Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 26 June 2025 to Question 61511 on F-35 Aircraft: Israel, what information his Department holds on the re-export of UK-made F-35 components from Israeli suppliers to the global F-35 programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

We are clear that Israel must stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately lift restrictions on humanitarian aid entering Gaza.

We have suspended export licences to Israel that could be used in military operations in Gaza.

The UK is the only producer of certain critical components, not least for the F35 global spares pool. Suspending the UK’s contribution to the F-35programme would have serious implications for NATO and international peace and security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the cumulative value of orders his Department has placed with Scottish defence contractors for new equipment.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not centrally maintain data specifically on the country of ownership of its suppliers. Therefore, contracts awarded to Scottish suppliers have been identified using the primary supplier site postcode of the contract and matching this with a reference list of Scottish postcodes. This does not guarantee that suppliers are Scottish registered businesses or that work for the contracts are conducted in Scotland.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the impact of the new Defence Industrial Strategy on supply chains and local economic growth.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Defence Industrial Strategy will strengthen supply chains, drive innovation, and create high-skilled jobs through the launch of five Defence Growth Deals across the nations and regions of the United Kingdom, investing in measures to support supply chain resilience and the creation of the Defence Office of Small Business Growth. These measures will support national security while promoting local economic growth and resilience.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many UK armed services personnel are currently stationed on a temporary or permanent basis in (1) Latvia, (2) Estonia and (3) Lithuania.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK’s presence in the Baltics, primarily through the Forward Land Forces (FLF) in Estonia, comprise of around 1,000 Service personnel at any one time.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 14 of the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, what growth spillover benefits he plans to unlock in Huntingdon constituency.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence is committed to ensuring defence is an engine for growth. However, we have made no assessment of growth spillover effects in the Huntingdon constituency, or any constituency level at this stage.

The Defence Industrial Strategy published on 8 September 2025 clearly set out how we are making defence an engine for growth - investing more money in key defence areas and regions across the UK to create good jobs.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the lead time is between purchasing and delivery for Advanced Medium-Range Air-to-Air Missile missiles.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand but I am withholding this information on the grounds of National Security as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department holds contracts with Straight Flight Nevada Commercial Leasing LLC.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

As the hon. Member will recall from the previous answer. I cannot comment on these matters for reasons of operational security.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Project EVE.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Project EVE is an innovative Communications & Information Systems (CIS) network which digitally connects front-line Commando Forces and supporting elements within 3 Cdo Brigade to globally dispersed Command and Control (C2) elements. EVE will be fielded by the Army’s Very High Readiness forces under Project CAIN for 16X.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total cost to the public purse of establishing the National Armaments Director Group since March 2025; and what the breakdown of those costs are.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has incurred additional costs as a result of operating the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group under an acting director rather than a permanent one.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of the design phase of the National Armaments Director Group; and when that phase is will conclude.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.

Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.

To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 million in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 million) and Organisational Change (£1.1 million).

In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 million on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.

The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.

The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to respond to Question 64587 on Defence Growth Board, tabled on 2 July 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

I will respond to the hon. Member shortly.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made on the delivery of the future air superiority effectors programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Future Air Superiority Effectors programme is currently in pre-concept phase, and work is actively underway to establish a concept phase.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to replace the remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons have a planned out of Service date of 2027. Upon Tranche 1 retirement, Typhoon will continue to serve as the backbone of the UK's Combat Air Force until at least the 2040s.

To ensure it remains at the cutting edge of capability, the UK is planning significant investment in the Typhoon through-life equipment programme. This includes the delivery and integration of the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, which will enhance the aircraft's operational effectiveness.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what actions they are taking to procure UK-made steel for alterations and additions to (1) Royal Air Force bases, (2) Royal Navy bases, and (3) Army installations.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK's defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.

The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they are taking to strengthen domestic supply chains for steel following the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy on 8 September (CP 1388).

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK's defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.

