Ministry of Defence
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.
Shadow Ministers / Spokeperson
Liberal Democrat
Baroness Smith of Newnham (LD - Life peer)Liberal Democrat Lords Spokesperson (Defence)
Conservative
James Cartlidge (Con - South Suffolk)Shadow Secretary of State for Defence
Scottish National Party
Dave Doogan (SNP - Angus and Perthshire Glens)Shadow SNP Spokesperson (Defence)
Green Party
Ellie Chowns (Green - North Herefordshire)Green Spokesperson (Defence)
Liberal Democrat
James MacCleary (LD - Lewes)Liberal Democrat Spokesperson (Defence)
Junior Shadow Ministers / Deputy Spokesperson
Conservative
Baroness Goldie (Con - Life peer)Shadow Minister (Defence)
Earl of Minto (Con - Excepted Hereditary)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Mark Francois (Con - Rayleigh and Wickford)
Shadow Minister (Defence)
Ministers of State
Lord Coaker (Lab - Life peer)Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Al Carns (Lab - Birmingham Selly Oak)
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Luke Pollard (LAB - Plymouth Sutton and Devonport)
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Parliamentary Under-Secretaries of State
Louise Sandher-Jones (Lab - North East Derbyshire)Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence)
The inquiry will examine the current and emerging threats in the region. It will ask what the UK’s defence and …
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many training exercises will take place at the Land Regional Hub …
These Regulations make provision in connection with the Armed Forces Commissioner Act 2025 (c. 23) (“AFCA 25”). The AFCA 25 …
A Bill to continue the Armed Forces Act 2006; to amend that Act and other enactments relating to the armed …
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News and Communications
Ministry of Defence Commons Appearances
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:- Urgent Questions where the Speaker has selected a question to which a Minister must reply that day
- Adjornment Debates a 30 minute debate attended by a Minister that concludes the day in Parliament.
- Oral Statements informing the Commons of a significant development, where backbench MP's can then question the Minister making the statement.
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.
Bills currently before Parliament
Ministry of Defence does not have Bills currently before Parliament
Acts of Parliament created in the 2024 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.
Ministry of Defence - Secondary Legislation
Petitions
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).
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Departmental Select Committee
Defence Committee
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.
11 Members of the Defence Committee
Defence Committee Member since 11th September 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 21st October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee Member since 28th October 2024
Defence Committee: Upcoming Events
Defence in the High North
3 Mar 2026, 10 a.m.
At 10:30am: Oral evidence
Professor Caroline Kennedy-Pipe - Professor of War Studies at Loughborough University
Dr Marc De Vore - Senior Lecturer at the School of International Relations at University of St Andrews
Ed Arnold - Senior Research Fellow, European Security at Royal United Services Institute (RUSI)
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Defence Committee: 24 Current Inquiries
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2015-16* | 3 |
2016-17* | 4 |
2017-18 | 7 |
2018-19 | 6 |
2019-20 | 6 |
2020-21 | 3 |
2021-22 | 4 |
2022-23 | 4 |
2023-24 | 5 |
2024-25 | 4 |
Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.
This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.
*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2015-16* | 3 |
2016-17* | 4 |
2017-18 | 7 |
2018-19 | 6 |
2019-20 | 6 |
2020-21 | 3 |
2021-22 | 4 |
2022-23 | 4 |
2023-24 | 5 |
2024-25 | 4 |
Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.
This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.
*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2015-16* | 3 |
2016-17* | 4 |
2017-18 | 7 |
2018-19 | 6 |
2019-20 | 6 |
2020-21 | 3 |
2021-22 | 4 |
2022-23 | 4 |
2023-24 | 5 |
2024-25 | 4 |
Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.
This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.
*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2015-16* | 3 |
2016-17* | 4 |
2017-18 | 7 |
2018-19 | 6 |
2019-20 | 6 |
2020-21 | 3 |
2021-22 | 4 |
2022-23 | 4 |
2023-24 | 5 |
2024-25 | 4 |
Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.
This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.
