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)
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This inquiry will examine the circumstances behind and the consequences of a major data breach in February 2022 from the …
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to develop new …
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
The work of the Secretary of State for Defence
27 Jan 2026, 1:30 p.m.
At 2:00pm: Oral evidence
Rt Hon John Healey MP - Secretary of State at Ministry of Defence
Jeremy Pocklington - Permanent Secretary at Ministry of Defence
General Dame Sharon Nesmith - Vice Chief of the Defence Staff at Ministry of Defence
View calendar - Save to Calendar
Defence Committee: 24 Current Inquiries
Defence Committee: Previous Inquiries
50 most recent Written Questions
(View all written questions)The UK is committed to countering the Russian Shadow Fleet, a web of rising shadow activity that fuels and finances nefarious activity across the globe, which helps it fuel its illegal war in Ukraine. We are determined to tackle sanctions evasion and shadow fleet activity that threatens our national security and undermines global trade. Working in concert with our allies and partners, we will use the range of tools at our disposal to crackdown on sanctions evasion and illegal maritime activity.
The UK has undertaken a range of actions, such as sanctioning over 500 vessels, to disrupt and deter shadow fleet activity. HMG, including the MOD, is working with international allies to intensify action to have a more assertive approach to counter sanction busting vessels, whilst upholding the international law of the sea.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis, dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or information relating to foreign nations’ military aircraft movements.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Due to operational security reasons, the specific factors of consideration cannot be disclosed. However, all decisions on whether to approve foreign nations’ use of military bases in the UK for operational purposes considers the legal basis and policy rationale for any proposed activity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
Poland is one of the UK’s strongest allies and the UK-Poland defence relationship goes from strength to strength. Cooperation under NATO’s Eastern Sentry mission sees British and Polish pilots flying together to protect Polish and NATO airspace. 8 Polish military helicopter pilots will commence training at RAF Shawbury in Training Year 2026/2027; this has been agreed through the NATO Flight Training Europe (NFTE) programme. NFTE allocations for the remaining Training Years in the current Parliament have not yet been confirmed.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The deadline to receive Nightfall development proposals is the 9 February 2026, with development contract(s) aimed to be awarded in March 2026. The Department aims to maximise the UK industrial content of these development contract(s).
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment relating to foreign nations’ military aircraft movement.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
No meetings have so far taken place, however, developing the United Kingdom's Space sector is an important part of this Government's commitment to supporting jobs, security and prosperity for our country as shown in the Defence Space Strategy.
The Space Ministerial Forum has met 3 times since it was set up in early 2025.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract in March 2026 to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings. Following successful testing, we plan to place a 2-year production contract, with the first deliveries of Nightfall to Ukraine to start in late 2027 and ramp up to a rate of at least 10 missiles per month.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The project aims for three industry teams to each be awarded a £9 million development contract in March 2026 to design, develop and deliver their first three missiles within 12 months for test firings. We envision the first deliveries of Nightfall to Ukraine to start in late 2027.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence paid General Dynamics Land Systems UK £192 million in line with contractual obligations for the Ajax programme between 23 July 2025 and 12 Jan 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard UK interests. The Royal Navy remains committed to regional stability through its enduring presence under Operation KIPION, including the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of over 130 personnel. The Royal Navy’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous Mine Countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, continuing to innovate at pace.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
UK Defence personnel posted to NATO’s headquarters in Brussels include members of the Armed Forces and Ministry of Defence Civil Servants. These figures are captured in the table below.
UK Military Staff
NATO HQ Brussels | Financial Year (FY) 2021-22 | FY 2022-23 | FY 2023-24 | FY 2024-25 | FY 2025-26 |
UK Delegation | 20 | 20 | 20 | 21 | 21 |
International Military Staff (IMS) | 24 | 25 | 26 | 29 | 25 |
Total | 44 | 45 | 46 | 50 | 46* |
* This will increase to 47 in March 26
UK Civilian Staff
NATO HQ Brussels | FY 2021-22 | FY 2022-23 | FY 2023-24 | FY 2024-25 | FY 2025-26 |
UK Delegation | 15 | 14 | 10 | 10 | 12 |
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The UK is one of the largest contributors of personnel to NATO, underlining our commitment to deterrence and defence of the Euro-Atlantic Area, with personnel deployed over twenty-one countries.
