Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

For what reasons the Royal Navy’s commitment to provide the flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group One would be rescheduled.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact upon the UK military of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The UK actively monitors and assesses all emerging threats to national security to safeguard the nation's interests. It would be inappropriate to comment on a hypothetical operational scenario.

Whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

Whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

When did the Royal Navy last hold the flagship Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

The Royal Navy (RN) has never held the Flagship role for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG)1 but regularly commits resources to the Group.

What steps he is taking to enhance the detection capability of RAF Fylingdales within the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.

I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

How many Rapid Sentry Systems have been procured for the RAF Regiment.

I am withholding the number of Rapid Sentry that have been procured as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Whether HMS Duncan was the Royal Navy fleet-ready escort on 1 February 2026.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right. hon Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP) on 12 March 2026 to Question number 118155. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

What assessment has he made of the potential risk posed to British shipping in the Bab el Mandeb Strait by the Houthis.

The UK Government regularly assesses the security situation in the region including the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The Department for Transport, supported by the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation, continues to provide UK and Red Ensign flagged shipping with advice on the risk posed by the Houthis to merchant vessels.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of a) Maham-3 and b) Maham-7 naval mines by Iran on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of routine operational planning, the Ministry of Defence conducts frequent assessments of maritime threats and the activity of other States. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

What is the scheduled decommissioning date of each Royal Navy Type 45 ship.

On current plans, the last Type 45 Destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038. The Royal Navy does not release out of service dates for individual ships.

Whether the Royal Navy will take charge of the Allied Reaction Force (a) before or (b) after the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Whether Land Ceptor is capable of ballistic missile interception.

Sky Sabre is a system of systems made up of radars, Command and Control nodes and Land Ceptor launchers. The Land Ceptor is not configured for Ballistic Missile Defence capability.

What type of Iranian missile that was intercepted by the United States Navy was directed at Naval Support Facility Diego Garcia.

We do not comment on the detail of such threats for reasons of safeguarding operational security.

If he will set out which senior (a) Ministers, (b) military officers and (c) civil servants are required to approve the Defence Investment Plan prior to publication.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Powerful new Royal Navy warship programme advances as milestones reached for two ships, published on 24 February 2026, if he will confirm that defence spending will increase to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

As the Hon. Gentleman will probably already know, based on the latest GDP projections, the UK's defence spending is currently forecast to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2027.

Whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is permitted to defeat crewed a) fixed-wing or b) rotary-wing platforms.

The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is designed primarily to counter incoming missiles and other immediate air or surface threats, with its employment governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Any use of the system against crewed fixed‑ or rotary‑wing aircraft would be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in line with international law and operational necessity, noting that specific Rules of Engagement profiles are classified and protected from disclosure to ensure operational ambiguity and effectiveness.

With reference to the press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20 March 2026, which air defence radars have been purchased.

The contract will supply and integrate technologically advanced radar systems. I am withholding details of the specific air defence radar systems as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. However, I can confirm that the contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, a trusted partner in delivering advanced defence capabilities.

What the timeline is for phasing out the Land Rover from service.

As I recently confirmed at the Land Rover commemorative event in Bovington on 19 March 2026, the Light Mobility Vehicle programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness. The programme will formally launch in due course. The planned Out of Service Date for all current variants of the Land Rover fleet is 2030.

What discussions he has had with his Polish counterpart on joining the Global Combat Air Programme.

The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues. We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.