Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, for what reason the Next Generation Operational Training programme has been delayed.

Next Generation Operational Training (NGOT) refers to a portfolio of projects: Gladiator (a secure, distributed synthetic collective training network); Next Generation Red Air (including an Interim Red Air Aggressor Training Service); Next Generation Electronic Warfare Threats; Future Air Combat Manoeuvring Instrumentation System; Collective Training Exercise Control facility and systems; and Live, Virtual and Constructive connectivity.

Gladiator was approved in 2019 but has suffered delays due to COVID19 restrictions and technical challenges. The remainder of the programme is progressing through the MOD's investment approvals process. Timeframes for delivery remain to be determined, but work continues to deliver NGOT, including the release of the early market engagement 'NGOT pre-procurement notice' on 30 November 2021.