Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many 4.6mm rounds have been (a) lost or (b) stolen from his Department’s facilities since 5 July 2024.

The security of ammunition is taken very seriously within the Ministry of Defence (MOD), and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft. All losses and thefts are fully and rigorously investigated.

No ammunition has been reported stolen during that period.

The below table details 5.56mm, 7.62mm, 9mm, 4.6mm, 12.7mm and .22 inch ammunition lost from MOD Facilities from 5 July 2024 until 28 February 2025. This includes military establishments, ranges, training areas and on operations.

Of the 203 7.62mm ammunition rounds detailed in the table, 200 were lost overboard in the Solent from a Navy vessel