Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask His Majesty's Government, in light of the withdrawal of all enhanced combat body armour plates issued to the UK Armed Forces for testing following safety concerns, what is the timetable for replacement plates; when the invitation to tender for replacement plates, including female-specific plates, will be released; and whether the contract award remains on track for December 2026.

Enhanced Combat Body Armour (ECBA) is no longer used as the primary front and rear ballistic plate system. However, ECBA plates remain in service as side protection inserts when personnel are operating at the highest level of protection with the VIRTUS and OSPREY body armour systems, which are the Armed Forces' primary combat body armour solutions.

The Complex Geometry Body Armour (CGBA) project will shortly commence the Concept Phase which will explore opportunities to enhance body armour design and performance, with particular consideration given to Service women. At this stage of the project, the timetable (including the invitation to tender and subsequent contract award) has not yet been concluded.