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.
This inquiry will examine the circumstances behind and the consequences of a major data breach in February 2022 from the …
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 British Armed Forces pay for overseas courses that they attend.
As of 8 December 2025, there are 388 Warrior vehicles in service in the active fleet and those yet to start the disposal process:
Variant | Total |
FV510 | 191 |
FV511 | 59 |
FV512 | 70 |
FV513 | 32 |
FV514 | 36 |
FV515 | 0 |
Total | 388 |
The Out of Service date for Warrior is 2027 with all vehicles to be withdrawn from service by the end of the decade. Any vehicles that remain beyond this will be classed as surplus to requirements.
The Ministry of Defence does not provide a breakdown of equipment by unit or sub-unit for reasons of operational security.
As of 8 December 2025, there are 388 Warrior vehicles in service in the active fleet and those yet to start the disposal process:
Variant | Total |
FV510 | 191 |
FV511 | 59 |
FV512 | 70 |
FV513 | 32 |
FV514 | 36 |
FV515 | 0 |
Total | 388 |
The Out of Service date for Warrior is 2027 with all vehicles to be withdrawn from service by the end of the decade. Any vehicles that remain beyond this will be classed as surplus to requirements.
The Ministry of Defence does not provide a breakdown of equipment by unit or sub-unit for reasons of operational security.
The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment in Integrated Air and Missile Defence. This announcement responds to the threat the UK faces and will shape our future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
The Strategic Defence Review announced up to £1 billion of investment in Integrated Air and Missile Defence. This announcement responds to the threat the UK faces and will shape our future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.
It has not been possible to provide the answer within the timeframe given, I will write to the hon. Member as soon as practical and will place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
For reasons of operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers of TEKEVER AR3 uncrewed air platforms procured by the Ministry of Defence.
The Maritime Electronic Warfare Programme (MEWP) comprises two constituent parts, the first of which, the Maritime Electronic Warfare Systems Integrated Capability (MEWSIC), has entered the final testing phase with installation at the Royal Navy’s Integration facility at Portsdown Technology Park underway.
The other half of MEWP is the Electronic Warfare Countermeasure (EWCM) Project which will deliver a trainable decoy launcher designed to counter anti-ship missiles and enhance survivability. Critical Design Review for the project was conducted mid-November 25 as part of preparation for production readiness.
The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) remains on schedule and work at MOD Ashchurch will be completed in 2027.
Demolition of all 58 existing buildings as part of the VSSP, has been completed.
The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) remains on schedule and work at MOD Ashchurch will be completed in 2027.
Demolition of all 58 existing buildings as part of the VSSP, has been completed.
I am pleased to confirm that Senior Civil Servant, Tim Ketton-Locke has been appointed to lead the office and took up post on 3 November 2025.
Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Whilst the exact number of staff employed by the Office for Small Business Growth is still under development, it is anticipated that staffing levels will be adjusted to reflect demand placed upon its services. Funding for the Office, including staff costs, is included within the £770 million Government investment into the delivery of the Defence Industrial Strategy.
Development of the new Defence Office for Business Growth is well underway. It continues to consult a wide variety of stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and trade associations representing their members operating both within and outside of the defence sector.
The Office will also work with the Department for Business and Trade’s Business Growth Service, where relevant, to consult with the non-defence sectors included within the Modern Industrial Strategy.
The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a 'Minimum Viable Product', in 2026. What these first deliverables will consist of is still being defined. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.
No target date has been established for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web.
As outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, Defence will increase expenditure to transform the Armed Forces into a more lethal integrated force, equipped for the future. On 25 February 2025, the Prime Minister announced the largest sustained increase to defence spending since the end of the Cold War—rising to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, and to 3% in the next Parliament when fiscal and economic conditions allow. We have already boosted defence by £5 billion this year. The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review including steps to improve preparedness and readiness of the Armed Forces.
A routine programme review found Project Magenta was no longer viable in terms of cost or time. The review led to an alternate solution that was not available at the time of project approval.
This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost.
Investigations by the Defence Accident Investigation Branch supported by the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics are ongoing. Further detail will be available once the investigation has concluded. Any decisions on the pause will be made by Ministers.
The Department has placed nineteen contracts relating to Remote Piloted Aerial Systems since 5 July 2024.
The final report of the Al-Sweady Inquiry was published on 17 December 2014. The last members of the Inquiry staff were released in January 2015 and final administrative wind-up procedures completed in March 2015.The chair of the Inquiry, Sir Thayne Forbes, wrote to the then Secretary of State confirming the fulfilment of his terms of reference (a so-called Section 14 letter), on 20 March 2015.
Fewer than five British Armed Forces personnel have studied on non-combat military academic courses in Israel since October 2023. Which courses they attended is being withheld in order to protect personal information.
The Gazelle AH Mk1 helicopter was withdrawn from service in Northern Ireland on 26 October 2023.