*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
British Army Training Unit Kenya (BATUK) continues to be used for both training and testing activity, including for uncrewed systems, and will remain a location for the Army’s testing of such systems throughout the current Parliament.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2015-16* | 3 |
2016-17* | 4 |
2017-18 | 7 |
2018-19 | 6 |
2019-20 | 6 |
2020-21 | 3 |
2021-22 | 4 |
2022-23 | 4 |
2023-24 | 5 |
2024-25 | 4 |
Five exercises are scheduled to take place in each of financial years 2025-26 and 2026-27.
Regarding future use of BATUK, the Defence Cooperation Agreement limits annual exercising personnel to 8,000. While the number of exercises is likely to reduce, the Army intends to shift towards fewer but larger brigade level exercises involving multiple battlegroups, rather than single battlegroup deployments.
This financial year, we forecast expenditure of approximately £56 million for the conduct of military exercises and the maintenance of BATUK, with costs expected to rise to reflect the conduct of larger exercises throughout FY2026-27 and FY 2027-28. Costs beyond FY 2027-28 are not expected to diverge significantly.
*Data for FY 2015-16 and 2016-17 may be incomplete due to MOD data retention policy.‑retention policy.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
While the US will now command all of the Theatre Component Commands (TCC), the UK and other European allies will hold the respective Deputy Commander positions on rotation. This will give the UK insight and influence at these central commands.
By focusing on the Component Commands, the US have ceded 4* command of the Joint Force Commands (JFC), which control operations in their respective areas of operations. This will allow greater 4* representation for the largest Allies and enables burden shifting to European nations, with the UK taking command of JFC Norfolk.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The information requested is shown below.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2026-27 | 3 |
2025-26 | 0 |
2024-25 | 1 |
2023-24 | 4 |
2022-23 | 2 |
2021-22 | 2 |
2020-21 | 0 |
2019-20 | 0 |
2018-19 | 1 |
2017-18 | 0 |
2016-17 | 0 |
Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. The Land Training Area titled ‘Ras Madrakah Training Area’, is part of GHO’s capabilities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The information requested is shown below.
Financial Year | Number of Exercises |
2026-27 | 3 |
2025-26 | 0 |
2024-25 | 1 |
2023-24 | 4 |
2022-23 | 2 |
2021-22 | 2 |
2020-21 | 0 |
2019-20 | 0 |
2018-19 | 1 |
2017-18 | 0 |
2016-17 | 0 |
Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. The Land Training Area titled ‘Ras Madrakah Training Area’, is part of GHO’s capabilities.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Global Hub Oman (GHO) has facilitated uncrewed systems testing at Ras Madrakah Training Area.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The forecast spend in financial year 2025-26 for running the Land Regional Hub Oman, now Global Hub Oman (GHO), is circa £11 million. Future costs for the GHO are under review as part of the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) and will be available following the announcement of the DIP.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.
There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.
With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.
There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.
With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.
There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.
With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
No. The internal briefing provided to the Defence Secretary ahead of the 28 September meeting referenced the subsequent Enterprise Agreement. However, it was not discussed in the meeting itself on the 28 September. This meeting related solely to the announcement of the non-binding Strategic Partnership Arrangement (SPA), which does not constitute a contract, and does not commit the Department to any programme or expenditure.
The subsequent Enterprise Agreement signed on 30 December 2025 was negotiated following the SPA, through the Department’s formal commercial and governance processes, separate from the earlier SPA announcement.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommended reinvigorating the relationship with the Strategic Reserve, to be sustained through annual training and volunteer roles.
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will outline how we will invest to transform defence in line with the SDR vision. We are working flat out to complete the DIP and publish shortly.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. For example, last year, the GHO provided crucial support to Op HIGHMAST, the passage of the UK Carrier Strike Group.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Although the Land Regional Hub was originally an Army Unit, since October 2023 it has transitioned into the Global Hub Oman (GHO), providing Land, Sea and Air capabilities. For example, last year, the GHO provided crucial support to Op HIGHMAST, the passage of the UK Carrier Strike Group.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Yes. Information regarding the contract for the Defence Maritime Services Next Generation Vessel Replacement Programme can be found through the following link: https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Clive Barracks has been identified for closure under the Defence Estates Optimisation Portfolio, as such, work has been limited to routine and planned preventative maintenance. All troops accommodated at Clive Barracks will be relocated ahead of the closure of the site, in 2029.
