Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to procure the MQ-9B Sea Protector variant for use by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy has a requirement for Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning following the planned withdrawal of the Crowsnest Airborne Early Warning system when it reaches the end of its service life. A market survey is being conducted to identify suitable solutions to fulfil this requirement. This will aid refinement of the requirements and determine the availability of credible choices based on their performance, availability and wider benefits such as to UK industry and the Government’s sustainability agenda.