Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which contract awards have been postponed as a result of the covid-19 outbreak; and which programmes have had their (a) initial operating capability or (b) full operating capability postponed as a result of that outbreak.

A small number of contract awards have been delayed as a result of Covid-19. However Defence project teams are continuing to work closely with industry to maintain the pipeline of contract opportunities, with around 450 contracts having been placed since the start of the lockdown period. This is 150 more than in the same period last year.

It is not yet clear what the full impact will be of the Covid-19 outbreak on Ministry of Defence programmes, although it is inevitable that there will be some repercussions. We will remain closely engaged with our strategic suppliers to monitor and understand the impact of Covid-19 on Defence during this critical time.