Asked
What is the definition of initial operating capability (IOC) for the recently ordered 155mm RCH artillery system and when this is likely to be achieved.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
The Westminster lensArchive · Written questions · 597 tabled · 577 answered
Written questions by Francois.
Every parliamentary written question tabled by Mark Francois this session, with the full answer and department. Back to the MP page.
Department:All (597)Ministry of Defence (402)Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (93)Department of Health and Social Care (33)Northern Ireland Office (18)Treasury (12)Cabinet Office (11)Department for Business and Trade (10)Home Office (5)Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (5)Attorney General (4)Department for Transport (3)Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (1)
Showing 1–20 of 402 · Ministry of Defence
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Asked
What is the current estimated IOC for HMS Achilles.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the current estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the current status of the proposed buy of additional F-35B aircraft, beyond the 48 originally ordered.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Richmond.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Lancaster.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Iron Duke.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
How many F-35B aircraft have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the current IOC date for the new, sixth generation Tempest (GCAP) aircraft in RAF service.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the total cost of the RCH 155m artillery system to the MoD in terms of a) acquisition cost and b) through-life cost.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the policy of the Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regarding the risk of potential leaks of engine oil or lubricants into the cockpit atmosphere of military aircraft.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What is the latest estimated IOC date for the Challenger 3.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
When the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.
Reply
Awaiting answer.
Asked
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of air-to-air refuelling capability on future force development planning.
Reply
Air to air refuelling remains a key capability within the Air Mobility Force and increases the endurance, range, payload and flexibility of all capable receiver aircraft. This capability remains important to not only the RAF, but also for our NATO allies. The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of air to air refuelling in defending the Euro Atlantic, and work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force. This will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
Asked
Which warship was nominated as the Fleet Ready Escort on 1 March 2026.
Reply
The Fleet Ready Escort is undertaken by a Royal Navy warship held at high readiness to respond to tasking as required. For operational security reasons, the Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose the specific vessel nominated for this role on a given date.
Asked
What is the latest estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
Reply
I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 February 2026 to Question 108597. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-27/108597
Asked
If he will list the Type 45 Destroyers that (a) have completed, (b) are undergoing and (c) are yet to commence the Power Improvement Project power upgrade.
Reply
I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge) on 11 December 2025, in response to Question 96770 about the Type 45 Destroyer's Power Improvement Project.
Asked
Whether he has identified a future requirement for air-to-air boom refuelling capability for the Royal Air Force.
Reply
Air to air refuelling remains a key capability within the Air Mobility Force and increases the endurance, range, payload and flexibility of all capable receiver aircraft. This capability remains important to not only the RAF, but also for our NATO allies. The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the importance of air to air refuelling in defending the Euro Atlantic, and work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force. This will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
Asked
Whether he plans to withdraw the Watchkeeper RPV from operational service with the Army.
Reply
I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 October 2025 to Question 77261 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) which remains extant. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-15/77261
Asked
What is the latest out of service date for the Watchkeeper RPV system.
Reply
I refer the right hon. Member to the answer I gave on 13 October 2025 to Question 77261 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty) which remains extant. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-09-15/77261
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Sources
SourceUK Parliament Members API
MethodQuestion and answer text as published. Question preamble (“To ask the…”) trimmed for readability; answers shown in full.