Ministry of Defence

There has been no money spent or specific work carried out under Project Rarden in the last ten years.

The time commitment required from a Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) depends on the scope, scale and complexity of the project. We follow National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) guidance and have full-time SROs on the most challenging projects.

In agreement with NISTA, we have identified the 15 most challenging of our Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) projects that require a full time SRO.

The remaining 33 projects currently in the GMPP, are led by SROs who may lead more than one project or have additional responsibilities.

The role of the SRO - whether civilian or military – is to provide leadership, while day to day management of programmes is the responsibility of the Programme Director.

The Ministry of Defence takes a rigorous approach to manage risks arising from capability gaps, ensuring that we are able to deliver defence's strategic and operational tasks. It is important to guard against the threat of adversary data aggregation of gaps in UK military capability, so it would be inappropriate to comment further.

The second stage of the New Medium Helicopter competition commenced on 27 February 2024 with the release of the Invitation to Negotiate to Airbus Helicopters UK, Leonardo Helicopters UK and Lockheed Martin UK.

Only Leonardo Helicopters UK elected to submit a tender which has been evaluated but since the procurement process is still active, it is too early to assess the effectiveness of the competition.

Officials continue to consider the New Medium Helicopter business case as part of the Government’s approval process, with a decision to be made as part of the upcoming Defence Investment Plan.

It is unclear which report the hon. Member is referring to. The Defence Committee reported findings following an inquiry into the work of Defence Equipment and Support in 2023; however, no recommendations were made regarding the Ajax programme.

Of the House of Commons Defence Committee's report ‘Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life’, Defence has accepted 33 recommendations, partially accepted a further four recommendations and noted 13 points which were conclusions rather than recommendations. Three of the Committee’s recommendations were not implemented; these related to timelines for Service Complaints appeals and civilian jurisdiction.

All the actions Defence committed to have been delivered and are being evaluated. Most recently in November, Defence published the results of the first tri-Service survey to fully understand the experiences of personnel and perceptions of sexualised behaviours, including harassment, in the Armed Forces. Work continues to improve Service life for women in the Armed Forces beyond the Atherton Report. New initiatives are being developed to better prepare female Service personnel for arduous training roles as well as bringing a gender perspective to the future development of existing equipment and uniform. We also continue to drive for continuous improvement in addressing unacceptable behaviours, including an ongoing review of our Zero Tolerance policies and establishing a new Tri-Service Unit for handling of serious complaints independent of the military chain of command.

Of the House of Commons Defence Committee's report ‘Protecting those who protect us: Women in the Armed Forces from Recruitment to Civilian Life’, Defence has accepted 33 recommendations, partially accepted a further four recommendations and noted 13 points which were conclusions rather than recommendations. Three of the Committee’s recommendations were not implemented; these related to timelines for Service Complaints appeals and civilian jurisdiction.

All the actions Defence committed to have been delivered and are being evaluated. Most recently in November, Defence published the results of the first tri-Service survey to fully understand the experiences of personnel and perceptions of sexualised behaviours, including harassment, in the Armed Forces. Work continues to improve Service life for women in the Armed Forces beyond the Atherton Report. New initiatives are being developed to better prepare female Service personnel for arduous training roles as well as bringing a gender perspective to the future development of existing equipment and uniform. We also continue to drive for continuous improvement in addressing unacceptable behaviours, including an ongoing review of our Zero Tolerance policies and establishing a new Tri-Service Unit for handling of serious complaints independent of the military chain of command.

In November 2025, the Ministry of Defence’s Industry Partner, Pinnacle, allocated 98.52% (532) of applications made by Service personnel entitled to Service Family Accommodation within 15 working days. 1.48% (8) applications fell outside of this target.

Pinnacle’s performance far exceeds their Key Performance Indicator which requires them to process and allocate 90% of housing applications for entitled Service personnel within 15 working days.

Improving energy efficiency means more money to spend on warfighting readiness. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is improving energy efficiency across the Defence Estate through targeted energy management initiatives, behavioural campaigns, the Utility Savings Challenge, LED lighting upgrades, and water-saving measures.

New build assets are designed with energy-saving features, while recognising that much of the estate consists of older infrastructure not built to modern standards.

The MOD has secured £9 billion over 10 years, some of which will be for enhancing energy efficiency in Service Family Accommodation. This includes installing solar panels, heat pumps, energy-efficient lighting, and improving thermal insulation

Under the Lunna House Agreement, our vision for the combined T26 fleet is to be as integrated and interoperable as possible, which opens opportunity for UK and Norway industrial cooperation to spirally develop the vessels and deliver the in-service support of the fleet.

Additionally, the Agreement highlights an initial tranche of common strategic programmes which draw upon our respective defence industries, including Naval Strike Missile, Sting Ray torpedoes, and Standardised Vessels. Further opportunities will be determined on a project by project basis. Based on these projects we will work together to support our industries to gain market access and promote mutually beneficial export prospects.

Finally, we will increase the number of personnel exchanges and embedded officers, which will help identify further opportunities for capability development and associated industrial activity across both nations.

