and social value will be conducted during this phase. Social value and sovereign considerations will inform any subsequent investment.
With reference to his speech delivered at the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January 2025, what progress he has made on the Wasp system.
The Wasp system is a new uncrewed maritime system, which has been rapidly developed specifically to support Ukraine. The system is currently undergoing final testing and further details will be set out in due course.
With reference to his speech delivered at the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January 2025, what progress he has made on the Snapper system.
The Snapper system is a new uncrewed maritime system, which has been rapidly developed specifically to support Ukraine. The system is currently undergoing final testing and further details will be set out in due course.
With reference to his speech delivered at the ADS Annual Dinner on 28 January 2025, what progress he has made on the Gravehawk system.
The Gravehawk system is a rapidly developed bespoke air defence system, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark. This innovative system, which is able to retrofit air-air missiles for ground-based air defence, can use Ukrainian missiles already in their armed forces' possession. With Ukraine under constant Russian bombardment, the Gravehawk system will boost Ukraine's air defences, allowing them to defend their cities, troops and critical infrastructure. Two prototypes of the air defence capability system were tested in Ukraine in September 2024, and a further 15 will follow this year.