Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of renegotiating the 1967 Outer Space Treaty to reflect current exploitation of the difference between (a) air and (b) space.

The Outer Space Treaty (OST) is the cornerstone of international space law with all major space-faring nations being party to this treaty. The Treaty explicitly affirms that activities in the exploration and use of outer space must be carried out in accordance with international law, including the United Nations (UN) Charter. This includes the prohibition on the threat or use of force, which applies to States’ space activities, as it does to other domains. The Treaty also prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in outer space. The Treaty does not impose a formal distinction between air and outer space, and this has not impeded the UK’s ability to pursue its ambitious goals in both aviation and space. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Outer Space Treaty and the peaceful uses of outer space, ensuring space remains a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for future generations. Across government, there are efforts to strengthen governance of space more generally though the UN, including working through the UN Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and promoting norms rules and principles of responsible space behaviours to address threats to space systems.

With reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the key supplier issues that could impact delivery of the Challenger 3 Armour Main Battle Tank programme.

Initial Operating Capability for Challenger 3 is dependent on the delivery of hardware and software to enable the trials required to prove the final accepted build standard.

What recent progress has been made in developing SPEAR Capability 5.

SPEAR Capability 5 is being delivered through the collaborative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. This is progressing with our European partners and it has recently entered the demonstration phase. The programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme.

What recent progress he has made on the Dreadnought programme.

I refer the hon. Member to page 11 of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 Annual Update to Parliament, which was published on 22 May 2025. The publication is available at the following location: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682f01c2e9440506ee95398c/20250522-Defence-Nuclear-Enterprise-2025-Annual-Update-to-Parliament-v10.pdf

What recent progress he has made on the Fleet Solid Support programme.

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects the UK’s shipbuilding capability, and the supply chain that supports this, now and over the long-term. The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard were restarted in spring following NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity. NUK have recently started work on a new transport barge at their Methil facility in Fife. The barge will play a key role in the FSS programme, facilitating construction of the ships across multiple sites and represents an £8 million investment by the company. Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade. Whilst we have agreed with NUK the minimum changes to the contract necessary, the impact on the approved cost and in-service dates is still being assessed and will be mitigated as far as possible. On completion of this work, it will be subject to re-approval by the relevant authorities, with updates provided through official channels at the appropriate time. We are unable to comment any further on the details of the contract due to commercial sensitivities.

What progress he has made on the Future Air Dominance System programme.

The Future Air Dominance System’s Strategic Outline Case has been approved. The Programme is currently in its Concept phase as a Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) item. Investment in a UK-sovereign maritime Radar Technology Demonstrator programme has commenced, with a contract placed with BAE Systems in July. As a critical element of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, with the potential to deliver a genuine regional spread of growth, FADS remains one of the Navy’s highest priority future capability programmes.

When the SPEAR Capability 4 will be operationally ready.

SPEAR Capability 4 reached Full Operational Capability on Typhoon in 2022. The system remains in-service with Typhoon.

What proportion of aid dropped in Gaza during Operation Underhill was on target.

UK Defence delivered approximately 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2024. UK aid drops were judged to be accurate and to have landed within the designated drop zones.

Will the Royal Air Force’s Protector MQ-9B be certified by the (a) civilian aviation authority and (b) the military aviation authority.

As a military registered air system, Protector RG Mk1 only requires certification by the Military Aviation Authority, who issued the Military Type Certificate for the air system in April 2025. Protector is already capable of operating in Class A and C airspace in the UK and the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the CAA and international authorities to integrate Protector globally.

What assessment he has made of the capability of the Royal Navy’s Project CETUS crewless submarine demonstrator following its launch in February 2025.

The Ministry of Defence is continuing to assess XV EXCALIBUR to determine its operational capabilities. Since its launch in February 2025, the vessel has already completed Sea Acceptance Trials and recently participated in multinational collaboration as part of Exercise TALISMAN SABRE. As a capability demonstrator, XV EXCALIBUR is not intended to enter operational service, but will continue to be subject to progressive experimentation and capability demonstration activities. XV EXCALIBUR will inform the Royal Navy’s future Extra Large Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (XLAUV) fleet by helping to understand and develop how XLAUVs can be operated, maintained and commanded.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of F-35B aircraft (a) production and (b) delivery into service on the delivery of the SPEARCAP 3 programme.

The programme for the Spear Capability 3 air-to-surface weapon and its integration onto the F-35B is currently under review, with a Review Note in development and planned for submission towards the end of 2025. The estimated current timeline for in-service capability is expected to be early 2030s, but this will be confirmed as part of the review.

What is the 8005 manning establishment for an infantry (a) platoon, (b) company and (c) battalion in the heavy mechanised role equipped with Boxer.

The Department does not release detailed information on its workforce requirements below top-level figures. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

What percentage of RAF infrastructure is more than 50 years old.

This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that considerable amounts of the defence estate is over 50 years old but the Government does not keep statistics based on age, but rather current use types. As such, we cannot provide that information without incurring disproportionate cost.

What manpower reduction Protector MQ-9B’s ATLC function creates by replacing the LRE capability of Reaper.

The Automatic Take Off and Land Capability (ATLC) of Protector negates the requirement for Ground Control Station (GCS), pilot, sensor operator and GCS support staff to be present at any forward operating base to conduct the take-off and landing. As Protector is operated under a different construct to Reaper, no overall direct comparison can be made.

What progress Defence Equipment and Support has made on modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

Modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence is in progress to determine the best balance for investment of the up to £1 billion of new funding announced in the Strategic Defence Review.

From when will Protector be certified to operate in Class A to C airspace.

As a military registered air system, Protector RG Mk1 only requires certification by the Military Aviation Authority, who issued the Military Type Certificate for the air system in April 2025. Protector is already capable of operating in Class A and C airspace in the UK and the MOD continues to work closely with the CAA and international authorities to integrate Protector globally.

By what date sufficient crews and familiarisation with the new Protector system will be achieved to allow Protector to be deployed.

I am withholding the requested information as it would harm the Capabilities and Security of the Armed Forces.

From what date RPAS will pilots be streamed for selection rather than recruited separately from crewed systems.

With effect from 1 April 2024, Pilots recruited into the Royal Air Force are eligible to be streamed to Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) following completion of their Elementary Flying Training.

What comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the performance of the (a) 338 Lapua Magnum round and (b) .338 RUAG round for the L115A3 Long Range Rifle.

Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will reconsider calibre and ammunition natures as it progresses.

What doctrinal publication defines the British Army’s armoured infantry company group tactics.

The British Army’s Armoured Infantry company group tactics are defined within the doctrinal publication Army Field Manual Warfighting Tactics, Part 5A: Armoured and Armoured Infantry Subunit Tactics.