We protect the security, independence and interests of our country at home and abroad. We work with our allies and partners whenever possible. Our aim is to ensure that the armed forces have the training, equipment and support necessary for their work, and that we keep within budget.
The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
Oral Answers to Questions is a regularly scheduled appearance where the Secretary of State and junior minister will answer at the Dispatch Box questions from backbench MPs
Other Commons Chamber appearances can be:Westminster Hall debates are performed in response to backbench MPs or e-petitions asking for a Minister to address a detailed issue
Written Statements are made when a current event is not sufficiently significant to require an Oral Statement, but the House is required to be informed.
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
A Bill to establish, and confer functions on, the Armed Forces Commissioner; to abolish the office of Service Complaints Ombudsman; and for connected purposes.
This Bill received Royal Assent on 3rd September 2025 and was enacted into law.
e-Petitions are administered by Parliament and allow members of the public to express support for a particular issue.
If an e-petition reaches 10,000 signatures the Government will issue a written response.
If an e-petition reaches 100,000 signatures the petition becomes eligible for a Parliamentary debate (usually Monday 4.30pm in Westminster Hall).
Commons Select Committees are a formally established cross-party group of backbench MPs tasked with holding a Government department to account.
At any time there will be number of ongoing investigations into the work of the Department, or issues which fall within the oversight of the Department. Witnesses can be summoned from within the Government and outside to assist in these inquiries.
Select Committee findings are reported to the Commons, printed, and published on the Parliament website. The government then usually has 60 days to reply to the committee's recommendations.
The 2024 Labour Party manifesto committed to delivery of the Invictus Games, recognising the Games' vital role in recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The Invictus Games are delivered by a host nation entity under the Invictus Games Foundation, with funding models varying by country. To support the bid for the 2027 Games in Birmingham, a charitable entity, IUK27, was established, and the UK Government agreed to underwrite £26 million of the costs as a contingency, specifically to ensure delivery of the Games if sufficient commercial sponsorship was not secured. A proportion of this underwrite has been set aside over three grants to be released incrementally.
Officials meet regularly with the Invictus Games 2027 Ltd team to discuss the planning and delivery of the Games.
The 2024 Labour Party manifesto committed to delivery of the Invictus Games, recognising the Games' vital role in recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The Invictus Games are delivered by a host nation entity under the Invictus Games Foundation, with funding models varying by country. To support the bid for the 2027 Games in Birmingham, a charitable entity, IUK27, was established, and the UK Government agreed to underwrite £26 million of the costs as a contingency, specifically to ensure delivery of the Games if sufficient commercial sponsorship was not secured. A proportion of this underwrite has been set aside over three grants to be released incrementally.
Officials meet regularly with the Invictus Games 2027 Ltd team to discuss the planning and delivery of the Games.
The 2024 Labour Party manifesto committed to delivery of the Invictus Games, recognising the Games' vital role in recovery, rehabilitation, and reintegration.
The Invictus Games are delivered by a host nation entity under the Invictus Games Foundation, with funding models varying by country. To support the bid for the 2027 Games in Birmingham, a charitable entity, IUK27, was established, and the UK Government agreed to underwrite £26 million of the costs as a contingency, specifically to ensure delivery of the Games if sufficient commercial sponsorship was not secured. A proportion of this underwrite has been set aside over three grants to be released incrementally.
Officials meet regularly with the Invictus Games 2027 Ltd team to discuss the planning and delivery of the Games.
It is taking time to collate the requested information for each Royal Air Force Air Cadet Squadron, and I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
We welcome the US’s briefing which enables NATO Allies to plan and sequence the shift as part of greater European burden sharing.
The UK is a fully committed Ally; we offer almost all our Armed Forces and significant capability contributions to NATO. Currently, the UK Carrier Strike Group is deployed to the North Atlantic and High North, working with NATO Allies to deter Russian threats.
We are working with the US to ensure all Allies are contributing fairly through NATO Force Sourcing processes, and we remain committed to working with Allies to strengthen NATO by ensuring Europe is more capable, more resilient, and better able to shoulder the Alliance’s shared security burdens.
The UK frequently explores opportunities for engagement with EU Members States on space security. This includes engagement with France, Germany and Italy through the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. This approach enables joint capability development and supports a stronger European contribution to space security.
As a leading European Carrier Strike nation, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force play a key role in the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative, contributing to multinational efforts that strengthen interoperability and enable more effective and rapid integration of multinational Carrier Strike Groups when required.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The establishment of the Army Reserve Basic Training Review has not been formally announced to Parliament as it is in internal MOD review, commissioned by Headquarters Soldier Academy. This Headquarters is responsible for all Army Soldier Basic Training and authorised the review as part of continuous improvement activity. The initial request for support to undertake the review was submitted in August 2024, prior to the publication of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, with the review commencing in July 2025.
