Ministry of Defence

There are 21 current UK-U.S. Joint Working Groups (JOWOGs), an information exchange arrangement with the U.S. under the Mutual Defense Agreement. The costs of participating in those JOWOGs is not held centrally in the format required and that information could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Ministry of Defence does not have a single target date for the completion of Defence Reform. Implementation planning will begin in January 2026, and implementation will commence progressively as elements of the unified Defence Operating Model mature. Full implementation will continue throughout 2026 and beyond

This information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets very seriously, and is working with other government departments to understand and mitigate any potential threats to national security from vehicles. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicles, not just electric vehicles or those manufactured in China, and we are working across MOD to ensure risks are appropriately managed in accordance with the needs of different communities. We do not give details of restrictions and controls as to do so could benefit potential adversaries.

The United Kingdom’s use of the facilities at Epure, constructed under the Teutates programme, is fully compliant with our obligations under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). The Teutates Treaty (Cm 8289) reaffirms the rights and obligations of both the UK and France under the NPT.

None. The Astraea nuclear warhead is sovereign to the United Kingdom.

I am withholding the cost of the Teutates programme as release would prejudice international relations.

No French personnel, civilian or military, are based at AWE’s Aldermaston or Burghfield sites as part of the programme.

We are working with our U.S. counterparts in the U.S. Navy and National Nuclear Security Administration to ensure the UK replacement warhead remains compatible with the Trident missile. The Astraea warhead will be designed, developed, and manufactured in the UK. It will be housed in the Mk7 aeroshell, as will the U.S. W93 warhead, but the requirements, design and manufacture of the warheads are sovereign to each nation. This is consistent with our obligations under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

The Department is withholding the information as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests.

We are reviewing which additional legal powers the Government might need across the range of Defence business as part of our work in developing the defence readiness legislation announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

While there are no plans to recover the Lancaster bomber of 617 Squadron located in Sweden, I understand that the wreckage is monitored and cared for by the Porjus Arkivkommitté, the local Swedish Archival Committee.

The aircraft is in poor condition, and any recovery attempt would require considerable time and funds. However, the Porjus Arkivkommitté have put in place a walking trail and signage around the site for those wishing to visit, so that they may learn about the history of the Lancaster bomber raids and her crew.

The Royal Air Force pays tribute to the sacrifice and courage of Bomber Command by keeping a Lancaster flying on the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) and by preservation of a Lancaster in the National Collection within the Royal Air Force Museum.

Settlements of asbestos related compensation claims brought against the Ministry of Defence for asbestos related disease are published annually. These are published the year after the relevant financial year (FY). For example, settled claims and compensation paid in FY2024-25 will be published in 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including asbestos related claims.

MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were no initial injury/illness awards under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for mesothelioma or any asbestos-related condition.

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 119 awards for mesothelioma or any asbestos related conditions under the War Pension Scheme (WPS).

Please note, numbers for AFCS include initial awards only. Asbestos conditions which were initially rejected but were subsequently awarded, following a reconsideration or appeal in this financial year, have not been counted due to the complexity of the data.

This Government remains dedicated in recognising our veterans for their service and is fully committed to ensuring that veterans are able to access the care and support they need.

In England, NHS England provides Op COURAGE, which delivers a broad range of specialist mental health wellbeing care and support for service leavers, reservists, and veterans. Op RESTORE provides specialist care and support to veterans who have physical health problems as a result of their service. Separate provision is available for veterans living in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Earlier this year we launched VALOUR, a new national programme designed to make it easier for veterans across the UK to access support when it is needed. The £27 million VALOUR development funding programme will deliver VALOUR Recognised Centres across the country, which will help cohere service provision and ensure that veterans can meet and discuss their issues with others who understand their unique experiences, within their communities, to further enhance their wellbeing.

This is a Government that will always stand up for those who serve our country.

This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.

Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The Defence Housing Strategy will turbocharge the development of surplus military land with Service families and veterans to receive priority access to homes on Ministry of Defence development land as part of new 'Forces First' approach.

I, and my predecessor also attend the Inter-Ministerial Group on Homelessness and Rough Sleeping which brings together ministers from across Government to drive progress on the development of a cross-Government strategy to get back on track to ending homelessness. This group is designed to ensure we are working across Government, and in partnership with Local Authorities and Mayors, to tackle the root causes of homelessness.

Settlements of common law compensation claims for alleged Ministry of Defence clinical negligence are published annually. These are published the year after the relevant financial year (FY). For example, settled claims and compensation paid in FY 2024-25 will be published in 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including clinical negligence claims.

MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK

Both the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) and War Pensions Scheme (WPS) are no-fault schemes to pay compensation for injuries, illness or death caused or made worse by service. Awards are granted for injuries/illnesses/deaths and not specific events within their service. Identifying if the claimant has stated their injuries/illnesses/deaths were suffered as a result of clinical negligence would not be possible to quantify, and would only be possible at a disproportionate cost as it would require a manual file search of every claim file.

