Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What integration opportunities across the Defence enterprise have been identified by the DE&S battlespace integration centre.

The Defence Equipment and Support (DE&S) Battlespace Integration Centre has identified numerous integration opportunities through the work undertaken to date on Integrated Air and Missile Defence, Future Air Dominance System, and other themes within the Strategic Defence Review. I am withholding information on the specific integration opportunities identified on the grounds of National Security as their disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Of equal importance have been the systemic opportunities to achieve better integration through understanding of dependencies and better systems-of-systems engineering. The majority of the value created by the Battlespace Integration Centre has been through collaborations on systemic improvements, such as: Exposing data-driven insights into relationships and dependencies between capabilities through collaboration with other MOD initiatives such as Strategic Decision Support and the Defence Capability Hierarchy. Digitising the likes of doctrine and threat data, for faster modelling and simulation of military capability problems. Sponsoring digital/AI innovation which can significantly cut down the time from identification of a problem to the accurate determination of the most effective option to address it.

How many Protector MQ-9Bs have been procured for the Royal Air Force.

Sixteen Protector RG Mk1 have been procured for the Royal Air Force.

What independent capability the UK has to protect its own space assets and interests.

UK Space Command’s mission is to protect and defend national and military space interests, and enable UK forces to operate globally. The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) works to protect the UK from space-related threats and risks. As the military component of NSpoC, No 1 Space Operations Squadron, monitors space activity, defends the UK’s ability to operate in space, and supports military missions with space expertise. No 2 Space Warning Squadron provides vital support to UK Space Command and allied operations. The squadron contributes to NATO security through global missile warning, and also supports Space Domain Awareness through the detection, tracking, and identification of objects in Space. The Strategic Defence Review reinforced this Government's commitment to increasing defence spending and strengthening the UK's space capabilities, with clear recommendations to invest in nationally separable capability to control the domain at a time and place of our choosing, global decision advantage, and space-based sensors to understand and act. Owing to the sensitive nature of UK Space Command’s mission and work, we cannot disclose details on the exact capability utilised as part of its mission or its overall development plans.

When the Outline Business Case for the Type 83 destroyer is expected to be submitted.

On current plans the Outline Business Case will be submitted in June 2026 and subject to the Defence Investment Plan due for publication this Autumn.

How the Borealis command, control and data processing system will help better (a) monitor and (b) protect UK satellites.

In March of this year, this Government announced a new £65 million deal with CGI UK to deliver for our national security by enhancing protection for our satellite technology that millions rely on, while boosting jobs and growth at home.Project BOREALIS will enhance the UK's ability to monitor and protect crucial space assets, which underpin the UK's security and prosperity, enabling us to navigate the oceans, keep our military personnel safe, monitor the climate, and forecast the weather.Project BOREALIS will integrate various data sources to improve the UK's ability to monitor and safeguard its space assets. It will also form the Command and Control architecture as the backbone for the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). BOREALIS will iteratively build the NSpOC's capability to support emerging requirements and missions. Project BOREALIS will combine and analyse data from various sources to make the UK less reliant on allies. It aims to create a secure and independent system that provides high-quality information to help protect the UK's interests in space. This project will provide UK military with a better understanding of the Space Domain, boosting the UK's space capabilities and delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.

What stages of the assembly of the Eurofighter Typhoon take place in (a) Warton, (b) Samlesbury and (c) overseas.

For UK acquired aircraft and UK led export orders, ‘final assembly’ takes place at Warton wherein the Major Equipment components which have been manufactured at Samlesbury by BAES and also by the European Partner Companies at facilities in Germany, Italy and Spain, are ultimately assembled.

Which sovereign missile systems are able to be installed on F-35B.

The Advanced Short Range Air-to-Air Missile (ASRAAM), Meteor and SPEAR 3 are the sovereign missiles that can be installed on the F-35B. ASRAAM is fully cleared and in service for use on the F-35B whilst both Meteor and SPEAR 3 are undergoing integration via the F-35 Joint Program Office.

Whether he plans to procure the General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGurdian for maritime ISR operations.

The Strategic Defence Review 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. As referenced in recommendation 46, the provision of maritime surveillance capability for Protector is currently being considered. The implementation of the Review's recommendations is underway. We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure and people, alongside capabilities and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.

What assessment he has made of the requirement of a high/low weapons mix to deliver high-end effectors to meet the challenge of (a) anti access, (b) area denial and (c) very long range threat systems.

The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. Both autonomous and uncrewed technologies features in both Current and Planned Force Testing events, to ensure we capture the impact of changing technology on our force design. The mix of weapons systems required to defeat different target sets has also been the subject of Force Variation Testing. The results of these assessments are militarily sensitive, so are not releasable.The Defence Investment Plan will be published in the Autumn, to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure this plan considers the capabilities we need to deliver a more lethal Integrated Force, alongside infrastructure and people. The plan will ensure Defence has the flexibility to seize new technological opportunities and maximise the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.

Whether Project Teutates is included within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

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.

What Military Aid to Civil Authorities taskings have 2 Counter-Uncrewed Aerial Systems wing conducted since 2022.