As the Secretary of State and I have made clear, there is risk in Chinese components being present in in civil and military technology in the UK and across our alliances. We keep technology under review to protect our national security.
Mitigating civilian harm is central to Defence’s approach to human security. We work through multiple channels to promote human security, with a particular emphasis on protecting civilians. We actively engage with civil society organisations on this issue, recognising the value of their expertise and perspectives.
Since December 2024, engagement has taken place through in-person meetings and online discussions, as well as participation in civil society-led forums. We have also contributed to international workshops and conferences, including through the International Contact Group on Civilian Harm Mitigation and Response for which we are now co-chairs, and attending the Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas international conference.
A £3.7 billion contract was signed with BAE Systems on 29 June 2017 to manufacture the first batch of three Type 26 frigates and a £4.2 billion contract amendment was signed for Batch 2 of the ships on 1 November 2022. A total funding provision of £7.9 billion has been provided to purchase eight Type 26 ships.
The UK's defence spending is expected to rise to 2.6% from 2027. The next Spending Review in 2027 will determine the trajectory beyond the current Spending Review period.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
The Ministerial Review has already begun. The review will be supported by an expert challenge panel including the Secretary of State's Strategic Advisor Malcolm Chalmers, and military personnel. I have committed to report progress on the Ajax investigation via a written statement before Christmas recess begins.
Responsibility for defence exports moved to the Ministry of Defence on 31 July 2025.
Security exports were not in scope of this Machinery of Government change and responsibility remains with the Department for Business and Trade.
The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year.
Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.
The inaugural Meeting of the Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) Top Council took place on 9 June 2025, with the second meeting taking place on 10 September 2025, during the DSEI (Defence and Security Equipment International) exhibition. The Top Council will now target three meetings each year.
Additionally, the DIJC Delivery Group, chaired by the National Armaments Director and his industry counterpart met for the first time in November.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 November 2025 to Question 85228.
Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament
The Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove, is supported by Civil Servants within the Cabinet Office with responsibility for coordinating and driving cross-Government work across AUKUS.
The Ministry of Defence is planning to provide two secondees to the Cabinet Office. These roles will support the Prime Minister’s Special Representative for AUKUS and help drive strategic delivery for AUKUS across His Majesty's Government.
The Prime Minister, Defence Secretary and the Prime Minister's Special Representative, Sir Stephen Lovegrove regularly engage on all matters relating to the AUKUS partnership. These discussions help ensure AUKUS is being pursued as a whole-of-Government effort in line with the Prime Minister’s direction.
The number of mobile launchers for Project Nightfall is not yet confirmed, as it will depend on the solutions presented by industry, including how many effectors can be carried by a single launcher.
The Department does hold information on suppliers we contract to produce equipment which is gifted to Ukraine, including where they are based.
Through our joint leadership of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group and Coalition of the Willing, we are actively encouraging our allies to ramp up drone production following increased drone strikes in Ukraine and incursions into European airspace.
The Department has placed one contract with Atlantas Marine since 5 July 2024, this can be found below.
Contract Name | Supplier Name |
Video Ray Defender (VRD) ROVs Training and Maintenance. | ATLANTAS MARINE LIMITED |
The Department does hold information on how many of the 100,000 drones due to be provided to Ukraine this year will be made by British companies. However, the release of the figure requested would prejudice national security and commercial interests.
More than 85,000 military drones have been delivered by the UK to Ukraine in just six months this year by accelerating production from British companies, supporting hundreds of highly skilled jobs across the country and contributing to local economies.
HMS Dauntless was the first of class to undergo the Type 45 Power Improvement Project upgrade. The ship has since seen increased resilience and confidence in her power and propulsion system upon her return to operational service.
Some short-term external assistance contracts are being employed to support the preparation and planning of the Digital Targeting Web.
The Ministry of Defence has not placed or signed any contracts to deliver the capabilities and equipment for the Digital Targeting Web, since 16 June 2025. Investment decisions are made in the Defence Investment Plan.
The number of water pumps and generators disposed of through the Defence Recycling and Disposals Team (DRDT) from January 2024 to date is as follows:
| Water pumps | Generators |
2024 | 1 | 103 |
2025 | 1 | 192 |
In line with Ministry of Defence policy, records related to disposals are retained for a period of seven years. Consequently, it is not possible to provide information on disposals through the DRDT prior to 2018. Additionally, due to the way information was recorded by the DRDT prior to September 2023, details on the total number of water pumps and generators disposed of between 2018 and September 2023 could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
It should also be noted that not all disposals are conducted through the DRDT. Identifying the total number of water pumps and generators disposed of through other routes would similarly exceed the disproportionate cost threshold.
HMS Albion was never due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date in 2033. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. This ship was effectively mothballed by the previous Government.
The Current Book Value of HMS ALBION is zero. The shift was valued to zero following the Defence Secretary's announcement to remove it from service last year.
The annual maintenance cost for HMS ALBION is circa £2 million per annum.