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 121–139 of 139 · Ministry of Defence
How many (a) Surface to Air Missile Centre command and control systems, (b) Giraffe Agile Multibeam radars and (c) Land Ceptor launcher and missile systems comprising the Sky Sabre system are deployed in (i) the
We do not routinely disclose the locations or numbers of these platforms in the interests of security and operational effectiveness.
How much his Department has spent on integrated air and missile defence in each financial year since 2010.
Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD) is cross-government, multi-layered approach, utilising a wide range of advanced capabilities alongside our Allies as an international effort. There has been wide-ranging investment across the full range of IAMD ca...
When he expects Challenger 3 to be deployed to Estonia.
As announced by the Secretary of State for Defence, the British Army will deploy Challenger 3 tanks to NATO’s eastern border along with armoured vehicles in future years. However, details relating to the fielding plan for Challenger 3 are yet to be confir...
What progress has been made on establishing an integrated air and missile defence system for the UK.
Air and missile defence is a 24/7, cross-Government and international effort. We take a layered approach to air and missile defence deploying a wide range of advanced capabilities alongside our Allies. Without pre-determining the outcome of the Strategic ...
How much funding has been allocated to the European Long-range Strike Approach programme.
The European Long-Range Strike Approach (ELSA) is a multinational framework. Participating nations will consider capability cooperation programmes under the ELSA framework, to be funded on a case-by-case basis. The outcomes of the Strategic Defence Review...
What his (a) planned timetable and (b) key milestones for success are for the DIAMOND initiative.
In October the UK signed a letter of intent on DIAMOND (Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences) alongside six Allies: France, Germany, Latvia, Norway, Poland and Sweden. We are working with these countries to agree the timeta...
How much funding his Department has (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the air protection laser self-protection system.
Defence is working with several industry partners to generate a UK Defensive Aids Suite in order to provide Air Platform Protection for all three services. Under the banner of Team Pellonia, working with Thales, Leonardo, and Chemring Countermeasures, Air...
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR).
The Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR) remains a key component of international export control efforts. The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its effectiveness to ensure it continues to adapt to emerging technological developments in order to...
How many F-35B aircraft he expects his Department to have taken delivery of by the end of 2024.
Against the current schedule, it is projected that by end of calendar year 2024, the UK will have taken ownership of 37 F-35B aircraft.
How many flying hours the Chinook fleet carried out in each of the last five years.
The below table shows the recorded flying hours for the Chinook Fleet.Year Chinook Flying Hours2019-2095812020-219734.72021-229283.82022-239055.22023-248027.1Source: Joint Aviation Command
How many aircraft will be procured through the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme.
The second stage of the New Medium Helicopter competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK. Only Leonardo Helicopters UK elected to submi...
Pursuant to the Answer of 22 July 2024 to Question 444, what recent progress his Department has made on the New Medium Helicopter programme.
The second stage of the New Medium Helicopter competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK. Only Leonardo Helicopters UK elected to submi...
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of the progress of the Ajax armoured vehicle programme towards meeting initial operating capability by December 2025.
The Armoured Cavalry Programme (Ajax) is due to achieve Initial Operating Capability by December 2025 as planned.
What the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme.
The second stage New Medium Helicopter (NMH) competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate and the tender returns are due back on 30 August 2024.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of recruitment and retention across the armed forces.
The new Government is reviewing the adequacy of recruitment, readiness and retention efforts. Our Armed Forces face considerable challenges due to the inadequacy of recruitment and retention in recent years. We have not recruited enough people or retained enough people. This puts pressure on the availability and readiness of units within our Armed Forces and places more burden on those in service. We are determined to change this. The new Government’s work in improving retention and recruitment is part of a package of measures aimed to renew the contract between the nation and those who serve. Strength of our Armed Forces is also being considered as part of the Strategic Defence Review launched by the Prime Minister. We hope to make further announcements about retention and recruitment improvements in due course.
What assessment he has made of the adequacy of contractor delivery as part of the Fleet Solid Support Programme.
The prime contractor, Navantia UK, is contractually obligated to deliver the Fleet Solid Support ship manufacture contract. The Ministry of Defence is well engaged with Navantia UK and members of their supply chain to monitor the progress of all aspects of the programme. Shipbuilding supports 42,600 jobs nationwide, adds £2.4 billion to the economy every single year, and is an important pillar of our civil and defence industrial base. We are committed to supporting vibrant and successful shipbuilding and fabrication industries, and our skilled workforces who deliver them, in all parts of the UK.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of a fleet of three E-7 Wedgetail aircraft in delivery of (a) sovereign AEW&C capability, (b) the UK's NATO commitments and (c) both concurrently.
The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will consider the threats Britain faces, the capabilities needed to meet them, the state of UK Armed Forces and the resources available. It will ensure a ‘NATO-first’ policy is at the heart of Britain’s Defence plans.
Whether he plans to increase from three to five the number of E-7 Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft on order for the Royal Air Force.
There are currently no plans to order further E-7 Wedgetail aircraft for the Royal Air Force. The upcoming Strategic Defence Review will consider the threats Britain faces, the capabilities needed to meet them, the state of UK Armed Forces and the resources available.
What funding has been (a) allocated to and (b) spent on the Future Combat Air System Tempest programme.
The UK has invested over £2 billion already in Future Combat Air System / Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) and the associated Team Tempest R&D programme, which has positioned us to play a leading role in the GCAP. The Secretary of State this week hosted with his Japanese and Italian Ministerial counterparts to discuss progress made on GCAP, including the skills we are developing in our respective nations and the economic growth potential for the programme.