Ministry of Defence

Various Defence communications staff have responsibilities to create and post content to social media channels. However, this only forms one aspect of their role. Exact figures for staff with responsibility for social media could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

There was no specific payment to General Dynamics related to Initial Operating Capability.

The Proteus Technology Demonstrator Project (TDP) is testing the efficacy of a large, unmanned helicopter, designed from the outset to incorporate modular payloads and a high degree of autonomy, to fulfil a range of warfighting roles for the Royal Navy.

The Proteus TDP will culminate with the first flight of the air vehicle, expected to take place in January 2026. Thereafter, the Royal Navy intends to take the knowledge gained from Proteus to inform the development of an operational rotary wing platform for maritime surveillance and strike roles during the next decade.

The Proteus Technology Demonstrator Project (TDP) is testing the efficacy of a large, unmanned helicopter, designed from the outset to incorporate modular payloads and a high degree of autonomy, to fulfil a range of warfighting roles for the Royal Navy.

The Proteus TDP will culminate with the first flight of the air vehicle, expected to take place in January 2026. Thereafter, the Royal Navy intends to take the knowledge gained from Proteus to inform the development of an operational rotary wing platform for maritime surveillance and strike roles during the next decade.

This Government is fully committed to renewing the nations contract with those who serve and who have served and to ensure veterans and their families have access to the employment support they need. A range of programmes are in place to support those leaving service, which make full use of their skills and experience in finding fulfilling and sustainable careers.

The Career Transition Partnership is the initial point of employment provision for those transitioning into civilian life, with employment assistance available for up to two years before and two years after leaving 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 engaged with over 420 employers to create employment opportunities and successfully supported 5,000 veterans and family members.

In addition, the new Veterans Strategy outlines specific and targeted interventions to connect veterans with strategically important industries. This includes a 12-month Clean Energy Jobs pilot in partnership with the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to connect veterans with high-skilled careers in the high demand clean energy sector.

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

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 6805 on 4 October 2024 which confirms the British Army has conducted operational analysis, lethality and survivability studies, which includes analysing potential turreted options. The British Army will continually review the capabilities, priorities and affordability choices that will be provided by BOXER and other platforms to ensure that its armoured Fighting Vehicle fleet best meets Defence and NATO's needs.

The Naval Strike Missile (NSM) is a Norwegian anti-ship and land attack missile, which has been acquired for the Royal Navy’s escort force. It replaces the Harpoon anti-ship missile, which went out of service in December 2023. The NSM is 20 years newer, has greater range, and is far more capable than the system it replaces.

The Royal Navy completed its first successful launch of an NSM missile from HMS SOMERSET in Norway in September 2025 at Exercise AEGIR. Test firings are now complete and the NSM is expected to enter service later this year.

I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that this information is classified and not for public release.

In December 2025, the UK joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System research and development programme, a multinational initiative with Finland, centred around the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle. The programme is in the assessment phase.

The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will deliver a significant improvement in capability over its predecessor, the Challenger 2. Enhancements include a digitalised turret fitted with the latest 120mm smoothbore gun paired with the most lethal ammunition available; world-class UK-designed armour and an Active Protection System; and improved automotive performance. New advanced sighting systems, sensors and processing capabilities will improve situational awareness and interoperability with other units.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to his questions 68113, 73577 and 79396 which remains extant and explains the current position for the Army’s project ASGARD.

The United Kingdom is purchasing at least 12 F-35A aircraft. The aircraft will allow the UK to participate in NATO's Dual Capable Aircraft (DCA) nuclear mission. The nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO DCA nuclear mission are United States (US) nuclear weapons and the US retains control and custody over them.

NATO’s 2022 Strategic Concept states that the strategic nuclear forces of the Alliance, particularly those of the US, are the supreme guarantee of the security of the Alliance.

The Government has no plans to expand the UK nuclear deterrent beyond our existing submarine-based system but continues to keep its nuclear posture under constant review in light of the international security environment and the actions of potential adversaries.

No specific effector (or weapon system) has been procured for this project yet. The project aims to determine the most effective means of countering air-to-air threats, which may or may not involve the use of a specific weapon system.

The Net Zero target in the Climate Change Act 2008, is a target for the whole of the UK, not individual departments or arms-length bodies.

Greening Government Commitments are the central framework setting out the actions UK Government departments and their agencies will take to reduce their impacts on the environment, including setting targets to reduce emissions.

