Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made on exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying higher payloads for missions lasting over 6 months.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 September, to Question 76405.

Options for exploring the use of the stratosphere with vehicles capable of carrying high payloads for extended period are being pursued through Project AETHER, which is in its trial phase.

Following the completion of two initial trials, in September 2024 and March 2025, further opportunities in this area are subject to further trials and the continuation of planned funding for Project AETHER.