Written questions by Holmes.

What steps his Department is taking to support UK capability through defence contracts for the (a) development, (b) manufacture and (c) maintenance of critical defence (i) equipment and (ii) systems.

The Strategic Defence Review sets the course for making defence a driver of growth, creating jobs, and renewing the nation’s contract across the UK in line with the Government’s growth mission. The UK’s manufacturing industry is vital to both national security and economic growth. The new Defence Industrial Strategy will support UK businesses and contracts, strengthening domestic supply chains and ensuring critical defence equipment and systems are maintained within the advanced manufacturing sector.

Whether it is his Department's policy to procure new defence stocks from UK companies.

The additional investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 and by the Chancellor in the 2025 Spring Statement will both protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number one mission to deliver economic growth. This includes maximising jobs, growth, skills and innovation in the UK. This Government is bringing forward a Defence Industrial Strategy to strengthen the UK's Defence sector and supply chains. This strategy will support UK businesses where there is a clear security or economic advantage, while maintaining the benefits of competitive markets.

How many times (a) he, (b) his Ministers and (c) his Department's officials have met with representatives of Domo Tactical Comms in Hamble Valley constituency.

Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) are an important partner for the UK Commando Force (UKCF). Ministry of Defence officials engage with DTC regularly, including personnel representing the Royal Navy (RN) and British Army. The RN have already procured a number of High Frequency radios from DTC to be integrated into the UKCF Strike Network.

How many and what proportion of contracts awarded by his Department were given to (a) UK and (b) non-UK companies in the last 12 months.

The Department records contract awards based on the administrative address provided in the supplier’s successful tender. However, the actual delivery of goods or services may be carried out by an international parent company. To ensure accurate reporting of economic impact and regional value within the UK, we compile contractual statistics based on the location where the services are delivered.Between 1 July 2024 and 30 June 2025, the Department awarded a total of 2,674 contracts, with a combined value of £23 billion. Of these:1,244 contracts, valued at £17 billion, were awarded to suppliers based in the UK.174 contracts, worth £3 billion, were awarded to suppliers located outside the UK.The remaining 1,256 contracts, representing £3 billion, are currently undergoing reconciliation to determine the actual location of the supply base.

Which contracts for drones have been awarded by (a) competitive tender and (b) single source.

In total since January 2024, The Department can identify 48 ‘drone’ related contracts valuing £3.6 billion that have been active within the Ministry of Defence. Nine of these are marked as having a primary supplier address outside the UK.24 of these contracts were competitively tendered, 23 were single source tenders and one unknown.

Which (a) UK and (b) non-UK companies have been awarded contracts for drones; and what the value is of each contract.

In total since January 2024, The Department can identify 48 ‘drone’ related contracts valuing £3.6 billion that have been active within the Ministry of Defence. Nine of these are marked as having a primary supplier address outside the UK.24 of these contracts were competitively tendered, 23 were single source tenders and one unknown.

Pursuant to the Answer of 19 May 2025 to Question 17 on European security, what recent discussions he has had with drone component suppliers to ensure that the UK military is up to date when it comes to drone technology and capability.

Defence routinely engages with drone component suppliers to iterate and spiral develop capability in close cooperation with allies. One of the key mechanisms to ensure that Defence is up to date with the latest developments in drone technology and associated tactics is through our support to Ukraine, where drone capabilities are developed and exploited in cooperation with drone component suppliers. As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence will continue to invest in drone technology to advance our capabilities in tandem with UK industry.