The UK will be increasing its footprint within The International Military Staff based at NATO Headquarters, Brussels by seven posts over the next three years.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Government will make a final decision on the award of the New Medium Helicopter contract through the wider Defence Investment Plan (DIP). The Department is working flat out to deliver the DIP, which will be published as soon as possible. It is backed by the Government’s largest sustained increase in defence investment since the end of the Cold War, spending £270 billion on defence in this Parliament alone.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
It is not possible to provide that information within the time available to answer this question. I will write to the hon. Member shortly with an update and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The new ballistic missiles developed under Project NIGHTFALL are intended to provide Ukraine with a long range-punch to counter Russian aggression. All decisions on missile capabilities we are acquiring are made in the Defence Investment Plan which will be published shortly.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Department intends to procure one Early Capability Demonstrator under this contract, however the full production contract has yet to be placed. The total number of RCH155 to be procured will be decided upon receipt of full industry costed proposals.
On current plans, enough platforms will be procured to equip three Close Support Artillery Regiments, as a minimum.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The US and UK remain steadfast allies and will continue to closely cooperate on a range of defence and security issues. But how the US Department of War manages the use of technology in their systems is a matter for them. The UK’s Defence AI Strategy recognises AI systems must be adopted to avoid falling behind adversaries, whilst mandating robust cybersecurity and safety measures for these systems. The MOD’s Joint Service Publication 936 mandates that AI systems deployed in UK defence environments must be safe, robust, and secure, must pass relevant assurance checks, and comply with the Government Cyber Security Standard and Secure By Design principles.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK solely funded the development and production of the first two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems. The additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems, of which the first batch will be delivered shortly, are each equally funded by the UK and Denmark.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The current planned out of service date for Pinzgauer is 2030.
Out of service dates are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Programme Euston is the Royal Navy’s solution to Additional Fleet Time Docking Capability. The programme aims to deliver a resilient out of water engineering capability at HMNB Clyde by the early 2030s.
The next key milestone will be the submission of a Programme Business Case in mid-2026. Timelines are kept under regular review as part of the Department’s major programmes portfolio. For reasons of commercial and operational sensitivities, the department is unable to provide detailed timelines.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
All ships in service with the Royal Navy are commissioned warships.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The UK will procure one Early Capability Demonstrator platform as part of the Mobile Fires Platform programme with Germany procuring two additional demonstrators. This will allow all three to be used for joint trials and evaluation, providing both time and cost benefits.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Activities under the Trinity House partnership between the UK and Germany are progressing technical work to mature and inform choices for very long-range Deep Precision Strike capabilities that would expand the UK's options for retaliation to attack, or threat of attack, on the UK or its Allies.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Vessels being procured as part of the Defence Marine Services-Next Generation In-Port Services will not be built in China and future maintenance of the vessels will take place in the UK.
This Government is stepping up our support for UK shipbuilders. We are looking closely at the subcontracting supply chain as part of our Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan, which will set out our plans to ensure that we are maximising our use of UK industry as an engine for growth.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
While it would be inappropriate to release details of the 11 limitations of use identified in the NAO report for security reasons, as a complete list of criteria could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces, those limitations were resolved prior to Initial Operating Capability being met.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Ajax programme utilises a Joint Acceptance Group to undertake acceptance testing. All 185 capability drop 3 vehicles have been through this process.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
No Ajax vehicles have been manufactured and assembled in Spain.
No Ajax vehicles have been manufactured in Spain and assembled in Wales.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Assembly of all 589 Ajax platforms is forecast to be completed by December 2028.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
There have been no concerns on the accuracy of the calculator since 2021.
Work was undertaken to address concerns raised about the accuracy of the findings of the calculator from both DSTL and Defence Equipment and Support staff prior to 2021. Recent evidence from testing on platforms demonstrates both the accuracy and the safety factor within the calculator. These concerns were raised five years ago and have been fully addressed.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
An assessment of the future capability requirements remains ongoing. No decisions on a potential replacement have yet been taken.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Equipment to enable UK F-35Bs to undertake Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landings (SRVL) is fitted to HMS Prince Of Wales (PWLS) and underwent initial trials in 2023; the results of those trials continue to be analysed by a commercial partner. When complete, this will enable the Ministry of Defence to make an accurate assessment of the benefits and cost of further developing the SRVL system for operational use.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
As previously announced, there are ongoing reviews into the Ajax programme. An assessment will be made should the outcomes identify any concerns with the vehicle acceptance process.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web.
