Ministry of Defence

Each of the four Defence Marine Services - Next Generation (DMS-NG) contracts includes Social Value requirements, which are based on the most appropriate outcomes and themes as set out in the Social Value Model. The DMS-NG invitations to tender included education and training, requiring tenderers to support educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications. They did not prescribe or constrain how the tenderers should meet the requirements and did not specify requirements for trainees and apprentices separately in relation to the Vessel Replacement Programme (which is to be delivered as part of the In-Port Marine Services Contract).

Each of the four Defence Marine Services - Next Generation (DMS-NG) contracts includes Social Value requirements, which are based on the most appropriate outcomes and themes as set out in the Social Value Model. The DMS-NG invitations to tender included education and training, requiring tenderers to support educational attainment relevant to the contract, including training schemes that address skills gaps and result in recognised qualifications. They did not prescribe or constrain how the tenderers should meet the requirements and did not specify requirements for trainees and apprentices separately in relation to the Vessel Replacement Programme (which is to be delivered as part of the In-Port Marine Services Contract).

The following contracts were awarded to Serco under the Defence Marine Services - Next Generation (DMS – NG) programme. All have start dates of 1 October 2025. Each contract was advertised and sourced via competitive tender, although Serco was the only tenderer for the In-Port Marine Services contract (inclusive of the Vessel Replacement Programme):

Note: These are contract costs at time of award and do not include Authority Costs and Risk.

The Defence Marine Services Next Generation (DMS-NG) programme did not seek tenders directly for the Vessel Replacement Programme (VRP), as the endorsed procurement strategy was to include this as part of the broader In-Port Services contract. Tenderers for the main contract were expected to select their own supply chain to deliver the VRP and Serco made the decision to sub-contract to Damen Shipyards Group.

While there was no policy requirement to engage for this procurement, and there are no records of discussions with the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions specifically on the DMS-NG contracts, the Department remains committed to open dialogue with stakeholders and to supporting UK shipbuilding through the National Shipbuilding Strategy and associated initiatives. The Ministry of Defence now engages regularly with industry bodies and trade unions in accordance with the 2025 Defence publication “The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy”.

The Defence Marine Services Next Generation (DMS-NG) programme did not seek tenders directly for the Vessel Replacement Programme (VRP), as the endorsed procurement strategy was to include this as part of the broader In-Port Services contract. Tenderers for the main contract were expected to select their own supply chain to deliver the VRP and Serco made the decision to sub-contract to Damen Shipyards Group.

While there was no policy requirement to engage for this procurement, and there are no records of discussions with the Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions specifically on the DMS-NG contracts, the Department remains committed to open dialogue with stakeholders and to supporting UK shipbuilding through the National Shipbuilding Strategy and associated initiatives. The Ministry of Defence now engages regularly with industry bodies and trade unions in accordance with the 2025 Defence publication “The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy”.

The Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry oversees the work of the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) in the Ministry of Defence. The NSO also works closely with Ministers and their officials in all Departments with interests in shipbuilding.

The National Shipbuilding Office's senior leadership has attended several meetings in the past six months with either the current Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry or his predecessor as Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry. The team continues to engage with the Minister formally and informally on an ongoing basis, including through his chairing of the Small Ministerial Group on Shipbuilding.

The Defence Marine Services Next Generation (DMS-NG) programme did engage with the National Shipbuilding Office (NSO) on the requirements of the vessels. The NSO’s recommendations were considered by the Ministry of Defence alongside other criteria. The Government is committed to supporting British industry in the future and programme teams will continue to engage the NSO.

Prior to awarding the Defence Marine Services Next Generation In-Port Services contract in April 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) conducted several rounds of market engagement activities to encourage participation from across the UK shipbuilding sector, including Small and Medium-sized Enterprises. The intention was to maximise domestic involvement.

Despite these efforts, only a single compliant bid was received, necessitating a single-source approach to maintain programme momentum and ensure continuity of essential services. Serco was free to select its subcontractors, and the MOD was not permitted to require Serco to discriminate on grounds of nationality. The selection of Damen was based on Serco’s assessment of programme requirements and was consistent with all applicable procurement regulations. Damen Shipyards Group was selected by Serco.

The Procurement Act, which came into force in February 2025, offers greater flexibility to prioritise British companies in strategically important sectors such as shipbuilding.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the importance of supporting UK shipbuilding and undertook market engagement to encourage bids from UK shipyards for the Defence Marine Services Next Generation (DMS-NG) contracts. Despite these efforts, only one compliant bid was received, and Serco, as the prime contractor, was free to select its subcontractors.

The Government remains committed to supporting UK shipbuilding, and recent reforms to public procurement, including the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force in February 2025, provide greater flexibility to prioritise British companies in strategically important sectors. The MOD continues to work with the National Shipbuilding Office to maximise opportunities for UK suppliers in future procurements.

The operational necessity of the DMS-NG contracts and the need to maintain critical maritime capabilities were key considerations in the procurement process, as was programme affordability at the time. However, some £200 million will still be spent through DMS-NG at British boatyards for the maintenance of the new vessels, which will bring benefits to the UK ship repair sector.