2 C-UAS Wing have supported 13 Military Aid to Civil Authority requests from 2022 to 2 September 2025. 2 C-UAS provide counter-drone security to high-level Royal and Political engagements, major public events, and can respond to suspected drone incursions across the UK.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting the US Marines’ littoral regiment concept for naval infantry as outlined in their Force Design 2030.

The Ministry of Defence keeps allied force design developments under review but has no plans to adopt the US Marine Corps Littoral Regiment construct which is designed to support archipelagic warfare and distributed operations in the Indo-Pacific. The Royal Marines and UK Commando Forces are already being transformed through the Littoral Strike/Commando Force programme which is tailored to UK and NATO requirements.

What progress the 14 Squadron Royal Air Force has made on locating the remaining hostages held in Gaza following 7 October 2025.

While I am unable to comment on intelligence matters for operational security reasons, I can say that the UK Government has been working closely with partners across the region to secure the safe release and recovery of hostages.In support of this effort, the Ministry of Defence has been conducting surveillance flights over the Eastern Mediterranean. These operations include activity within the airspace over Israel and Gaza. To be clear, the mandate for these flights is strictly limited to supporting hostage rescue. The aircraft involved are unarmed and have no combat role.

What estimate he has made of the cost of the Teutates programme.

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.

What estimate he has made of the potential cost to the public purse of the Teutates programme in the 2025-2026 financial year.

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.

What steps he is taking to develop hypersonic vectors for use by the Royal Air Force.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer provided to Question 48869, by my right hon. Friend Maria Eagle MP, on 12 May 2025.

What is the full scope of Project MORPHEUS.

MORPHEUS is a project within the Land Environment Tactical Communications and Information Systems (LETacCIS) Programme with the aim of delivering the next generation of Communication and Information Systems to forces operating in a Land Tactical Environment, inclusive of the Royal Navy in the littoral environment and elements of the Royal Air Force. MORPHEUS was initiated to replace Bowman, MOD’s current in-service Tactical Communications and Information System capability, and aimed to: - Exploit modern technology to deliver a new, more capable baseline capability from which we can more rapidly evolve- Enable easier and more effective interoperability, both with other UK systems, and with allies- Lower the training burden on users, through more intuitive interfaces- Avoid vendor lock-in, and use competition to drive Value for Money- Employ open architectures, to more easily integrate new technologies

What assessment he has made of the feasibility of using Mount Pleasant Airfield as a forward mounting base for increased activity in Antarctica.

The Ministry of Defence undertakes regular assessments of its future requirements for its basing in the South Atlantic. The Department is supporting the FCDO to publish a UK Antarctic strategy by the end of this year, which will set the Government’s aims and ambitions for Antarctica for the next five years.

If he will list what services are contracted through the Future Maritime Support Programme.

The Ministry of Defence contract for 11 Lots through the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP), with each Lot providing a suite of services to deliver end outputs as agreed through each Lot contract. An overview of the Lots and their descriptions are within the table and the image below. CORE FMSP Lots: Lot No.TitleStrategyStart Date Note 1Contract Duration Note 1Bidder(s)Status1Naval Base Services at DevonportSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract live, due to expire in March 2026.2Ships Engineering Management and Delivery at Rosyth, Devonport & ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 1 yearsBabcockContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 April 20263Submarine Engineering at Devonport & ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract live, due to expire in March 20264Hard Facilities Management Services and Alongside Services at ClydeSingle Source (QDC)1 Apr 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcockContract Live, due to expire in March 20265Hard Facilities Management Services and Alongside Services at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsJoint Venture between BAES & KBR InterserveContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20266Soft Facilities Management Services at ClydeCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsBabcock ESS ISS SodexoContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20267Soft Facilities Management Services at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 2 yearsESS ISS SodexoContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 20268 Note 2Ships Engineering Management and Delivery at PortsmouthSingle Source (QDC)1 Oct 20215 years plus option for 1 yearBAESContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 202610Warehousing and Distribution at PortsmouthCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus options for 2 plus 1 yearsKuehne & Nagel Unipart WincantonContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 202611Warehousing and Distribution at ClydeCompetitive1 Oct 20215 years plus options for 2 plus 1 yearsBabcock Kuehne & Nagel UnipartContract live, will extend for 2 years from 1 Oct 2026 with option to extend further 1 year if required.12National FreightAmendment to contract awarded through competition1 Oct 2021 (Portsmouth) 1 Apr 2021 (Clyde)Until 1 Aug 2028 (Note 4)LeidosContract live Notes:1. Start date and contract duration relate to the period of service delivery. They exclude any transition period ahead of service delivery.2. Lot 8 was originally two lots, separating engineering management and delivery. Lots 8 and 9 were merged into a single Lot 8 before Invitation To Negotiate (ITN) release.3. Details of the two winning bidders will be provided via a separate LIMDIS note.4. The Leidos contract under lot 12 expires on 1 Aug 2028. The intention is to add the additional scope to the contract for the remainder of its life.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on decarbonising energy systems across defence.

The Strategic Defence Review 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 implementation of the Review's recommendations is underway. Implementation will be priority business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure and people, alongside capabilities, enables flexibility to seize new technological opportunities, and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy. The decarbonisation of energy systems is incorporated into this approach.