Every parliamentary written question tabled by Mark Francois this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1–20 of 402 · Ministry of Defence
What is the current estimated IOC for HMS Achilles.
Achilles, the final vessel, is at an advanced stage of build at the BAE Systems shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. As a former Defence Minister, I hope the right Hon. Gentleman will recall that the planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withhe...
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Richmond.
The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...
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.
The Military Aviation Authority (MAA) regulates military airworthiness risk within the policy framework set by the Secretary of State for Defence in the Health, Safety & Environmental Protection statement. The MAA’s Regulatory Articles and Defence Sta...
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Lancaster.
The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...
When the first of the recently ordered 72 RCH 155mm artillery systems is due to achieve initial operational capability.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...
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.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...
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.
In line with the Integrated Procurement Model, the UK’s Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 (RCH155) programme will deliver a Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade. This capability is defined as a Royal Artillery Battery equipped with RCH155 p...
What was the cost of the latest refit of HMS Iron Duke.
The costs of the most recent deep maintenance periods (Docking Periods) for the specified Type 23 frigates are as follows: HMS Lancaster – £67.6 million - May 2017 - June 2020 - 156 weeksHMS Iron Duke – £102.9 million - May 2019 - May 2023 - 208 weeksHMS ...
What is the current status of the proposed buy of additional F-35B aircraft, beyond the 48 originally ordered.
Spending decisions on future capabilities will be published as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
What is the latest estimated IOC date for the Challenger 3.
As stated in my answer to the hon. Member for Huntington on 22 December 2025 to Question 99970, good progress is being made on the Demonstration phase trials. Whilst the programme has been impacted by some delays within the supply chain, these trials will...
How many F-35B aircraft have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
48 have now been delivered by Lockheed Martin to the Ministry of Defence.
What is the current estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
The first Type 31 frigate, HMS Venturer, is scheduled to be handed over to the Royal Navy by the end of the decade.
What is the current IOC date for the new, sixth generation Tempest (GCAP) aircraft in RAF service.
An Initial Operating Capability (IOC) date for the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) will be developed in close coordination with our international partners.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of air-to-air refuelling capability on future force development planning.
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.
Which warship was nominated as the Fleet Ready Escort on 1 March 2026.
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.
What is the latest estimated IOC date for HMS Venturer.
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
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.
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.
Whether he has identified a future requirement for air-to-air boom refuelling capability for the Royal Air Force.
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.
Whether he plans to withdraw the Watchkeeper RPV from operational service with the Army.
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
What is the latest out of service date for the Watchkeeper RPV system.
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