The Ministry of Defence has no direct contracts with Damen. We have identified one contract through a third party, Serco, for the Defence Marine Services Next Generation In Port Services Contract which encompasses the Vessel Replacement Programme. Damen Shipyards is a subcontractor for this programme with the value of this subcontract representing approximately £200 million, 22% of the total In-Port Services contract value. The decision to award the contract to Damen Shipyards Group was made by Serco.

Information on the number of cases of Legionella recorded in Single Living Accommodation (SLA) in each year since 2018 is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.

Further to my response to the hon Member's Question 91487 answered on 25 November 2025, following further review of the information, the answer provided gave the quantity of Legionella tests undertaken and not confirmed cases of Legionella.

The Ministry of Defence’s contractor VIVO took over responsibility for maintaining SLA within the Future Defence Infrastructure Services, Southwest contract in February 2022, data prior to this date is not held.

The below table shows that there have been no Legionella positive samples within SLA in Shropshire and North Shropshire between February 2022 to date:

The remaining data provided for Question 91487 remains unchanged.

The single Services remain committed to prioritising overseas training exercises in alignment with both our own and partners' operational needs, as well as the priorities outlined in the Strategic Defence Review.

From financial year (FY) 2026-27, the Army, in collaboration with international partners, plans to reduce the number of overseas training exercises. This adjustment will enable a greater focus on NATO commitments and enhancing land warfighting capabilities.

Similarly, over the next four years, the Royal Navy will scale back its participation in overseas training outside the Europe, Atlantic, and Arctic theatre. This shift reflects its evolving global posture, aimed at supporting modernisation efforts and prioritising this theatre as part of NATO and homeland defence. By FY 2027-28, an increase in participation and support for NATO is anticipated, aligned with NATO's strategic objectives.

As a matter of longstanding policy we do not publicly comment on the readiness levels of His Majesty’s Armed Forces. This is to safeguard operational security, and that of our Service people.

This Government is committed to ensuring our Armed Forces remain ready to respond to all challenges, including supporting Ukraine when hostilities end, through the Multinational Force Ukraine.

The total cost of the Afghan Response Programme (ARP) to the end of financial year 2024-25 is approximately £2.7 billion. The costs are shared cross-Government. This figure includes spend on contracts that were already acquired by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which were then utilised for ARP as well as contracts directly acquired for the specific requirements of ARP. Due to the nature of how these schemes operate, it is not possible to provide a breakdown per scheme.

I am withholding details regarding the location of such companies that the MOD has contracts with as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence.

The total cost of the Afghan Response Programme (ARP) to the end of financial year 2024-25 is approximately £2.7 billion. The costs are shared cross-Government. This figure includes spend on contracts that were already acquired by the Ministry of Defence (MOD) which were then utilised for ARP as well as contracts directly acquired for the specific requirements of ARP. Due to the nature of how these schemes operate, it is not possible to provide a breakdown per scheme.

I am withholding details regarding the location of such companies that the MOD has contracts with as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the commercial interests of the Ministry of Defence.

The Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP) is made up of two parts.

The Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability Increment 1 will deliver a digital Radar and Electronic Support Measures capability to the Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, Type 45 destroyers, Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. The approved Initial Operating Capability (IOC)/In Service Date (ISD) is January 2027.

Electronic Warfare Countermeasures (EWCM) will deliver a new and improved countermeasure launcher for Type 45 destroyers, Type 26 and Type 31 frigates with an approved IOC/ISD of September 2027.

The Maritime Mine Counter Measure programme remains on track to deliver initial operational capability in line with Royal Navy requirements. The first vessel is expected to enter service in early 2026.

RNMB APOLLO was on trials and evaluation with the Royal Navy from 2021-2025 and has been returned to the manufacturer for maintenance and critical system updates, as part of its capability development phase, and is due to enter service later next year.

The Defence Secretary has regular engagements with the US Secretary of War and the Australian Deputy Prime Minister, where they discuss a range of matters, including AUKUS. The UK continues to work closely with the US and Australia at all levels to maximise the benefits and opportunities that AUKUS presents for our three nations.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 November 2025, to Question 93045.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-20/93045

Work is underway to plan the new factories, it is currently premature to provide specific detail, more information will be made available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.

The Defence Investment Plan has been informed by a range of inputs and perspectives including those of the Chiefs.

The Ministry of Defence has been working with the UK Government, the Scottish Government, industry, academia and other key stakeholders to identify opportunities to invest in interventions that support defence priority sub-sectors that align with Scotland’s sub-sector strengths. Work is ongoing to understand how the £250 million Defence Growth Deal fund will be allocated across the five locations, including Scotland.

The vehicles were manufactured under the responsibility of MAN Truck & Bus UK (MTB UK). The base was produced at MAN’s facilities in Germany and Austria, with UK-specific modifications integrated by MTB UK and specialist subcontractors within the UK. The age of the vehicles is approximately 18 years, entering service in 2007/8.

Since 5 July 2024, 22 UK-based SMEs have been offered support through the Defence Supplier Capability Development Programme (DSCDP). 19 in total then successfully joined. To date, no mid-tier suppliers have been offered support.