AWE notified the Ministry of Defence last year of its intent to conduct a reorganisation to strengthen the company as it embarks on the challenge of designing and manufacturing the next generation of the UK’s sovereign nuclear warhead.

The ongoing restructuring will not reduce the overall number of employees, as the company will continue to hire appropriately qualified skilled professionals, including scientists and engineers. This activity will ensure AWE has the right people with the right skillsets in place to deliver defence outputs, both now and in the future.

The precise nature of the reorganisation is an operational matter for AWE. AWE will work closely with the trade unions throughout the consultation period and are committed to approaching the process with fairness, care and respect for its employees.

As Minister for Veterans and People I have responsibility for the Office for Veterans Affairs and the Veterans Advisory and Pensions Committees, both of which report to me. This Government is steadfast in our commitment to ensuring that support to veterans is better cohered and coordinated including through the development of the VALOUR programme.

Defence assesses that the wide variety of available recruitment engagement options it provides affords opportunity for candidates to enlist, regardless of the presence of an Armed Forces Careers Office (AFCO) in any given geographic location. The Armed Forces regularly review their recruiting activities and associated resource in accordance with the requirement.

Whilst AFCOs continue to provide core support to the Armed Forces' national recruiting activities, their geographic footprint across the UK is complemented by dedicated call centres and online recruiting operations. This ensures that members of rural or isolated communities have the same opportunity to apply to the Armed Forces as anyone else.

In addition, the Services conduct outreach engagement programmes across the whole of the UK, delivering events such as career fairs and roadshows, supported by online services and social media campaigns. These recruitment activities are further supported through strategic partnerships such as with JobCentrePlus, which provides additional face-to-face touchpoints with potential applicants.

The Ministry of Defence takes the safety and wellbeing of all cadets extremely seriously. Cadets receive the same level of security as other users of the

Defence Estate, aligned to the UK Threat Level and Response.

Cadet facilities on the Defence Estate fall under the Head of Establishment; those in other locations not on the Defence Estate are overseen by the local Reserve Forces' and Cadets' Association.

Defence operates a robust safeguarding system open to referrals from cadets, volunteers and parents, with all concerns investigated. Physical security is reviewed regularly, and risk assessments are aligned to security regulations. Industry partners that work on site are subject to the minimum vetting of Baseline Personnel Security Standards.

The information as to who exactly has bid remains commercially sensitive and is currently not for onward release.

There are however a number of UK companies involved, providing various different Small Uncrewed Aeriel System (sUAS) solutions. This is testament to the growth of the Uncrewed System development in the UK.

The information as to who exactly has bid remains commercially sensitive and is currently not for onward release.

There are however a number of UK companies involved, providing various different Small Uncrewed Aeriel System (sUAS) solutions. This is testament to the growth of the Uncrewed System development in the UK.

I responded to the hon. Member on 28 November 2025.

I responded to the hon. Member on 28 November 2025.

Multinational Force Operation OLYMPIC DEFENDER (MNF-OOD) is a US led multinational force which provides national-level authority for centralised planning of combined space operations. The core members are the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, and New Zealand.

MNF-OOD's focus is to optimise space operations, improve mission assurance, enhance resilience of space-based systems and synchronise efforts to strengthen deterrence against hostile actors.

UK Space Command is leading the UK's contribution. The UK's role is to analyse and share information about the space domain to ensure troops on the ground are aware of threats and their options to maintain access to space services.

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that our defence policy is ‘NATO First’. The Armed Forces must be capable of operating as part of a NATO force by design. We are taking this forward with and through NATO, which will produce an Interoperability Plan for the Alliance by the end of the year. The Military Strategic Headquarters has appointed an interoperability champion to support the implementation of this plan.

The UK’s own roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies is being developed with and in support of our Integrated Force Design. Officials within the Department meet regularly to discuss these, however, information regarding the total number of meetings is not held in the format requested.

The Strategic Defence Review is clear that our defence policy is ‘NATO First’. The Armed Forces must be capable of operating as part of a NATO force by design. We are taking this forward with and through NATO, which will produce an Interoperability Plan for the Alliance by the end of the year. The Military Strategic Headquarters has appointed an interoperability champion to support the implementation of this plan.

The UK’s own roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies is being developed with and in support of our Integrated Force Design. Officials within the Department meet regularly to discuss these, however, information regarding the total number of meetings is not held in the format requested.

Contract end dates for Ministry of Defence staff engaged in Defence Reform vary by individual.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats.

Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate. The Department is committed to safeguarding UK military training grounds from unauthorised access through a combination of physical security measures, legal enforcement, and community engagement.

