8 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat estimate he has made of the number of mortuary affairs qualified personnel within the Armed Forces.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence does not routinely publish the number of qualified personnel in niche operational capability areas, as disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness and security of the Armed Forces. However, I can confirm t...
8 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat progress has he made in re-establishing his Department's capability to produce nuclear fuel.
ReplyThe Nuclear Fuels programme is in its early development phase, and we are currently working with industry to develop options for its delivery. These options will inform the timescales for completion.
8 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat percentage of his Department's budget was spent on military pensions in 2024-25.
ReplySpend on military pensions in 2024-25 represented 8% of the defence budget.
8 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to his Department's press release UK-led Operation Interflex enters new phase of specialist training for Ukraine, published on 5 June 2026, what the additional cost is of delivering the new phase o
ReplyThe new phase of Interflex brings all the elements of UK-delivered training for the Ukrainian Armed Forces under a single, unified framework. This is an evolution and consolidation of the Operation Interflex training offer to Ukraine which comes at no add...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, how will the Royal Navy be able to integrate payl
ReplyThe AUKUS Pillar 2 signature project will enable the Royal Navy to integrate payloads from the United States and Australia through the development of interoperable systems for uncrewed underwater vehicles. The AUKUS partners will agree interface standards...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat date is the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme due to deliver its key milestones.
ReplyDetailed delivery timelines for the Royal Navy’s Maritime Data Gathering programme remain in development.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the Answer of 3 June 2026 to Question 5114 on Hawk Aircraft, if he will list the tail numbers of the Hawk T1 aircraft removed from the Military Aircraft Register since 16 January 2025.
ReplyXX159 and XX301 have been deregistered and retired from service.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, what are the first capabilities expected to be in
ReplyThe first capabilities expected to be in service by 2027 will focus on rapidly deployable, interoperable payloads that deliver immediate operational benefit.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedBy when will he publish the board of enquiry report into the crash of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 in the English Channel on 4 September 2024.
ReplyThe Defence Safety Authority Service Inquiry into the loss of Royal Navy Augusta Westland AW101 Merlin HC4 ZJ135 on 4 September 2024 is nearing completion and will be published as soon as practicable.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedBy when does he expect the combat capable release of new software for the F-35B to be available to the UK Lightning Force.
ReplyThe F-35B is an operationally deployable combat aircraft. Capability is enhanced through regular, incremental software releases delivered through the global F-35 programme, rather than a single combat capable release.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat percentage of the defence budget is dedicated to the Global Combat Air Programme.
ReplyInvestment decisions will be made as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will outline the department’s spending plans in line with the Strategic Defence Review and Spending Review outcomes.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedIf he will set out the (a) Royal Navy and (b) RAF's commitments to the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative.
ReplyAs a leading European Carrier Strike nation, the Royal Navy and Royal Air Force play a key role in the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative, contributing to multinational efforts that strengthen interoperability and enable more effective and...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat the full mission-capable rate was of the UK F-35B Lightning Force in a) 2024 and b) 2025.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 28 May 2026 to question 2968 on Defence: Space Technology, which EU member states is his department exploring opportunities for engagement with.
ReplyThe UK frequently explores opportunities for engagement with EU Members States on space security. This includes engagement with France, Germany and Italy through the Combined Space Operations Initiative and Multinational Force Operation Olympic Defender. ...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat are the seven mission sets for the UK Lightning Force.
ReplyThe United Kingdom aligns its multi‑role aircraft with NATO air doctrine as set out in the Allied Joint Doctrine for Air and Space Operations (AJP-3.3). Within this framework, air power is organised into seven core tactical mission sets: Offensive Counter...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the press release entitled Cutting-edge underwater tech for AUKUS forces to be developed through landmark partnership, published on 30 May 2026, from what month and year will the first UK deploy
ReplySubmarine Rotational Force-West is on track to be established in 2027, as confirmed in the joint AUKUS Defence Ministers’ statement of 30 May 2026. The UK has reaffirmed its commitment to maintain a rotational presence as part of Submarine Rotational Forc...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many Russian-sanctioned vessels transiting UK waters have changed flag mid-voyage prior to entering UK waters since 24 March 2026.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence continually monitors all activity within UK waters. We will not provide details on the numbers of vessels or our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, onl...
4 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat progress has he made in delivering a short take-off and landing, jet powered Autonomous Collaborative Platform capable of operating from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier via Project VANQUISH.
ReplyProgress on Project VANQUISH is focused on feasibility, industry engagement, and option development ahead of any acquisition decisions. While investment decisions remain subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan, the Royal Navy, working with i...
3 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet vessels have transited through UK waters since 24 March 2026.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence continually monitors all activity within UK waters. We will not provide details on the numbers of vessels or our decision-making process as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against sanctioned ships, onl...
3 Jun 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedBy when he plans to procure the GBU-53 StormBreaker Small Diameter Bomb II.
ReplyI refer the hon. Member to the Answer I gave him on 26 May 2026 to Question 2224. As the hon. Gentleman will understand I am withholding the date that this capability will be available as it would harm the capability, effectiveness, and security of the Ar...