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs are reviewing the Greening Government Commitments to ensure that they remain aligned with Government priorities.

For the Ministry of Defence, guidance was published by the last Government in the 2021 Climate Change and Sustainability Strategic Approach which set a target of reducing emissions from its built estate by at least 30% by 2025.

The figure of £129,469,000 recorded as constructive losses in the Ministry of Defence accounts for 2024-25 relates to the early retirement of 14 of the oldest Chinook aircraft and associated equipment announced in November 2024. This ageing equipment is being removed from service to optimise the sustainment of the remaining Chinook fleet. The associated financial adjustment ensures that the Department's accounts accurately reflect the revised date of retirement for these assets.

The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.

The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.

The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.

The Defence Counter Intelligence Unit (DCIU) will develop in maturity to meet the threat that Defence faces, and it is planned to be fully operational in 2027. The establishment of the DCIU is being delivered within existing resources. The DCIU will be part of Defence Intelligence, and led by an appropriate member of the Senior Civil Service or Military Equivalent.

The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

The establishment of Military Intelligence Services (MIS) is being delivered within existing Departmental resource, and a limited number of new military posts are being established to enable and sustain the MIS programme as it progresses toward Full Operational Capability. MIS will be led by the Chief of Defence Intelligence.

It is for the US to answer questions about the specifics of their own National Security Strategy. The UK shares the US’s objectives of bringing the war in Ukraine to an end, strengthening Euro-Atlantic security, burden sharing through NATO and increased defence spending, which are all set out in our Strategic Defence Review. The Defence Secretary discussed this when he met with US Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth, in December. Our commitment to NATO and to European security is ironclad.

As the hon. Member is aware I have directed a Ministerial review that covers elements of his question. I will update the House in due course.

Initial Operating Capability (IOC) for the Armoured Cavalry Programme (commonly known as Ajax) was announced on 5 November 2025 by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry. IOC was not declared by General Dynamics.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 98364 on 17 December 2025, which remains extant:

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses its current and planned capabilities to ensure that it is appropriately equipped to face any adversary.

The CV90 was one of the vehicles considered during the competition for the Scout Specialist Vehicle. An evaluation has not occurred since the Ajax contract was awarded.

Current capabilities which would be used to defeat cruise missiles, drone swarms and ballistic missiles include existing Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force capabilities. Type 45 destroyers, Ground Based Air Defence, Combat Air platforms and supporting air defence sensing and command and control, as well as Counter-Uncrewed Air System capabilities would all play a part in a response.

His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review which will shape future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Further announcement on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan.

We have also recently approved £318 million for dragonfire which will help support protection against air threats with the first system being installed on a type 45 destroyer in 2027.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to the hon, Member for Newton Abbott (Martin Wrigley) on 1 September 2025 to Question 70223.

Discussions with potential international partners remain commercially sensitive, and it would not be appropriate to provide details of any prospective proceeds while these engagements are ongoing.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will determine how Defence intends to realise the vision of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR). We are working flat out to finalise the Defence Investment Plan and we will publish it as soon as it's ready.

I’m sure the hon. Member will appreciate the scale of the decisions that we need to make. He will also appreciate the scale of the problems that we face, including those to do with a programme of the last Government’s that over-committed, and was underfunded and unsuited to meeting the threats that we will face in the future.

As confirmed in the Spending Review (SR) 2025, this Government has a fully funded path to reaching 2.6% NATO qualifying defence spending by 2027, with an ambition to reach 3% by the end of the next Parliament, when fiscal and economic conditions allow. We will set budgets for the next Spending Review period at SR27. The NATO Defence Investment Pledge will be reviewed by NATO Allies in 2029.

As has been the case under successive administrations, the allocation of official Ministerial residences, including Admiralty House, is determined by the Prime Minister on the grounds of security or to enable Ministers to better perform their official duties. During the period from September to November 2024, the Secretary of State for Defence occupied Admiralty House on a time-limited basis. The property was used on a second residence basis.

It is vital we utilise defence as an engine for innovation and growth including investing in novel technologies. With further investment from this Government, innovation will thrive in every region and nation of the United Kingdom.

Drones, including unmanned aerial systems, are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons learnt from the war in Ukraine. The Strategic Defence Review announced a doubling in autonomy investment in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion.

Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the Integrated Force.

