Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what capabilities the MOD is planning to disinvest in that no longer align with the evolving strategic context.

The Strategic Defence Review is being implemented through the Defence Investment Plan (DIP). This will ensure that Defence resources are focused on the capabilities most relevant to the current and future threat environment. This means Defence is disinvesting in capabilities that no longer align with the evolving strategic context, informed by lessons from Ukraine and the changing character of warfare.

Examples identified in the DIP include the phased retirement of older Type 23 frigates, the retirement of Wildcat Battlefield Reconnaissance helicopters and oldest Chinooks (Mk6A), and the withdrawal of Shadow R1 aircraft. The Plan also confirms that the Type 32 and Type 83 warship concepts will not proceed, with resources prioritised instead towards the Hybrid Navy, comprising Common Combat Vessels and supporting uncrewed ships in the Type 9x series.