Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many companies in Great Britain currently manufacture centrefire ammunition at a commercial scale.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) procures the majority of its centrefire small arms ammunition, by volume, through our long-term strategic partnership with BAE Systems, and through other suppliers for some specialist types.

The MOD does not monitor all commercial companies outside of a procurement activity; however, pre-procurement activities include market analysis and engagement with suppliers where appropriate to do so, which is used to inform the most effective outcome for Defence.