Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 2,021–2,040 of 2,619 · Ministry of Defence
Whether the design of the Global Combat Air Programme requires the use of an engine with reheat capability.
The use of reheated engine in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will depend on the final performance requirements. As the aircraft is still in the concept phase, no final decision has yet been made on whether reheat will be included.
What recent progress he has made on the Land Environment tactical Communication and Information Systems programme.
The Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems (LETacCIS) programme continues to make progress. Most recently, the programme has: Delivered the Networks element of Army’s Project ASGARD, providing the Dismounted Data System to the Forward Land Forces in Estonia. Through Project CENTAUR, the programme has modernised the in-service Bowman system by increasing the geographical operating range using beyond line-of-sight systems such as satellite communications and 4/5G. Delivered into service 1360 modern software-defined radios through the Multi-Mode Radio project, providing the Field Army with a step change in interoperability and capability. Commenced a strategic reset from LETacCIS to Land Domain C4 to align with the principles set out by Army’s Project IRIS. The programme has also been upgraded from RED to AMBER in a recent independent assurance review led by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). This assessment recognises the significant progress to transform and deliver digital capability at the pace of relevance.
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 July 2925 to Question 68113 on Army, what assessment he has made of the potential effectiveness of the prototype software defined deep recce strike complex tested in May 2025.
A thorough technical review of the progress and lessons learnt has been conducted to inform the future ASGARD development pathway. Much of the capability derived is now being exploited, including one-way effectors and networking that enables the flow of data between software and domains. The provision of Artificial Intelligence features has improved the speed at which decisions are made, increasing operational tempo, while reducing the risk to human life.
What plans the Global Combat Air Programme has to use the EJ200 engine.
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is developing a new aircraft to enter service in the mid-2030s. The early flying demonstrator will utilise EJ200 engines, these engines won’t be used in the final production model.
What the scope is of the TIQUILA intelligence, surveillance, tracking and reconnaissance programme.
TIQUILA is delivering Intelligence, Surveillance, Target Acquisition and Reconnaissance (ISTAR) enabled Mini Uncrewed Air Systems (MUAS). TIQUILA will deliver Beyond Visual Line of Sight (BVLoS) persistent ISTAR information to Brigade Combat Teams across a wide-range of environmental and climatic conditions. This capability will support Light, Medium and Heavy manoeuvre brigades beyond visual line of sight.
What is the planned in-service date of SSN-AUKUS.
The planned in-service dates for Royal Navy submarines are withheld as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces. The aim is to deliver the first UK submarines into service in the late 2030s to replace the current Astute-Class vessels.
What AI tools are used by the Defence Equipment and Support Artificial Intelligence and Automation Centre.
Defence Equipment and Support's (DE&S) Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation Team uses a range of tools and techniques to develop software and AI within Defence. Their tools and techniques evolve quickly and in line with the rapid evolution of AI technology and the Ministry of Defence's (MOD) obligations to ensure responsible use of AI. The tools used are commercially available cloud-based tools, including open source. The AI software is built on Defence's Digital Backbone (including MODCloud and Defence DevSecOps Service). DE&S make careful use of Cloud services such as Microsoft Azure OpenAI Service where appropriate. All such use is assured through Secure by Design and in line with MOD policy on AI.
What the composition is of the UK ISTAR Force.
The current RAF UK ISTAR Force is listed below: Poseidon MRA1 RC-135W Rivet Joint Reaper (MQ-9A) Protector RG Mk1 (MQ-9B) Shadow R1 Wedgetail AEW Mk1
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Russian use of (a) Kinzhal and (b) Zircon missiles.
The Department is aware of and continues to monitor the impact of the Russian use of these and other missile types.
Whether he has made an assessment of the (a) immediate and (b) short-term threat posed to Taiwan by recent Chinese military activity in the region.