Repair analysis is ongoing; however, initial estimates indicate that all vehicles will be returned to full use by early 2026 in accordance with formation priorities.

As a former member of the Armed Forces the hon. Member will know that the nature of military service exposes Service personnel to a wide range of hazards. For example, noise from weapons systems, Armoured Fighting Vehicles and helicopters over a full career often make a ‘condition’ attributable to service in general, rather than a specific cause or event. It is therefore inherently difficult to make direct linkages or define what is reasonably attributable to Ajax, or any other specific contributing factor, and medical discharge.

We are currently undertaking reviews into the medical injuries sustained by Ajax crews and more details on the findings will be published in due course.

Project RARDEN is a legacy project that introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s. On current planning, the Rarden cannon will be removed from service December 2027.

The WEEVIL prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. Project Atilla is the Army's term for the delivery of the WEEVIL capability. Whilst Project Atilla is currently in its concept phase, it is expected to have an in-service date of 2032.

Since April 2025, one Warrior platform has been adapted with the WEEVIL capability. The Army is considering adapting further Warrior vehicles with the WEEVIL capability in the near future.

The WEEVIL prototype currently uses the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle, fitted with a full-width mine plough, advanced remote-control system, and vehicle-mounted cameras. Project Atilla is the Army's term for the delivery of the WEEVIL capability. Whilst Project Atilla is currently in its concept phase, it is expected to have an in-service date of 2032.

Since April 2025, one Warrior platform has been adapted with the WEEVIL capability. The Army is considering adapting further Warrior vehicles with the WEEVIL capability in the near future.

The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme at Ministry of Defence Ashchurch remains on target to complete in 2027.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 25 November 2025, to Question 93045.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-20/93045

The launchers will be supported by a wider support contract, Weapon Availability Support Programme (WASP) which will cover all future through life support for the entire Land Ceptor fleet, Sea Ceptor and the Common Anti-air Modular Missile (CAMM) as well as other MBDA munitions. The contract is currently in negotiation.

A further trial of the Selective Precision Effects At Range (SPEAR) 3 weapon system was conducted during the summer of 2025. A series of firings were conducted and built on the success and evidence gathered in the 2024 campaign.

The Ministry of Defence is working to develop defence readiness measures as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy. We are engaging with other Government Departments as they consider what legislation they may wish to bring forward in the context of the Government’s Home Defence Programme led by the Cabinet Office. Drafting will take place following robust evidence gathering and policy development. Legislation will be brought forward when Parliamentary time allows.

The Department has placed one contract with Marlborough Communications Ltd since 5 February 2025.

The Department has placed two contracts with L3Harris since 5 February 2025.

The Budget Report confirmed that the Employer National Insurance contributions relief for veterans will be extended to April 2028.

Applications are currently open for organisations to bid to become VALOUR recognised centres. The exact locations of centres will be dependent on the applications received, with consideration given to the geographic spread of centres. The programme guidance for applicants encourages them to consider how their bid will deliver more equity of access and consistency in service quality throughout the UK.

VALOUR recognised centres will facilitate in-person access to multiple services for veterans right across the UK. These centres will be required to meet high standards and provide timely data to the UK Government regarding the needs and experiences of veterans to inform future service improvements.

The British Army, Royal Air Force, and Royal Navy conduct two categories of training. These are Collective Training, and Individual Training.

Collective Training is any training activity focussed on the collective performance of two or more people working together that improves the ability of a team, large or small, to work together in order to generate the forces required for operations, and is collective only when the team as a whole is assessed on its collective performance.

Individual Training is training designed to develop a mix of Knowledge, Skills, Experience and Behaviours of individuals. Individual Training can take multiple forms and, excluding Phases 1 & 2, is set out below:

• Phase 0 Training
• Phase 3 Training
• Individual Training
• Pre-employment Training
• Present, Apply, Review (PAR) Training
• Care of Trainee (COT) Training
• Deployed Collective Trainer Training
• Distributed Training
• First of Class Training
• Interim Training
• Steady State Training
• Formal Training
• Joint Training
• Live Training
• Modular Training
• Remedial Training
• Robust Training

Joint Service Publication 822 provides additional information on training and can be found on the gov.uk website.

The safety of our personnel is paramount. The Defence Accident Investigation Board are conducting an investigation into the incident at pace with support from the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics.

While the relevant investigations take place the Ministerial team have directed a pause on the use of Ajax for training and exercising. It is currently anticipated that the investigation will take at least two weeks.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, such as autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted systems. What is in scope of this commitment and the pathway to achieving it are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan, as such detail on what is included will be published in due course. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth, investing in novel technologies where it is possible to do so. We are committed to spend 10% of our equipment budget on novel technologies, such as autonomous, uncrewed and AI-assisted systems. What is in scope of this commitment and the pathway to achieving it are under consideration as part of the Defence Investment Plan, as such detail on what is included will be published in due course. Spending will be prioritised appropriately as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 19 September 2025 to Question 76688.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave to the hon. Member for Romford (Andrew Rosindell) on 1 September 2025 to Question 68745.

The Department has placed two contracts with Alford Technologies since 5 July 2024.