The review aims to assess whether the current Army Reserve Basic Training operating model, covering how, who, and where training is delivered, is fit for purpose and to provide options aligned with the Army’s current and future Reserve requirements. Its scope includes unit and infrastructure laydown, training delivery model, workforce requirements, and administrative and logistic support, covering all Soldier Academy Basic Training locations. No external stakeholders are being consulted.
There is no requirement, or expectation, that the review’s findings or recommendations will be published. The Terms of Reference for the review are intended for an internal audience and therefore will not be published.
Regarding Prince William of Gloucester Barracks, Grantham, the planned closure and disposal will not be paused or reconsidered as part of this review, as estate disposal decisions are not in scope.
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) works closely with other stakeholders, including the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Air Historical Branch (AHB) and local authorities to assess whether a licence should be issued according to the Protection of Military Remains Act (PoMRA)
guidelines. For a licence to be issued all requirements must be observed and adhered to. Full details of PoMRA can be found at the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/35/contents
JCCC also works closely with the Historic England heritage crime prevention leads to monitor feedback on the process across the UK. To date, JCCC is not aware of any humans remains having been recovered during a major infrastructure which was not licenced.
JCCC does not require a survey to be undertaken, although for major infrastructure projects these are often carried out by the contractor responsible for the project before any digging commences. JCCC will usually only become aware of the intent to excavate the site of an aircraft crash through the receipt of a licence application. Occasionally, a third party may make JCCC aware of planned works. In these instances, if there is concern that the work at the site may disturb a crash site then JCCC would reach out to the contractor responsible to advise them of their responsibilities under the Act.
The role of JCCC is to process license applications subject to the criteria of the Act. On receipt of an application, checks are made with the DIO and against historic casualty records with the AHB, and a decision is made on whether to issue a licence or not based on the likelihood of human remains or unexploded ordnance being present at the site.
In circumstances where the scale of the infrastructure project means that a licence can be granted despite the possibility of human remains or ordnance being present, the applicant will be advised accordingly for their own safety and to preserve the dignity of any human remains which could be recovered. JCCC does not physically oversee excavations. 66 licences have been issued in the past 5 years, with many of these having been issued for infrastructure projects.
Guidelines on how to apply for a licence and further details of the process and regulations can be found at the following gov.uk link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/aviation-archaeology
When a POMRA licence is issued a covering letter lists caveats and considerations that must be adhered to including what to do if human remains are disturbed or ordnance found.
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) works closely with other stakeholders, including the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Air Historical Branch (AHB) and local authorities to assess whether a licence should be issued according to the Protection of Military Remains Act (PoMRA)
guidelines. For a licence to be issued all requirements must be observed and adhered to. Full details of PoMRA can be found at the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/35/contents
JCCC also works closely with the Historic England heritage crime prevention leads to monitor feedback on the process across the UK. To date, JCCC is not aware of any humans remains having been recovered during a major infrastructure which was not licenced.
JCCC does not require a survey to be undertaken, although for major infrastructure projects these are often carried out by the contractor responsible for the project before any digging commences. JCCC will usually only become aware of the intent to excavate the site of an aircraft crash through the receipt of a licence application. Occasionally, a third party may make JCCC aware of planned works. In these instances, if there is concern that the work at the site may disturb a crash site then JCCC would reach out to the contractor responsible to advise them of their responsibilities under the Act.
The role of JCCC is to process license applications subject to the criteria of the Act. On receipt of an application, checks are made with the DIO and against historic casualty records with the AHB, and a decision is made on whether to issue a licence or not based on the likelihood of human remains or unexploded ordnance being present at the site.
In circumstances where the scale of the infrastructure project means that a licence can be granted despite the possibility of human remains or ordnance being present, the applicant will be advised accordingly for their own safety and to preserve the dignity of any human remains which could be recovered. JCCC does not physically oversee excavations. 66 licences have been issued in the past 5 years, with many of these having been issued for infrastructure projects.
Guidelines on how to apply for a licence and further details of the process and regulations can be found at the following gov.uk link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/aviation-archaeology
When a POMRA licence is issued a covering letter lists caveats and considerations that must be adhered to including what to do if human remains are disturbed or ordnance found.
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) works closely with other stakeholders, including the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Air Historical Branch (AHB) and local authorities to assess whether a licence should be issued according to the Protection of Military Remains Act (PoMRA)
guidelines. For a licence to be issued all requirements must be observed and adhered to. Full details of PoMRA can be found at the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/35/contents
JCCC also works closely with the Historic England heritage crime prevention leads to monitor feedback on the process across the UK. To date, JCCC is not aware of any humans remains having been recovered during a major infrastructure which was not licenced.