The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project.
The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web.
The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project.
The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web.
The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project.
The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
The Department, through Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, is progressing plans to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027. This includes the establishment of the Defence Targeting Enterprise Office, which will enable the orchestration of cross-defence activity.
The Ministry of Defence remains committed to delivering this Strategic Defence Review recommendation and will continue to monitor progress to ensure that delivery remains on track.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
Currently, posts for the UK in the Global Combat Air Programme – International Government Organisation (GIGO) are filled primarily by staff from the Ministry of Defence, or other Departments when specific skills are required.
The GIGO Treaty states that Personnel for the GIGO shall primarily be composed of Government officials drawn from the Parties.
Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)
For reasons of safeguarding national security, I am not able to outline the process for developing rules of engagement, as to do so would be prejudicial to our operations.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Multinational Force for Ukraine will deploy at the invitation of the Government of Ukraine, with the Declaration of Intent forming part of the framework to establish the status of international forces deployed as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine.
Alongside the French, we continue to work closely with Ukraine to finalise the overarching governance and legal framework for the deployment of the force. As stated by the Prime Minister, the details of a deployment as relating to the Declaration of Intent will be set out in a statement at the earliest opportunity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Multinational Force for Ukraine will deploy at the invitation of the Government of Ukraine, with the Declaration of Intent forming part of the framework to establish the status of international forces deployed as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine.
Alongside the French, we continue to work closely with Ukraine to finalise the overarching governance and legal framework for the deployment of the force. As stated by the Prime Minister, the details of a deployment as relating to the Declaration of Intent will be set out in a statement at the earliest opportunity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Multinational Force for Ukraine will deploy at the invitation of the Government of Ukraine, with the Declaration of Intent forming part of the framework to establish the status of international forces deployed as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine.
Alongside the French, we continue to work closely with Ukraine to finalise the overarching governance and legal framework for the deployment of the force. As stated by the Prime Minister, the details of a deployment as relating to the Declaration of Intent will be set out in a statement at the earliest opportunity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The Multinational Force for Ukraine will deploy at the invitation of the Government of Ukraine, with the Declaration of Intent forming part of the framework to establish the status of international forces deployed as part of the Multinational Force for Ukraine.
Alongside the French, we continue to work closely with Ukraine to finalise the overarching governance and legal framework for the deployment of the force. As stated by the Prime Minister, the details of a deployment as relating to the Declaration of Intent will be set out in a statement at the earliest opportunity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
While any deployment of multinational forces in support of Ukraine, under the Declaration of Intent, would not be part of a NATO operation, the privileges and immunities applicable to the Multinational Force-Ukraine will be those provided for in the NATO Status of Forces Agreement dated 19 June 1951.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The UK has a strong record of delivering tailored training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and remains committed to adapting its support to meet Ukraine’s evolving needs.
Operation INTERFLEX, the UK-led training programme, has already trained over 62,000 Ukrainian personnel and will continue until at least the end of 2026. Since the inception of Operation INTERFLEX, the programme has continually adapted to reflect the changing requirements of the AFU and the operational environment. This includes regular review of the budget, as funding allocations are adjusted to ensure maximum impact in areas of greatest need. Any future adjustments, including potential increases in numbers trained, will be designed to complement these requirements and further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the cessation of hostilities, the Multinational Force Ukraine is expected to play a key role in regenerating Ukraine’s land forces, providing logistic, armament and training expertise to support their reconstitution. Any future UK training programmes will be designed to complement these efforts and further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)
The UK has a strong record of delivering tailored training to the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) and remains committed to adapting its support to meet Ukraine’s evolving needs.
Operation INTERFLEX, the UK-led training programme, has already trained over 62,000 Ukrainian personnel and will continue until at least the end of 2026. Since the inception of Operation INTERFLEX, the programme has continually adapted to reflect the changing requirements of the AFU and the operational environment. This includes regular review of the budget, as funding allocations are adjusted to ensure maximum impact in areas of greatest need. Any future adjustments, including potential increases in numbers trained, will be designed to complement these requirements and further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Following the cessation of hostilities, the Multinational Force Ukraine is expected to play a key role in regenerating Ukraine’s land forces, providing logistic, armament and training expertise to support their reconstitution. Any future UK training programmes will be designed to complement these efforts and further strengthen Ukraine’s ability to defend its sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) (Minister for Veterans)