Service Family Accommodation (SFA):
The Defence Housing Strategy sets out a vision for the future transformation of military homes; 90% of military homes will be upgraded, renewed or rebuilt, through a record £9 billion investment over a decade. The Armed Forces Bill will establish the new Defence Housing Service (DHS), which will put the needs of Forces and their families first.
In Financial Year 2024-25, 121 Service Family Accommodation (SFA) properties serving Clive Barracks received replacement UPVC doors and windows, and 52 SFA received replacement loft insulation and roofs.
Single Living Accommodation (SLA):
In 2025 the installation of 88 Self-Contained (single occupancy) pods with ensuite bathrooms, shared kitchen & utility rooms, was commissioned by the Army, with further works in progress to improve on-site ablutions, due for completion by the end of the Financial Year. No further improvement works are identified currently.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK and France work closely together on a range of nuclear research and technology matters, including as part of the 2010 Teutates Treaty. Our deepening co-operation under the 2025 Northwood Declaration includes nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.
Release of information relating to the UK’s nuclear deterrent and our collaboration with Allies on nuclear matters is considered on a case-by-case basis, taking into account considerations regarding national security, defence and international relations.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There is no predetermined limit on the number of proposals that could be taken forward. The number accepted will depend on the quality, technical maturity, and operational relevance of each submission, as well as overall value for money and alignment with Royal Navy capability requirements.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided on 9 February 2026 to Question 110442, tabled on 3 February 2026 by the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge). All figures provided in the response are in cash terms.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Automated Small Calibre Gun (ASCG) continues to provide a reliable, stabilised, and remotely‑operated capability for close‑in defence across a range of Royal Navy (RN) platforms. As part of routine capability planning, the RN is assessing future requirements for shipborne small‑calibre weapons, including potential enhancements to sensors, fire‑control systems, and lethality.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Over the past three years, the Support Weapons Enhanced Sighting Systems project has delivered a range of enhanced capabilities to the UK's Armed Forces which are now in service on systems including Heavy Machine Gun, Grenade Machine Gun, and General-Purpose Machine Gun. Further work is ongoing through a Surveillance and Target Acquisition framework to enable the wider rollout of capabilities across Front Line Command support weapon systems.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry dock in Rosyth on 29 August 2025 to undertake planned maintenance. Information relating to the maintenance status and movements of warships are not published to avoid compromising operational security.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
HMS Queen Elizabeth entered dry dock in Rosyth on 29 August 2025 to undertake planned maintenance. Information relating to the maintenance status and movements of warships are not published to avoid compromising operational security.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The SONUS system is an Acoustic Weapon Locating capability and part of a wider programme which is delivering the next generation of Weapon Locating Systems.
The first SONUS equipment delivery date has been accelerated and is now currently scheduled for early 2026, five years earlier than planned. This equipment will be issued to 5th Regiment Royal Artillery for use in training and User Acceptance Trials. Full Deployable Capability is forecast for early 2027.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I would like to refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 5 November 2025 to Question 85996.
Owing to reasons of operational security, as I hope the hon. Member will understand, I cannot provide any further details on Project Shrinker.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Department keeps under review the potential operational benefits of emerging autonomous maritime systems, including autonomous undersea vehicles, as part of wider capability development.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
It is for bidders to submit compliant solutions to meet requirements. In accordance with the safety cases in place for our vehicles, the tyres in use are those approved by the design authority or original equipment manufacturer, which enables us to meet our obligations to ensure that the appropriate measures and controls are in place to make sure that our vehicles are safe to operate.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
It is for bidders to submit compliant solutions to meet requirements. In accordance with the safety cases in place for our vehicles, the tyres in use are those approved by the design authority or original equipment manufacturer, which enables us to meet our obligations to ensure that the appropriate measures and controls are in place to make sure that our vehicles are safe to operate.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given by my predecessor the Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry (Maria Eagle) on 29 April 2025 to Question 45896 to the hon. Member for Rutland and Stamford (Alicia Kearns).