The Ministry of Defence pays close and persistent attention to Chinese military activity and its implications. The UK considers the Taiwan issue one that should be settled peacefully by the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait through constructive dialogue, without the threat or use of force or coercion. We do not support any unilateral attempts to change the status quo. This includes increased Chinese assertiveness towards Taiwan.
How many Ares vehicles will be required by an infantry platoon in the armoured role.
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.
On what date Ant Middleton was appointed by the Executive Council as the first Chief Cadet of the Volunteer Cadet Corps.
In November 2019, Ant Middleton was appointed as Chief Cadet and Honorary Captain in the Royal Navy’s Volunteer Cadet Corps. This ended nine months later following controversial statements made on Twitter.
What progress he has made on the Ships Support project of the Naval Support Integrated Global Network programme.
The Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme continues to progress through the Assessment Phase with the NSIGN (Submarines) Project Outline Business Case (OBC) approved April 2025 and Full Business Case approval expected in early 2026. Concept work is progressing with the NSIGN(Ships) and NSIGN (Naval Bases) Projects seeking OBC approval early and mid-2026 respectively. The NSIGN Projects will enable the Ministry of Defence to contract for Submarine and enabling Naval Base services delivered through Clyde and Devonport in March 2026 and for Ships and wider Naval Base services from October 2028, with a parallel (and planned) extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) where required, for the period March 2026 to October 2028.
With reference to the Answer of 24 July 2025 to Question HL9397 on Typhoon Aircraft: Factories, what elements of the Typhoons ordered by Spain will be manufactured in the UK.
It is the NATO Eurofighter and Tornado Management Agency who set the industrial sub-system production and workshare agreements across the partner nations. Through partner nation agreement, NETMA have set United Kingdom industrial workshare as 37%. Eurofighter GMBH manage its sub-system and component manufacturing orders from across the industrial base of each partner nation, in line with that workshare agreement percentage. Some of the major components that UK leads on the manufacturing include the front and rear fuselage, windscreen and canopy, fin and rudder, engine bay doors, foreplane and a range of major avionics systems.
What steps he is taking to improve (a) infrastructure and (b) capacity at HMP Dhekalia within the Sovereign Base Area in Cyprus.
HMP Dhekelia has received several infrastructure upgrades in recent years, including refreshed dining and recreational spaces. A redevelopment of the facility is currently in the planning stages, which aims to increase capacity and further improve facilities.
How many Ajax Armoured vehicles had been delivered to the Armoured Cavalry Programme by 1 July 2025.
As at 1 July 2025, 116 platforms had been delivered to the Field Army.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force’s RAVEN programme in supporting dynamic operational networking.
The Royal Air Force's RAVEN programme is a modern network which enables secure information systems to be deployed quickly into temporary operating locations worldwide. RAVEN reduces deployment time, enabling rapid response for Agile Combat Employment, Transition to Conflict and other time-critical Tasks. It also cuts workforce demand to support operational deployments. RAVEN has been used effectively on several operations and exercises including NATO Enhanced Air Policing, Operation Highmast and Operation Shader.
What recent assessment he has made of UK capability to meet the full-spectrum of industrial demands posed by modern high-intensity conflict.
Through commitments made in the Strategic Defence Review and the Defence Industrial Strategy, the Department is investing heavily in its supply chain to develop a more, resilient, innovative and agile approach to managing and mitigating risks across the Defence enterprise. Building on the success of last year’s Industry wargame we are standing up a supply chain focussed scenario planning and wargaming capability, including a roadmap of activities to stress-test scenarios to allow us to accelerate to surge capacity during times of conflict. This strengthens operational resilience, ensuring front-line forces remain supported and mission success is not compromised, even in contested environments.
With reference to his Department's press release entitled New munitions factories and long-range weapons to back nearly 2000 jobs under Strategic Defence Review, published on 1 June 2025, what are the completion dates for the six new (a) munitions and (b) energetics factories.
The Strategic Defence Review committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded.
Which RAF squadrons continue to operate Tranche 1 Typhoons.
RAF No 1435 Flight operate the Tranche 1 Typhoons.