JCCC does not require a survey to be undertaken, although for major infrastructure projects these are often carried out by the contractor responsible for the project before any digging commences. JCCC will usually only become aware of the intent to excavate the site of an aircraft crash through the receipt of a licence application. Occasionally, a third party may make JCCC aware of planned works. In these instances, if there is concern that the work at the site may disturb a crash site then JCCC would reach out to the contractor responsible to advise them of their responsibilities under the Act.
The role of JCCC is to process license applications subject to the criteria of the Act. On receipt of an application, checks are made with the DIO and against historic casualty records with the AHB, and a decision is made on whether to issue a licence or not based on the likelihood of human remains or unexploded ordnance being present at the site.
In circumstances where the scale of the infrastructure project means that a licence can be granted despite the possibility of human remains or ordnance being present, the applicant will be advised accordingly for their own safety and to preserve the dignity of any human remains which could be recovered. JCCC does not physically oversee excavations. 66 licences have been issued in the past 5 years, with many of these having been issued for infrastructure projects.
Guidelines on how to apply for a licence and further details of the process and regulations can be found at the following gov.uk link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/aviation-archaeology
When a POMRA licence is issued a covering letter lists caveats and considerations that must be adhered to including what to do if human remains are disturbed or ordnance found.
The Joint Casualty and Compassionate Centre (JCCC) works closely with other stakeholders, including the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), the Air Historical Branch (AHB) and local authorities to assess whether a licence should be issued according to the Protection of Military Remains Act (PoMRA)
guidelines. For a licence to be issued all requirements must be observed and adhered to. Full details of PoMRA can be found at the following link:
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1986/35/contents
JCCC also works closely with the Historic England heritage crime prevention leads to monitor feedback on the process across the UK. To date, JCCC is not aware of any humans remains having been recovered during a major infrastructure which was not licenced.
JCCC does not require a survey to be undertaken, although for major infrastructure projects these are often carried out by the contractor responsible for the project before any digging commences. JCCC will usually only become aware of the intent to excavate the site of an aircraft crash through the receipt of a licence application. Occasionally, a third party may make JCCC aware of planned works. In these instances, if there is concern that the work at the site may disturb a crash site then JCCC would reach out to the contractor responsible to advise them of their responsibilities under the Act.
The role of JCCC is to process license applications subject to the criteria of the Act. On receipt of an application, checks are made with the DIO and against historic casualty records with the AHB, and a decision is made on whether to issue a licence or not based on the likelihood of human remains or unexploded ordnance being present at the site.
In circumstances where the scale of the infrastructure project means that a licence can be granted despite the possibility of human remains or ordnance being present, the applicant will be advised accordingly for their own safety and to preserve the dignity of any human remains which could be recovered. JCCC does not physically oversee excavations. 66 licences have been issued in the past 5 years, with many of these having been issued for infrastructure projects.
Guidelines on how to apply for a licence and further details of the process and regulations can be found at the following gov.uk link:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/aviation-archaeology
When a POMRA licence is issued a covering letter lists caveats and considerations that must be adhered to including what to do if human remains are disturbed or ordnance found.
The Royal Navy (RN) supports enforcement bodies in their maritime interdiction operations in accordance with the United Kingdom’s obligations and rights under international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). It does not rely on a single provision, but on the relevant article depending on the circumstances of each operation.
The articles most commonly used in interdiction operations by the RN are UNCLOS Article 110(1)(a) and UNCLOS Article 110(1)(d).
Aldergrove Flying Station (AFS) routinely supports Belfast International Airport by providing additional parking on its estate for visiting NATO aircraft to separate military from civilian aircraft. This is coordinated locally between AFS and Belfast International Airport staff. There is no direct relationship between AFS and visiting military forces.
The first capabilities expected to be in service by 2027 will focus on rapidly deployable, interoperable payloads that deliver immediate operational benefit.
The following nine Defence Nuclear Enterprise programmes have whole-life costs exceeding £10 billion:
Astute |
Astraea |
Clyde Transformation Programme |
Core Production Capability |
Dreadnought |
Future Materials Campus |
Nuclear Fuels Programme |
SSNA |
Submarine Build Modernisation |
The Army Warfighting Experiment is a continuous programme that tests and develops emerging military technologies and warfighting concepts. It brings together industry and military partners to evaluate capabilities to enhance operation effectiveness and inform future capability development.
Detailed delivery timelines for the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme remain in development.
The AUKUS Pillar 2 signature project will enable the Royal Navy to integrate payloads from the United States and Australia through the development of interoperable systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles. The AUKUS partners will agree interface standards upfront to ensure payloads are designed from the outset to be interoperable and capable of integration across allied platforms.