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Defence Equipment & Support works within operative procurement rules and frameworks, such as the Procurement Act 2023 and the Land Industrial Strategy, which encourage compliant bids from UK suppliers in the delivery of Defence equipment programmes, including body armour.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Question 112332 on 18 February 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Vehicle Storage and Support Programme (VSSP) at MOD Ashchurch is delivering modern, sustainable storage solutions for the Army’s Stored Fleets. The project, on track for completion in March 2027, includes the installation of a photovoltaic (PV) array to support the energy needs of new Controlled Humidity Environment (CHE) units. These units will reduce vehicle degradation and maintenance requirements, delivering long-term cost savings and improved operational readiness.
While the CHE units will increase electricity usage, the PV array—anticipated to produce 1,542,499 kWh annually—will meet 60% of this additional demand. This will reduce reliance on external electricity, enhance energy resilience, and avoid 427,735 kg of CO2 emissions per year.
Furthermore, all new buildings that are part of the VSSP will incorporate energy-efficient systems, including heat recovery, air source heat pumps, and advanced lighting, reducing fossil fuel use and cutting carbon emissions by a third. These measures will ensure that the increased energy usage is offset by significant cost savings, improved efficiency, and a reduced carbon footprint, supporting the Department’s sustainability objectives.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not hold information on the annual electricity consumption at MOD Ashchurch, provided as Half-Hourly electricity data, for the most recent 12-month period.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Questions 111022, 111024 and 111025 on 12 February 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Questions 111022, 111024 and 111025 on 12 February 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the response I gave to Questions 111022, 111024 and 111025 on 12 February 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Queen Elizabeth Class aircraft carriers are configured to operate Short Take-Off and Vertical Landing aircraft and helicopters and do not have catapults or arrestor gear for conventional fixed-wing operations. The fixed-wing aircraft operated is the F-35B Lightning.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The DS30M Mark 2 30mm Automated Small Calibre Gun remains an appropriate armament against the surface threats to which a Batch 2 River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel could be exposed. Any future consideration of alternative weapon systems would be assessed against cost, capability need, platform integration requirements, crew impacts, and overall value for money in the context of the developing Defence Investment Plan.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Chinook H‑47(ER) is being procured with full air‑to‑air refuelling (AAR) receiver capability. On current plans, refuelling support will be provided by the U.S. KC‑130.
Concerning compensation payments to the AirTanker Consortium, whilst the AirTanker contract does not specifically exclude any type of receiver aircraft, it is restricted to AAR for Fixed Wing aircraft. Therefore, AAR for Rotary Wing aircraft is exempt from exclusivity claims.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
In line with the Humble Address motion agreed on 4 February, any information relevant to this and other questions regarding Mr Mandelson's appointment to, employment in, and withdrawal from, his posting as His Majesty's Ambassador to the United States will be published according to the process and provisions set out in the motion.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 101435 provided on 8 January 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The first flight trial under Project BRAKESTOP took place in December 2025.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Defence Investment Plan (DIP), when published, will set the funding envelope for the programme. The Atlantic Bastion capability options submitted for consideration in the DIP include a blend of uncrewed systems, underwater payloads, options to increase lethality, and improvements to crewed platforms.
While unable to provide detailed information owing to commercial sensitivity, there has been significant interest from industry in Atlantic Bastion, with combined Ministry of Defence and industry investment of £14 million already committed this year to testing and development. Additionally, 26 consortia from the UK and Europe have submitted proposals to develop anti-submarine sensor technology, with 20 companies from big primes to tech SMEs already showcasing technology demonstrators.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)