Ministry of Defence

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.

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:

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.

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.

HMS ALBION is currently moored at HMNB Devonport. No plans for HMS ALBION’s disposal have been confirmed.

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 Net Book Value of the British Army’s Warrior fleet of vehicles is £19,029,595.

Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does. Therefore, the MOD works closely with the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) on cyber security testing to strengthen the professionalisation and coherence of our policies and procedures.

The MOD’s use of 3-D printers forms part of its trial and experimentation efforts. Consequently, details relating to 3-D printing equipment is not held centrally.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has strict security procedures in place to ensure all sensitive information is protected. Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the MOD does.

Our policies and procedures take account of the potential risk from all types of 3D printers, not just those manufactured in China, and we are working across the MOD to ensure risks are appropriately managed.

We are committed to ensuring the Defence industry is a powerhouse for economic growth through strengthened industrial relationships and domestic investment. As published in the UK Defence Footprint Scotland has seen £2.1 billion of Defence spending in 2024-25. We have committed £6 billion this Parliament towards munitions, as outlined in the Strategic Defence Review 2025, which supports defence capacity whilst generating local jobs and economic prosperity. This investment includes £1.5 billion for building six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK to deliver an 'always on' pipeline, locations and arrangements of which are being assessed through ongoing work. Whilst the secretary of state announced a list of sites under consideration on 19 November, it is currently premature to finalise specific site proposals and their assessment, more detail will be available once the necessary preparatory work has been completed.

I responded to the hon. Member on 8 December 2025 (our ref: MC2025/27344).

This Government is committed to ensuring that veterans and their families are fully supported in transitioning to sustainable careers post military service.

A range of support is available, including the Career Transition Partnership (CTP), which is the initial point of provision for those transitioning into civilian life. The CTP offers assistance to individuals seeking employment for up to two years pre leaving service and for two years post service.

For veterans who are more than two years post-service, as well as their families, additional support is provided through Op ASCEND. This initiative has already successfully supported 5,000 veterans and family members and engaged with over 420 employers to create employment opportunities.

These core programmes form part of a suite of wider initiatives, which include pathways for veterans gaining employment in the Civil Service, and 12 months National Insurance relief for employers who hire veterans in their first role post-service.

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.

Since 4 July 2024, the Department has sponsored six visas. In addition, National Army Museum has sponsored none, the National Museum of the Royal Navy has sponsored one, Sheffield Forgemasters International has sponsored two, and Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Associations have sponsored one.

Since November 2022, two organisations have been removed from the list of Armed Forces Covenant signatories due to concerns over non-compliance. Due to confidentiality, we are unable to disclose the names of the organisations.

The Ministry of Defence holds regular and detailed discussions with Serco, the prime contractor for the Defence Marine Services Next Generation In-Port Services contract, regarding the delivery of the contract.

The Vessel Replacement Programme within the Defence Marine Services Next Generation In-Port Services contract represents approximately £200 million, 22% of the total In-Port Services contract value. Serco, as the prime contractor, is responsible for managing its supply chain and made the decision to sub-contract to Damen Shipyards Group. The Ministry of Defence monitors prime contractor reporting to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and value-for-money principles.

The whole-of-society approach to deterrence and defence sets out how Government, businesses, and the public all play a part in strengthening our national defence and resilience. This addresses the risks we face, including threats below and above the threshold of an armed attack.

The Cabinet Office-led Home Defence Programme, in which Defence plays a key role, has begun this work by starting to familiarise the public with their role in national security and resilience.

The Ministry of Defence is already delivering on reconnecting Defence with society. For example, an extra £70 million funding has been allocated to kickstart the cadet growth programme, expanding the cadet forces by 30% by 2030, and will continue to work to strengthen civilian-military links with communities and industry. This was a Strategic Defence Review recommendation.

I refer the noble Lord to the reply given by my hon. Friend, the Minister for Armed Forces (Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP), in the House of Commons on the 2 December 2025 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge) in response to Question 93395.

The Defence Marine Services Next Generation procurement was carried out in accordance with the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 (DSPCR), under which Serco, as prime contractor, was free to select its own supply chain. The Procurement Act, which came into force in February 2025, offers greater flexibility to prioritise British companies in strategically important areas.

The Ministry Of Defence (MOD) is aware of ongoing legal proceedings against Damen in the Netherlands, it continues to monitor proceedings and will take appropriate action should a conviction occur.

The MOD is aware of the loan provided by the Dutch Government to Damen. Serco, as prime contractor, has undertaken its own analysis of Damen’s financial position and has advised that there is no immediate risk to delivery of the Vessel Replacement Programme. Both the MOD and Serco will continue to monitor the situation as part of routine contract management.

The Defence Marine Services Next Generation procurement was carried out in accordance with the Defence and Security Public Contracts Regulations 2011 (DSPCR), under which Serco, as prime contractor, was free to select its own supply chain. The Procurement Act, which came into force in February 2025, offers greater flexibility to prioritise British companies in strategically important areas.

The Ministry Of Defence (MOD) is aware of ongoing legal proceedings against Damen in the Netherlands, it continues to monitor proceedings and will take appropriate action should a conviction occur.

The MOD is aware of the loan provided by the Dutch Government to Damen. Serco, as prime contractor, has undertaken its own analysis of Damen’s financial position and has advised that there is no immediate risk to delivery of the Vessel Replacement Programme. Both the MOD and Serco will continue to monitor the situation as part of routine contract management.

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.