The Lunna House announcement on 4 December 2025 highlighted the UK's intent, conveyed to the Prime Minister of Norway, Jonas Støre, to deliver the Offshore Support Vessel as the mothership for the Mine Hunting Capability programme.

The delivery and in service dates of the Offshore Support Vessels is to be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan and the development of the Anglo-Norwegian Memorandum of Understanding.

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

Defence Officials, on behalf of the Secretary of State for Defence, have engaged with US counterparts from the Office of Strategic Capital regarding strategic partnering, most recently in September 2025. Officials have discussed a number of topics, including UK defence industry, Trusted Capital, and opportunities for engagement.

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Royal Navy (RN) does not currently operate a dedicated ice cutter capability in the High North. However, the Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements for the High North.

All spending decisions on platforms will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

The average time served in post as a Senior Responsible Owner for defence major programmes listed on the Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) for each Financial Year from 1 April 2015 is:

The average tenure is impacted by churn in the GMPP as new programmes join and those in the final stages of delivery leave.

The department recognises the importance of continuity in programme leadership and is working to improve this.

To date, external consultancy spend on E-7 Wedgetail is £1.27 million and was spent in the 2017-18 financial year.

The Ministry of Defence prepares its cost forecasts with inflation estimates included. However, the higher levels of inflation experienced following Covid-19 and the start of Russia's war against Ukraine has increased costs to Defence, as inflation increased above the levels anticipated by previous forecasts.

In 2022, under the last Government, the Department published an evidence paper on the 'Drivers of Defence Cost Inflation', which is available online.

As of December 2025, the Royal Navy has five of eight Type 26 City-class frigates and three of five Type 31 Inspiration-class frigates under construction at BAES and Babcock shipyards. The first Type 26, HMS Glasgow, is expected to enter service in the late 2020s, while the first Type 31, HMS Venturer, is planned to enter service by the end of the decade.

I welcome the hon. Gentleman’s interest in this area. There is currently one decommissioned submarine undergoing dismantling at Rosyth Dockyard (HMS Swiftsure). A further 22 decommissioned submarines are awaiting disposal: six are at Rosyth Dockyard, all defueled, and 16 at Devonport Dockyard, of which four are defueled and 12 are awaiting defueling.

It will take time to collate and review the information needed to answer the hon. Member's question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

There are eight personnel in the Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) tasking team, responsible for tasking the Envoy and Voyager aircraft in support of Op VESPINA (Flights for Head of State or Head of Government on State business only).

CSAT operations are further supported by a wide network of personnel who plan, engineer, fly, cost and enable these operations. This includes, 32 (The Royal) Squadron, which operates the Envoy; 10 and 101 Squadrons, which operate Voyager during Op VESPINA when not performing its primary air-to-air refuelling role.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 17070 which provided the requested information from 2019 – 5 March 2024.

Annual flying hours by aircraft type for the RAF’s Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) fleet, together with the Voyager aircraft in support of Op VESPINA (Flights for Head of State or Head of Government on State business only) when not performing its primary air-to-air refuelling role are given in the table below. They are rounded to the nearest 10 hours.

*Left service 31 December 2024

** To 30 November 2025

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

I will write to the hon. Member and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers training to the UK Armed Forces on the Law of Armed Conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not deliver dedicated Law of Armed Conflict training to UK personnel but does provide inputs into multiple MOD training courses such as International Humanitarian Law and obligations of arms bearers.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) delivers training to the UK Armed Forces on the Law of Armed Conflict. The International Committee of the Red Cross does not deliver dedicated Law of Armed Conflict training to UK personnel but does provide inputs into multiple MOD training courses such as International Humanitarian Law and obligations of arms bearers.

Whilst it is for the United States (US) to answer questions about the specifics of their own National Security Strategy, the UK will continue to work closely with the US to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security through NATO, support Ukraine, and deepen our cooperation on emerging technologies and economic security. Our commitment to NATO and to European security is ironclad.

The Type 26 frigates are expected to begin entering service from 2028, to be operated by the UK and Norwegian Navies. This is part of a carefully managed modernisation programme. There will also be significant long-term investment in the six Daring Class destroyers (Type 45’s), to enhance and sustain these world beating Air Defence platforms into the late 2030s.

The Royal Navy continues to invest in uncrewed and autonomous systems. These nascent capabilities are being integrated to augment our highly capable crewed platforms, increasing mass and persistence to find, track - and if required - act against our peer adversaries' subsurface capabilities in the North Atlantic.

The Ministry of Defence recognises the increasing strategic importance of the region and continually assesses its capability requirements.

To deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing options through the Defence Investment Plan for future Ice Patrol Ship capability. These options will consider requirements for both the Antarctic and the High North.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

The Secretary of State for Defence last met with his Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) counterparts at the JEF Defence Ministers meeting from 4-5 November 2025 in Bodø, Norway. This was the first JEF Defence Ministers meeting to be held in the High North, demonstrating the JEF’s focus on the region. We are considering dates for the next meeting. Addressing threats in the High North will remain a key focus for discussion at the next JEF Leaders’ Summit, which will be held in Finland in Q1 2026.