The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with NATO allies following the announcement that the United States intends to phase out security assistance programmes for European countries bordering Russia.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The UK Government is aware of the Trump Administration’s intention to cut funding for the Baltic Security Initiative. Recent airspace violations in Estonia, Poland and Romania by Russia demonstrate that we must do all that we can to support our allies. That’s why NATO Allies agreed to increase their spending at this year’s Summit in The Hague. The UK’s commitment to NATO remains unshakeable.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they have banned Israeli students from attending the Royal College of Defence Studies because they consider Israel to have committed war crimes in Gaza.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

UK military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all UK military courses emphasising compliance with international humanitarian law.

However, the Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. We have therefore paused future Israeli participation in UK-run courses.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the comments by Vice-Admiral Angus Topshee, commander of the Royal Canadian Navy, that there is a likely future scenario where the oceans are “effectively transparent and submarines are no longer allowed to hide”.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

We recognise that there are increasing threats to maritime security, including the underwater battlespace, from technological change and the proliferation of advanced capabilities. Assessments of these threats directly inform how we pursue technological advancements across all domains, including in the way we design, build and operate our submarines, to ensure the effectiveness of our capabilities in complex and challenging environments.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they had with the Royal College of Defence Studies about its decision to ban Israeli soldiers next year.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

UK military educational courses have long been open to personnel from a wide range of countries, with all UK military courses emphasising compliance with international humanitarian law.

However, the Israeli Government’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong. There must be a diplomatic solution to end this war now, with an immediate ceasefire, the return of the hostages and a surge in humanisation aid to the people of Gaza. We have therefore paused future Israeli participation in UK-run courses.

The Royal College of Defence Studies (RCDS) is a constituent part of the Ministry of Defence, and as such implements Government policy and decisions. All relevant teams across the Department, including RCDS, were informed of the decision to pause the future allocation of places on UK training and education courses to Israel.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how much the continuity of education allowance has increased since January and whether they plan to increase it further.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps Service families to provide stability in their children’s schooling where mobility might otherwise cause disruption. The Ministry of Defence engages with Service families through the Families Federations, the chain of command and Pay Colonel teams, who ensure that their views are represented in policy discussions.

With regards to allowance calculations, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the then Minister for Veterans on 9 July 2025 to question 66168.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what discussions they have had with Armed Forces families and representatives since January regarding the continuity of education allowance.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) helps Service families to provide stability in their children’s schooling where mobility might otherwise cause disruption. The Ministry of Defence engages with Service families through the Families Federations, the chain of command and Pay Colonel teams, who ensure that their views are represented in policy discussions.

With regards to allowance calculations, I refer the Noble Lord to the answer given by the then Minister for Veterans on 9 July 2025 to question 66168.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department receives a share of funds from every F-35 sold to (a) foreign military sales customers and (b) Israel.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

A key part of the overall funding approach for the F-35 is that all F-35 partners who contributed to development costs for the platform are able to recoup elements of the that original expenditure from foreign military sales, relative to their level of investment in programme development.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they made of the capability of the Harland and Wolff shipyard to construct Royal Navy defence warships before the contract for that project was awarded.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

Building on the success of the Type 31 Frigate competition, one of the main aims of the programme was to see British shipbuilders play a key role in the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship competition and for companies, including British firms, to tender for the design and build of the FSS ships. The competition sought to maximise the economic and social contribution shipbuilding can make in the UK, including encouraging investment in domestic shipyards, whilst balancing the need to deliver value for money and an overall compliant solution to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s needs.

The FSS ship contract was awarded to Navantia UK (NUK), with Harland & Wolff (H&W) as a strategic subcontractor and part of the winning consortium. The build strategy was, and remains, that all three ships will be assembled from blocks manufactured in H&W’s shipyards in the UK and Navantia's shipyards in Spain. Final assembly, systems integration and testing of the ships is planned to take place in Belfast.

In order to deliver this build strategy, the contract required an investment of approximately £100 million in Belfast for recapitalisation of production facilities and investment in skills transfer, knowledge and technology.