The Defence Safety Authority Service Inquiry into the loss of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 on 4 September 2024 is nearing completion and will be published as soon as practicable.
A full investigation is being conducted into the cause of the crash involving a Royal Navy Merlin helicopter on 3 June 2026. All military flying operates under robust Military Aviation Authority regulations, with Royal Navy aircraft subject to rigorous and continuous safety assurance and maintenance regimes, which are kept under continual review.
HMS BULWARK is currently in HMNB Devonport undergoing regeneration. Regeneration costs are not yet confirmed and will be announced in due course. The cost of generating her will be offset by any agreed sales figure which we expect will represent a net return for the Ministry of Defence.
Last year, this Government set out a clear, long-term vision to transform Defence through the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) 2025, establishing a path for the next decade and beyond.
The SDR is clear that Reserve Forces are integral to a future force, with an emphasis on increasing the proportion of trained, deployable and routinely utilised personnel. This Government is committed to increasing the proportion of active reserves by 20%, when funding allows. Delivery of this ambition is dependent on a range of enablers, including the suitability and accessibility of the Defence training estate.
The Ministry of Defence recognises that the training estate is a critical component of force generation and readiness. Accordingly, any reductions or rationalisation of the estate are assessed against their impact on operational outputs, including the ability of both Regulars and Reserves to train effectively.
I refer the hon. Member to the Oral Statement on 27 April 2026 providing an update on the response to the Humble Address. The Government is working to ensure that Parliament's instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves. As the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister told the House on 19 May 2026, the Government published a second tranche of material after the Whitsun recess to give the House sufficient time to review the material.
As I set out to the House today we will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) before the NATO summit. We must ensure that decisions in the DIP are robust and drive the necessary transformation of our Armed Forces described in the Strategic Defence Review.
The Ministry of Defence has paused invitations for Israel to participate in future UK military training and education courses until the situation in Gaza and the West Bank had been satisfactorily addressed. We keep this decision under review.
The Ministry of Defence keeps the readiness of its Destroyer and Frigate fleets under continual review to meet operational tasking.
For security reasons, we do not routinely disclose elements of the Fleet's schedule and readiness profiles.
As I set out to the House today we will publish the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) before the NATO summit.
The DIP is the next step in turning the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) into action. The plan is intended to grow the UK defence industrial base and support jobs, innovation and exports. Unlike previous plans, the DIP will detail the prioritised capabilities and infrastructure the UK needs to respond to emerging threats.
Whilst we are finalising the DIP, we are getting on with the things we know we need to do. Since July 2024 this Government has signed more than 1,400 major contracts, with 94% of that spend going to UK-based companies.
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 126159 provided on 20 April 2026.
https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-04-10/126159
Ministers and officials regularly meet with Navantia UK to discuss a range of topics including Harland and Wolff shipyard.
The AI algorithms in question were developed trilaterally using expertise across all three AUKUS nations. The algorithms are planned to be flown on our P8 aircraft in the future. The UK are currently benefitting from access to data, insights and operational learnings generated through partner deployment of these capabilities. This work forms part of a broader programme to ensure interoperability across all three nations and to maximise the operational benefits of AUKUS-developed technologies as they are brought into service.
The Resilient Autonomy and Artificial Intelligence Technologies Project Agreement (RAAIT PA) aims to accelerate and enhance the AUKUS partners’ ability to perform complex operations using Autonomous and Artificial Intelligence Systems and Technologies with greater trust, operational effectiveness, and resilience. The scope of the project agreement is to accelerate the joint development and integration of relevant autonomous and AI-enabled technologies, evaluate and improve the resilience and dependability of autonomous systems and enhance the interoperability of AUKUS nations and the collective ability to deploy winning autonomous and AI-enabled solutions.
Future procurement for F-35A aircraft will be outlined in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
The Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose details of munitions procured or held in service, as doing so could prejudice the operational effectiveness and security of the Armed Forces.
I refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 26 May 2026 to Question 2224.
As the hon. Gentleman will understand I am withholding the date that this capability will be available as it would harm the capability, effectiveness, and security of the Armed Forces. The procurement has been prioritised through the Foreign Military Sales process, and the acquisition of this weapon will provide an interim stand-off capability for the F-35 Lightning fleet prior to the introduction of SPEAR 3
The UK-Israel military cooperation agreement, which was signed in December 2020, remains extant.
167 Royal Logistic Corps and the Army Reserve School of Catering will be located at Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore.
167 Royal Logistic Corps and the Army Reserve School of Catering will be located at Kendrew Barracks, Cottesmore.