18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the feasibility of interdicting sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet vessels in the English Channel under a) Article 19 or b) Article 21 of UNCLOS.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence continuously monitors maritime activity in UK waters. Any enforcement action is considered on a case‑by‑case basis. We will not provide details on our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully tak...
18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the adequacy of the compatibility of current UK air-to-air refuelling capability with the new Probe Refuelling Adapter for the US Air National Guard Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderb
ReplyAir to air refuelling remains a key capability within the Air Mobility Force and increases the endurance, range, payload and flexibility of all capable receiver aircraft. The RAF currently operates a probe and drogue system, which is compatible with platf...
18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat was the outcome of the most recent Breakdown Test and Critical Analysis (BTCA) on all Javelin missiles.
ReplyFollowing analysis of the recent Breakdown Test and Criticality Analysis (BTCA) programme conducted on Javelin missiles, the Safety Responsible and Senior Safety Responsible delegation holders have endorsed a five-year extension to the Javelin in-service ...
18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 18 June 2026 to Question 10071 on Hawk Aircraft, how has XX159 been disposed of.
ReplyThe deregistered Hawk Aircraft XX159 is being held in storage pending selection of the appropriate disposal route for scrapping and recycling.
18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 11 June 2026 to question 7775 on Defence Nuclear Enterprise, what is the a) whole life cost, b) 2025/26 cost and c) 2026/27 budget for the Nuclear Fuels Programme.
ReplyAs the Nuclear Fuels Programme remains in its early development phase, it is too early to provide an accurate whole lift cost estimate. We are continuing to work with industry to develop options for the programme’s delivery and these options will then inf...
18 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 5081 on Armed Forces: Firearms, what were the circumstances which led to the loss of a) two C8 rifles in 2024 and b) one C8 rifle in 2025.
ReplyThe security of small arms is taken very seriously within MOD, and we have robust procedures in place to deter, detect and prevent loss and theft which are constantly reviewed. All losses and thefts of small arms are fully and rigorously investigated.Whil...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of unresolved turret gearbox issues on the delivery timeline of Challenger 3.
ReplyChallenger 3 remains in the Demonstration phase. The design continues to be refined by the manufacturer to ensure the vehicle meets its required performance standards. As design maturity has improved, the Prime Contractor has refined elements of the desig...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 16 June 2026, to question 8857 on Army Reserve: Finance, what the budget allocation for funding the British Army’s strategic reserve is for this reporting period.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to him on 16 June 2026, to Question 8857. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-06-10/8857
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 9058 on Army, which armoured units within 3rd (UK) Division will receive Boxer in a supporting capability.
ReplyUnder current plans, Boxer is being fielded in supporting roles to Armoured, Armoured Cavalry and Armoured Infantry units within 3rd (UK) Division. These roles include Command and Control, Specialist Troop Carrier, and Medical functions. The 1st Battalion...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat is the current flight status of the Royal Navy’s Merlin Mk.4 fleet following the crash in Sourton, Devon on 3 June 2025.
ReplyFollowing the loss of a Merlin Mk4 (Me4) (ZJ131) on 3 June 2026, Me4 flying was paused and an investigation was directed. A return to flying of the Me4 fleet was authorised on 10 June 2026 post analysis of the initial evidence. The safety investigation is...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to Table 4 of Appendix II: F-35 Sustainment Estimated Costs of the US Government Accountability Office’s report entitled F-35 Sustainment: Actions Needed to Ensure Updated Strategy Improves Persist
ReplyThe F-35 Joint Program Office has instigated a new initiative, the F-35 Global Support Solution (GSS) Reset, to improve aircraft performance metrics across the global fleet of F-35 aircraft.Mission Capable Rates and procurement costs of United States Mari...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 9058 on Army, in what supporting capability role is Boxer being fielded to Armoured Units.
ReplyUnder current plans, Boxer is being fielded in supporting roles to Armoured, Armoured Cavalry and Armoured Infantry units within 3rd (UK) Division. These roles include Command and Control, Specialist Troop Carrier, and Medical functions. The 1st Battalion...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the US Government Accountability Office’s report entitled F-35 Sustainment: Actions Needed to Ensure Updated Strategy Improves Persistent Readiness Challenges, published on 11 June 2026, what as
ReplyThe F-35 Joint Program Office has instigated a new initiative, the F-35 Global Support Solution (GSS) Reset, to improve aircraft performance metrics across the global fleet of F-35 aircraft.Mission Capable Rates and procurement costs of United States Mari...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 17 June 2026 to Question 9058 on Army, which Mechanised Infantry Units will receive Boxer from 2030 - 2035.
ReplyForce design work remains ongoing. Consequently, no decisions have yet been taken on which Infantry units will receive Boxer between 2030 and 2035.
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 17 June 2026 to question 8711 on Military Aircraft: Training, how many trainee pilots have quit UKMFTS prior to completion of their training in a) 2024, b) 2025 and c) 2026 (year-to-date
ReplyFrom 1 January 2024 to 31 December 2024, two trainees voluntarily withdrew from the UK Military Flying Training System (UKMFTS) Fast Jet Training. In 2025, no trainees voluntarily withdrew from UKMFTS Fast Jet Training. From 1 January 2026 to 18 June 2026...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 17 June 2026 to question 8248 on F-35 Aircraft, how many F-35B aircraft are based with the Operational Conversion Unit, 207 Squadron.
ReplyThe F-35B Fleet based at RAF Marham is pooled for use by all based Squadrons on a daily basis, according to unit requirements.
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the impact on future F-35 procurement of the availability of low rate initial production material within the production chain.
ReplyThe F-35 supply chain, including production material, is managed by the F-35 Joint Programme Office via the two F-35 prime contractors; Lockheed Martin and Pratt & Whitney. The production planning process aligns requirements with supply chain capacity...
17 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of the F-35 Joint Program Office Global Support Solution (GSS) Reset on the UK Lightning Force.
ReplyThe Global Support Solution reset is intended to improve aircraft availability and readiness performance across the F-35 enterprise.
16 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether the £3.5 billion of in-year efficiency savings to be made within his Department is included within the cost envelope for the Defence Investment Plan.
ReplyWork to finalise the Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will continue at pace with the new Defence Secretary, and the Prime Minister has been clear that he is determined to publish the DIP before the NATO summit in July.
16 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 10 June 2026 to question 6942 on Hawk Aircraft, on what dates were (a) XX159 and (b) XX301 deregistered and retired from service.
ReplyXX159 entered Service in January 1979 and was retired from Service and deregistered in May 2025. XX301 entered Service in February 1980 and was retired from Service and deregistered in September 2025. I can confirm both platforms that have been retired en...