Throughout the FSS ship’s competition procurement process all bidders were subject to economic and financial standing tests consistent with the relevant UK public procurement legislation and rules. On contract award, the Ministry of Defence’s assessment was that H&W were able to deliver their part of the programme. NUK are responsible for managing their subcontractors, including H&W, with protections ensured through the prime contractual arrangements.

Following H&W’s insolvency and NUK’s acquisition of the four H&W yards in January 2025, the works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard have restarted; this investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government why military personnel from (1) China, and (2) Qatar, are not banned from attending the Royal College of Defence Studies.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The provision of professional military education or training to a foreign military is dependent on a number of factors, including the nature of our partnerships and course availability, and is kept under regular review. Any decision is made on a case-by-case basis and is underpinned by a robust assessment as to the benefits, risks, and compliance with international human rights law.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 18 July 2025 to Question 66652 on Military Aircraft: Ministers, whether the RAF Command Support Air Transport fleets include (a) Airbus A321 G-GBNI, (b) Airbus A330 ZZ336, (c) Dassault Falcon 900LX Envoy IV G-ZAHS and G-ZABH.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

No, the RAF Command Support Air Transport (CSAT) fleet comprises of two Envoy IV Dassault Falcon 900LX aircraft, G-ZAHS and G-ZABH.

The Voyager aircraft, ZZ336, is operated alongside the main fleet of RAF Voyagers, on behalf of the RAF by AirTanker. It has a secondary role and can be tasked under Op VESPINA for the use of Head of State or Head of Government on State business only.

The Airbus A321 (G-GBNI) is not a military aircraft. It is tasked by the Cabinet Travel Office under Government contract.

CSAT is a military function, delivered to aid operational effectiveness including senior military leader partner engagements, crisis early entry, and the movement of operational information. It is separate to wider Government and Royal VIP passenger movement, delivered through the Ministerial Air Transport Contract and Royal Transport Office respectively.

Military tasking of CSAT remains the priority throughout.

This Government is committed to securing value for money for taxpayers. We cancelled the VIP helicopter contract which wasted millions under the previous Government. The money saved from cancelling this contract will be returned to Defence’s core budget- an estimated £40 million.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2025 to Question 42299 on Defence Growth Board, whether the Defence Growth Board has met since 3 April 2025.

Answered by Luke Pollard - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The purpose of the Defence Growth Board is to maximise Defence’s contribution to the government’s Growth Mission.

The Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence meet regularly, including with representatives of the defence industry and financial sector, to ensure that this government is delivering for defence. The Board has met to build on this work.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the UK's defence and intelligence capabilities of their not inviting Israeli officials to the 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International event.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

The Ministry of Defence carefully assessed the implications of not inviting Israeli officials to the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) UK 2025 conference. We do not comment publicly on operational matters. The Government of Israel's decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong, and, as a result, no Israeli government delegation was invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.

Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government how many members of the Israel Defence Forces and Mossad have attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in the past 25 years.

Answered by Lord Coaker - Minister of State (Ministry of Defence)

28 places have been taken up by Israeli Defence Forces on the Royal College of Defence Studies since 2000. These places are offered to the Israel Defence Forces.

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Question to the Cabinet Office:

To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, if he will provide a breakdown of Government spending on advertising via social media platforms broken down by Department, over the last 12 months.

Answered by Nick Thomas-Symonds - Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office

As with any media planning approach, channels are selected based on their ability to engage with relevant audiences in alignment with the government's strategic objectives.

The Cabinet Office is consistently tracking and reviewing spending on communications to ensure efficiency and that the appropriate strategy is implemented. We will not spend more than is needed to be effective and ensure best value for the taxpayer.

Please see the breakdown below of spend on social media broken down by department between 1st August 2024 and 31st July 2025.

Please note that this may not be the complete spend as the Cabinet Office does not centrally manage Departmental social media spend directly.

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