Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of developing a wing-in-ground effect craft for (a) naval logistics and (b) Royal Marines amphibious assault.

The Ministry of Defence engages routinely with the United States Department of Defense, the US Navy and the US Marine Corps on capability development and experimentation. We are aware of allied activity relating to seaglider technologies and wing-in-ground effect platforms and we keep all such emerging technologies under review.

What recent progress he has made on the single digital platform for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP) has been directed to deliver a comprehensive tri-Service recruiting solution to establish a unified recruiting operating model. Future tri-Service recruiting will provide a flexible Candidate recruiting pathway that optimises the digital environment and will recruit against demand. It will engage, assist, and support the Candidates from expression of interest through to application, assessment, and job offer, to joining their chosen service and commencing initial training. The development of the single digital platform continues to progress in line with the delivery timeline. It is being built in line with Government Digital Service standards and the user experience is core to its development. Digital development is using an Agile methodology with a number of sprints taking place to align development to the overall solution requirements. AFRP submits quarterly reports and regular updates detailing the progress of the transition from Contract Effective Date which was 1 April 2025, to Service Commencement in 2027 which allows the monitoring and assurance of transition activity. The digital platform is currently in the detailed design phase and we are unable to provide further detail at this stage.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of increasing the overall capability of the National Space Operations Centre.

The National Space Operations Centre acts as a central hub for UK Space Domain Awareness operations, working in collaboration with UK Space Agency and Met Office. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is investing in research and improving the UK's ability to monitor and understand activities in space. This includes upgrading the National Space Operations Centre and developing new space monitoring sensors. Across Government, UK Space Domain Awareness requirements have been generated, which will support a coordinated approach to building a network of sensors and data systems, using information from various sources. The National Space Operations Centre proactively identifies and evaluates new capability development opportunities, ensuring they are prioritised to align with the MOD requirements, working with the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology. As the space domain continues to become more congested, contested, and competitive we expect the National Space Operations Centre responsibilities and capabilities to expand over time, continuing to support the growing UK space sector and protect UK interests in, from, and to space.

With refence 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 locations of 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.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made in exploiting the Defence estate to generate income for the MOD.

The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The SDR highlights the significant opportunity to exploit the Defence estate to generate income for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and to help meet the wider needs of Defence and the Government. Given the scale and unique nature of the Defence estate, identifying and evaluating evolving land use requirements requires a fully considered approach. Any land identified as part of this process will be announced in due course.

Where is the (a) technology development centre and (b) interim firing point that form part of Project Teutates located.

The TEUTATES programme is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). It includes the ongoing development of an interim firing point at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston site. The Technology Development Centre is also at AWE Aldermaston and is now being repurposed to support other programmes, having originally been constructed for TEUTATES.As set out in the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament published on 22 May, the first X-rays by the UK-supplied Induction Voltage Adder machine were fired at the EPURE hydrodynamics facility in November 2024, marking an important Treaty milestone.I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding cost estimates for the programme as release would prejudice international relations.

Which units will receive Ajax as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

The following units are due to receive Ajax vehicles. HCR – Household Cavalry RegimentRL – Royal LancersRDG – Royal Dragoon GuardsQRH – Queens Royal HussarsKRH – Kings Royal HussarsRTR – Royal Tank Regiment26 RA - 26th Regiment Royal Artillery1 RHA - 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery19 RA - 19th Regiment Royal Artillery22 Engrs - 22 Engineer Regiment26 Engrs - 26 Engineer Regiment6 REME - 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME3 REME - 3 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME1 RRF - 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers5 Rifles – 5 RIFLES1 Mercian – Mercian Regiment1 Royal Welsh - 1st Battalion The Royal WelshCMC - Combat Manoeuvre CentreDSEME – Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical EngineeringCTS – Crew Training School [part of CMC]

From where does UK Space Command recruit space warfighters.

UK Space Command is a Joint Command staffed by the Royal Navy, British Army, and Royal Air Force, alongside Civil Servants and contractors. Civil Service positions within the Space Enterprise are conducted as part of fair and open recruitment, and any new position will be posted on the Civil Service Jobs website. Military positions are filled as part of standard military assignment processes. UK Space Command will continue to grow in line with Government requirements.