While NATO remains the ultimate guarantor of European security, the JEF enhances the collective security and stability of Northern Europe, the High North, and the Baltic Region. It provides, a rapid, adaptable, high-readiness military capability for crisis response, collective defence, and security providing credible, high-readiness responses to hybrid scenarios across all domains, as was demonstrated with Nordic Warden in December 2024, the rapid response to the damage of the Esstlink-2 power cable in the Baltic Sea.

As Framework Nation for the JEF, the UK is constantly working to improve readiness and coordination amongst JEF members. Exercise TARASSIS, the JEF’s key activity in 2025 and the largest JEF activity in its 11-year history, was held across the High North and Baltic regions through September and October 2025. JEF activity will continue to develop in the region over the next year with an ambitious series of exercises designed to build upon TARASSIS and further strengthen the interoperability and effectiveness of the JEF.

The Ministry of Defence is fully committed to delivering the AUKUS partnership alongside Australia and the United States. This trilateral agreement will provide Australia with conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines and advance cooperation on cutting-edge defence technologies.

The Royal Navy constantly reviews and maintains the right level of high readiness forces to fulfil all of its commitments, including its contribution to AUKUS delivery.

The Warfighting Ready Plan 2029 has been published internally within His Majesty's Government and is informing engagement across Defence and Government, with international allies, and partners in industry and academia.

The Warfighting Ready Plan 2029 sets a clear intent to enhance the Royal Navy's readiness with what we have today whilst prioritising what we need for the future. Rather than having full operating capability being defined as a single milestone, the Plan is iterative. It is designed to deliver significant transformation over the next four years whilst responding to emerging threats, novel capability and confirmed resource allocation as directed through the Defence Investment Plan.

The Warfighting Ready Plan 2029 has been published internally within His Majesty's Government and is informing engagement across Defence and Government, with international allies, and partners in industry and academia.

The Warfighting Ready Plan 2029 sets a clear intent to enhance the Royal Navy's readiness with what we have today whilst prioritising what we need for the future. Rather than having full operating capability being defined as a single milestone, the Plan is iterative. It is designed to deliver significant transformation over the next four years whilst responding to emerging threats, novel capability and confirmed resource allocation as directed through the Defence Investment Plan.

It would be inappropriate to comment on the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan and its content at this stage.

Pursuant to the answer given to Question 95697, UK Defence Exports is based in the Ministry of Defence and headquartered in London.

We remain committed to strengthening recruitment and retention across the Armed Forces through a range of targeted initiatives and measures. We continually monitor retention and review the overall offer, and recent data shows encouraging progress. For the first time since early 2021, intake now exceeds outflow. In the 12 months to 1 October 2025, the number of people joining the Armed Forces increased by 13% compared to the previous year, while departures fell by 8%. Applications also continue to rise.

Recruiting for certain specialist or technical skills — such as cyber, digital, healthcare, medical, and engineering — remains challenging due to strong competition in the wider labour market. To address this, we are implementing actions to improve retention, including more flexible terms of service, a modernised allowance system, bespoke pay spines, skills payments, Targeted Financial Retention Incentives (FRIs) and a pilot ‘total reward’ approach for engineers.

Recent changes include FRIs for engineers and targeted skills payments for cyber and engineering roles. Early feedback from our pay supplement trial for critical engineering skills indicates a 53% increase in intention to remain – an encouraging sign, though we recognise more work is needed. Further, the Perceived Value of the Offer survey piloted with engineers in 2024 was expanded this year to all Regular personnel. This evidence will inform future reward policies and interventions, ensuring they reflect what personnel value most, thus strengthening retention across the Services, particularly in critical engineering and technical roles.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) recognises the extraordinary commitment and sacrifices that Service families make to our country and, in particular, of those who are bereaved. We take a holistic multi-agency approach to supporting the bereaved community with UK wide support in place through the single Services, the Defence Bereaved Families Group (DBFG) and Veterans Services.

Defence provides clear signposting to the support and resources available to the Armed Forces bereaved community, offering access to timely and appropriate support. We recognise that the emotional and practical impact of bereavement is often complex and shared by many, therefore our guidance has been compiled as a resource for the wider family, friends and colleagues, and is provided to the bereaved after any in-Service death.

Immediately following the death of a Service person, a trained Visiting Officer is appointed to act as the Armed Forces’ focal point in offering practical assistance and advice to the family. Specialist statutory support is also provided by Veterans Services through the provision of a Case Manager, who provides financial information and practical support. A Chaplain is available to offer pastoral care, spiritual guidance, and practical advice if requested.

The DBFG was formed to ensure two-way communication on matters of bereavement between the MOD and the bereaved cohort. It is co-chaired by a military representative from within Defence and a ‘lived experience’ representative of one of the single Service Widows Associations. The DBFG facilitates the opportunity to shape policy to ensure those who suffer such loss are treated fairly and with due consideration.

Furthermore, I can confirm that the bereaved are included in the Armed Forces Covenant, our promise that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces, and their families, including the bereaved should be treated with fairness and respect in the communities, economy, and society they serve.