Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he expects the Future Commando Force to reach initial operating capability.

The Commando Force programme is delivering a transformational change to the UK's amphibious capability. Delivery is structured in two investment increments. The first is focussed on 3 Commando Brigade's land capabilities and the second delivers the boats and uncrewed systems that are needed for ship-to-shore movement.

On current plans, initial operating capability (IOC) for the first increment is projected for 2025, and the second for 2030. The programme IOC should therefore be considered to be 2025, but it is important to recognise that significant further development will take place before the programme achieves its objectives.