29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Multinational Mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, published on 12 May 2026, how much new funding for (a)
ReplyWe do not routinely provide a breakdown of funding for specific capabilities linked to operational deployments.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, how many Hawk T1 aircraft the Red Arrows will take to the United
ReplyThe number of Hawk T1 aircraft transiting to the USA is currently expected to be between 10 and 12.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Multinational Mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, published on 12 May 2026, what is the operation codenam
ReplyFor reasons of national security, I am not able to disclose specific details about the codename of the operation in question.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the answer of 20 April 2026 to question 125359 on Teledyne Marine: Navy, by when he plans to deliver Sentinel and Slocum gliders to the Royal Navy.
ReplySentinel and Slocum gliders are being delivered as part of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering programme, with remaining deliveries expected in summer 2026.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to his Department's press release entitled UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Multinational Mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, published on 12 May 2026, how many Typhoon jets will be
ReplyWe do not routinely provide a breakdown of funding for specific capabilities linked to operational deployments.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential merits of embedding Javelin anti-tank missiles at section level.
ReplyThe optimal deployment of Javelin is subject to regular review including operational analysis wargaming, lessons from training and observations from live use. All of these consider its employment as part of a wider system of anti-tank systems.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat is the projected cost to the Ministry of Defence of switching to sustainable aviation fuel.
ReplyIt is taking time to collate the requested information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring Hendrick Technical Solutions’ Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount.
ReplyThe Department is aware of the Silent Tactical Energy Enhanced Dismount system. Similar capabilities have previously been explored, and the system is currently undergoing trial activity to assess its potential utility for Defence.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, what assessment he has made of the risk of transiting to the Uni
ReplyA bespoke risk assessment was conducted to supplement the extant Hawk T1 Air System Safety Case. The associated risks are well understood and appropriately mitigated for the Atlantic crossing between the UK, Iceland, Greenland, Canada, and the USA.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedBy when is maintenance on (a) HMS Ambush and (b) HMS Artful expected to be completed.
ReplyI hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot provide the specific details requested as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedThe average length of time for an individual to qualify as a fast jet pilot since 2016.
ReplySince 2016 the average length of time for an individual to complete their Phase 2 flying training within the UK Military Flying Training System and commence their front-line Operational Conversion Unit was 67 months. For trainee fast jet pilots who comple...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat progress he has made on preparing reserve forces to protect critical national infrastructure.
ReplyOn Strategic Defence Review recommendation 27, the MOD is developing options for the protection of critical national infrastructure in the event of crisis or conflict, including exploring the development of a new force that is modelled on the Reserves and...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat the backlog is of fast jet pilots in the training pipeline.
ReplyAs of 1 June 2026, there were 36 trainee fast jet pilots on a holdover between UK Military Flying Training System courses, and 12 trainee fast jet pilots who are waiting to commence their front-line Operational Conversion Unit.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat fast jet trainers are used to teach Royal Air Force pilots at the International Flight Training School at Decimomannu air base.
ReplyThe Leonardo M-346 training aircraft is used to teach Royal Air Force pilots at the International Flight Training School (IFTS) at Decimomannu Air Base in Sardinia, Italy.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many Sky Mantis drones he has procured for the a) Army, b) Royal Navy, c) Royal Air Force and d) Ministry of Defence Police.
ReplyI hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that the provision of the specific details requested would be inappropriate, as disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many fast jet pilots have qualified in the (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy in each year since 2016.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many qualified fast jet pilots have left the (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy in each year since 2016.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44679 on Ukraine: Defence, what progress he has made in (a) accelerating, (b) developing and (c) deepening (i) UK defence industrial capacity and capabili
ReplyTask Force HIRST has supported the development of a strong defence industrial partnership with Ukraine, helping to ensure Ukraine prevails and enhancing the UK's wider defence partnerships, including joint development and interoperability. It has driven n...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many pilots are in the fast jet pilot training pipeline between Cranwell and being posted to frontline squadrons as fully qualified pilots.
ReplyAs of 1 June 2026, there were 119 trainee fast jet pilots in the fast jet training pipeline between Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell and commencing a front-line Operational Conversion Unit.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhether he has undertaken analysis of the limitations of Batch Testing Criticality Analysis testing on carriage hours for the Royal Air Force.
ReplySubject matter experts within the Ministry of Defence and its industry partners who undertake Breakdown Test and Critical Analysis (BTCA) understand the limitations of the test methods used, and apply it appropriately where used to inform decisions on air...