To further enhance security, the Ministry of Defence ensures increased visible patrols, maintains guard readiness, regularly inspects and maintains CCTV, gates, and barriers, and promotes heightened security awareness across the Defence Estate. This Government has also delivered significant physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20million in digital transformation to modernise our approach.

As part of the Respect the Range campaign, tailored communication packages are delivered to educate the public on safety measures and the importance of adhering to guidelines near the training estate.

The number of break-ins detected at British Army bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows:

The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised entry.

The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites.

The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence.

We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.

The number of break-ins detected at Royal Navy bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows:

The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry.

The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a priority key for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites.

The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence.

We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.

The number of break-ins detected at Royal Air Forces bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows:

The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry.

The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites.

The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity.

The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence.

We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.

The Government takes the safety and wellbeing of all Cadets extremely seriously. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to work with the Home Office to assess the potential impact that housing asylum seekers on military bases could have on our Cadet Forces and future activities, and to develop any necessary mitigating actions. Our priority is ensuring these developments have limited impact on our Cadets, and we will always apply the appropriate safeguarding measures so that we can continue delivering Cadet programmes. We will also ensure that staff, Cadets and their families are kept abreast of any updates.

The Government takes the safety and wellbeing of all Cadets extremely seriously. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to work with the Home Office to assess the potential impact that housing asylum seekers on military bases could have on our Cadet Forces and future activities, and to develop any necessary mitigating actions. Our priority is ensuring these developments have limited impact on our Cadets, and we will always apply the appropriate safeguarding measures so that we can continue delivering Cadet programmes. We will also ensure that staff, Cadets and their families are kept abreast of any updates.

As of 1 November 2025, a total of 41 individuals are employed within Defence Reform, based on headcount.

The success of Defence Reform will be measured against the following criteria:

• Clearer accountabilities and responsibilities across the organisation.

• Simpler decision-making processes and systems to improve efficiency.

• Enhanced ways of working, including better use of technology and behaviours.

• The establishment of a 'One Defence' culture, fostering collaboration across allareas of defence.

Between 21 November 2024 and 21 November 2025, Op FORTITUDE has received 47 referrals in Wiltshire.

This Government is fully committed to ensuring that all veterans across the UK have access to the support they need on housing. That is why we have committed an additional £12 million to ensure the continuation of the Reducing Veteran Homelessness programme.

Op FORTITUDE will also be extended, putting the service that has already supported over 1,000 veterans on a sustainable footing. These programmes will deliver three years of support services across the UK for veterans at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

The War Pensions Scheme (WPS) and Armed Forces Compensation Schemes (AFCS) compensate service personnel and veterans for a wide range of injuries and illnesses arising from or exacerbated by their service. Non-freezing cold injuries (NFCI) are included in both schemes.

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 13 awards for NFCI conditions under the War Pensions Scheme (WPS).

Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 32 initial awards for Non-Freezing Cold Injury conditions under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS). AFCS awards for NFCI that were initially rejected, but subsequently awarded are not included and not available at this point.

In addition, settlements of common law compensation claims for alleged MOD negligence or omissions resulting in personal injury are published annually. The statistical bulletin is published in the year following the end of the previous financial year so settled claims and compensation paid in financial year (FY) 2024-25 will be published in summer 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including NFCI claims.

MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK

Across the UK, new dedicated and regionally based VALOUR field officers will oversee the establishment and support the running of a network of place-based partnerships. These partnerships will bring together partners from across local government, public services and the third sector to drive forward delivery of the Veterans' Strategy and Armed Forces Covenant in their area. VALOUR Field Officers will work closely with existing Armed Forces Champions and other similar posts operating at the local level and share insights and learning between local partnerships and a new VALOUR HQ. Field Officers will additionally share best practice across their networks, which may include training materials for front line staff as required.

In addition, VALOUR field officers will be supported in understanding the diverse needs of veterans-including LGBT+ and non-UK veterans by Veteran Services (VS), the MOD statutory service. VS have a wealth of experience in assessing and supporting service leavers, veterans, and their families in welfare-based case management.

VS will play a pivotal role supporting VALOUR, with their own field teams distributed across the UK. This MOD collaboration will ensure VALOUR field officers will be able to provide expert guidance and practical support to ensure that they are equipped to deliver inclusive and informed services to all veterans.

The demonstrator submarine, Swiftsure, continues to be dismantled as part of the Submarine Dismantling Project. Working with Babcock, we remain committed to dismantling the platform by the end of 2026. Following Swiftsure, there are six further legacy submarines in Rosyth awaiting to enter the dismantling process.

Realisation of an enduring disposal capability to ensure the safe and secure disposal of the UK’s future decommissioned submarines will be delivered through the Department’s Submarine Disposal Capability Project. The project is currently in its concept phase and the Department is assessing options for the capability and its location with various sites under consideration within the UK. A decision will be communicated to Parliament at the appropriate time.

The information requested is outlined in the table below.

Contracts by value: