Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what weapons are included within the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio.

As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy.

As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry.

Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance.

I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.