Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the adequacy of the role of UK-based (a) manufacturing, (b) testing and (c) assurance activities under Project GRAYBURN.

As advised in my response to Question 106283, the project is within its concept stage, and we cannot yet assess the adequacy of the UK supply chain regarding this project. However, we have set clear expectations that Project Grayburn will be manufactured in the UK to enhance sovereign industry, generate employment and provide opportunity for export.

There is currently no specific definition for the future export potential of Project Grayburn, but it is desirable for the project to create future export opportunities. As part of the current phase, analysis of potential addressable export opportunities will be conducted.

With regards to the decision framework being used to assess potential future calibre changes, the project will employ the established scrutiny and approvals tools for decision making, including the Combined Operation Effectiveness and Investment Appraisal.