While the Department continues to work flat out to finalise the DIP, delivery continues, for example progressing always-on munitions factories, delivering the Defence Housing Strategy and Defence Industrial Strategy, and securing agreements to export Typhoon Jets to Türkiye and Type 26 Frigates to Norway. In 2025 we secured over £20 billion in defence exports to allies, expected to be the highest since records began over 40 years ago.

The Department has signed more than 1,000 major defence contracts since July 2024, including 86% with British-based businesses, and spent more than £31 billion with UK industry last year – an above inflation increase in spending.

The Ministry of Defence's delivery of drones to Ukraine is not included in the Department's procurement totals.

13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats.

Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far. Of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly, and will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages.

Under the Armed Forces Covenant, organisations are encouraged to make voluntary pledges to support Service personnel, Veterans and their families. However, insurance provision is a matter for private companies, and the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not have the authority to direct or mandate their commercial decisions.

The MOD continues to engage with industry and promote best practice through the Covenant framework of voluntary pledges and the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme, encouraging businesses to remove barriers and ensure fair treatment for the Armed Forces community.

The MOD does not provide financial or legal advice, and neither can we take responsibility for individual financial decisions. Personnel who require such advice are directed by their Unit HR staffs to a list of Services Insurance and Investment Advisory Panel (SIIAP) approved independent financial advisers. However, personnel are, of course, free to use the services of any independent financial adviser.

The safety of our Service personnel remains a top priority for the Ministerial team and the Department.

Investigations into Ajax and a Ministerial review remain ongoing. The investigation teams are conducting their work thoroughly and at pace and they must be given the time and space required to ensure that all information and evidence is considered.

A further update will be provided in due course.

Defence is ready to respond to any potential threats and take necessary steps to protect the UK's national interest. Defence will not shy away from robust action to protect Britain; with our NATO allies, we are strengthening our response to ensure that Russian ships and aircraft cannot operate in secrecy near UK or NATO territory.

The Royal Navy constantly monitors activity in and around UK waters and is ready and willing to respond if required, with ships held at high readiness under existing maritime security response plans. The Royal Navy is working closely across Government and with our international Allies to secure the waters and critical undersea infrastructure in and around the UK. HMG's centre of excellence for maritime security, the Joint Maritime Security Centre monitors our critical national infrastructure for potential threats. The Royal Navy also patrols UK waters with Maritime Patrol Aircraft and the Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance programme and continues to invest in new capabilities.

This includes responding to the Yantar, a Russian ship used for gathering intelligence and mapping to threaten our critical national underwater infrastructure and pose a threat to our way of life. During the Yantar's most recent deployment in and around the UK's exclusive economic zone, she was continuously and closely monitored by Royal Navy frigate HMS Somerset and the RAF's P-8s. Defence has also directed a change in the Royal Navy's posture, so that we can more closely track and robustly respond to the threats from this vessel and many others. Such actions have previously included surfacing a Royal Navy submarine - strictly as a deterrent measure - to make clear that we monitor every move.

The Defence Investment Plan outcome will inform any update to F-35 procurement timelines.

All criteria for Ajax Initial Operating Capability (IOC) were met on 23 July 2025 and following a period of review, IOC was declared by the Army on 15 September 2025.

I have put in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the Department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety.

It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by me and report to the Defence Secretary. It will be conducted at pace, but it will not be rushed.

This Government is committed to waiving visa fees for non-UK veterans, including Commonwealth citizens, who have served for four or more years, and their dependants. We are working closely with the Home Office to deliver this commitment.

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) hold a crucial place in UK defence. They are the backbone of the UK economy and are vital to delivering the innovation, expertise and agility that we need now and in the future. This is recognised in the Defence Industrial Strategy, as well as the Department’s Social Value policy.

Support through the new Office for Small Business Growth will be available to SMEs in the Yeovil constituency. The Office’s offering will be across the country and utilising effective digital tools, enabling small businesses to connect with the Office regardless of location. The Office stands up shortly.

We are also introducing a new SME Commercial Pathway as part of our broader acquisition transformation. Through this pathway, Defence will increase the number of opportunities for SMEs, and make our contracting processes simpler, less onerous and faster.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025.

https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-02/96241

The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a ‘Minimal Viable Product’, in 2026. The detail of these first deliverables is being defined now, but in outline will consist of the digitisation of selected targeting processes to deliver increased scale, speed and precision. Plans will be continually developed and upgraded to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.

No target date will be given for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web. This is because to be competitive, the UK must continually adapt and develop its ability to target, and this will require constant evolution.