How many Type 83 destroyers will be built by the Royal Navy.

The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, which encompasses the Type 83 destroyer, is in its concept phase. On current plans, the Outline Business Case will be submitted in June 2026 and subject to the Defence Investment Plan is due for publication this Autumn. The number of Type 83s will be confirmed by the Full Business Case.

What direct offensive role is played by UK Space Command.

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 acknowledges space as a critical national infrastructure sector, a site of growing competition, and a domain that is central to warfighting. In recognition of space’s growing strategic importance, the Ministry of Defence carries out a wide-ranging programme of activity to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of innovation, deterrence, and operational readiness in this critical domain. UK Space Command’s mission is to protect and defend national and military space interests and enable UK forces to operate globally. The UK remains 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.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of establishing UK Space Command as an independent branch of the UK armed forces.

UK Space Command remains an integral part of the Ministry of Defence and the UK Armed Forces, working collaboratively to ensure it remains a key component of UK Defence. Its role and effectiveness are continuously reviewed. Whilst there are no plans for this to change, at an appropriate time the future development of UK Space Command will be reviewed.

What training is provided to space warfighters in order to (a) monitor objects in orbit, (b) detect anomalies and (c) track potential threats.

This Government recognises the importance of a long-term holistic approach to education and workforce development. UK Space Command are working closely across Government, and with industry and leading academic centres around the country to ensure a joined-up approach to addressing skills gaps in the UK space sector. Space Operators start with a Foundation Space Operations Course to prepare for their role. At No 1 Space Operations Squadron, our operators receive training to monitor and manage activities in space, including tracking objects and sharing important information. At No 2 Space Warning Squadron, they train to detect and respond to potential missile threats. Once qualified, our personnel continue with advanced training in areas like space weather, satellite communications, and tracking objects in space, often working with international partners and experts. The UK Space Academy, part of UK Space Command, provides education and training on Space, offered to international partners and allies, cross-government civil servants, military personnel, and industry.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting the Sig Sauer XM250 as a potential replacement for the L7A2.

The L7A2 General Purpose machine Gun (GPMG) is expected to be replaced under Project CAIRNS. Project CAIRNS is currently a pre-concept project and as such formal consideration of systems, including the Sig Sauer XM250, has not yet taken place.

How many Russian aircraft have been interdicted by RAF Typhoon Quick Reaction Alert aircraft in (a) 2023, (b) 2024 and (c) 2025.

I am withholding the information requested as deterrence is a principal function of RAF Typhoon Quick Reaction Alert (QRA) and QRA is in turn an integral part of the air defence of the UK. The disclosure of information that might compromise the QRA deterrent capability would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

How many StormShrouds will be procured by the Royal Air Force.

I am withholding the number of StormShrouds to be procured as it would harm the Capability and Effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

What projects will be delivered via the RAF’s Rapid Capabilities Office beyond StormShroud.

The Rapid Capabilities Office (RCO) remit is to solve problems on behalf of the warfighter, enhancing the capabilities delivered to the front line by exploring game-changing technologies for the Royal Air Force. Many projects are Technology Demonstrations or studies into levels of industry wide technological maturity. Therefore, projects are dynamic and subject to change as they are driven by operational needs.

What new sites for sovereign production of complex weapons and critical systems have been identified by his Department.

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.

When satellites (a) Juno and (b) Oberon will be launched.

The Juno and Oberon satellites are expected to launch in 2027 or 2028.

When the RAF will receive the first Typhoons with a European Common Radar System Mark 2 radar.

Delivery and integration of the European Common Radar System Mark 2 onto RAF Typhoon Tranche 3 aircraft, as part of the Eurofighter Phase 4 Enhancement (P4E) programme, will commence by the end of this decade.

Whether StormShroud will give the Royal Air Force the ability to conduct a pulsed operation.

StormShroud augments and enhances the effects delivered by Combat Air platforms such as Typhoon but given the complex, dynamic and interacting nature of the all the factors that may influence pulsed operations, it is not possible to say that StormShroud alone would be the deciding factor in the ability to conduct a specific pulsed operation.