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
AskedHow many a) CPM Wilson-Plus and b) CPM Watson-Plus drone jammers have been procured across his Department.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) is required to maintain a set of core capabilities to support the Department. This includes Uncrewed Aerial System (UAS) and Counter Uncrewed Aerial System (C-UAS) capability. The MDP operates CPM Wilson and Watson dro...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat steps he is taking to reduce the time taken to fully qualify as a fast jet pilot.
ReplyImprovements are made continuously to the UK Military Flying Training System to ensure pipelines remain optimised to deliver world-class training to our next generation of aircrew. By integrating mixed reality into the training pipeline as part of Phase 1...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to page 30 of his Department's policy paper entitled Defence Diplomacy Strategy, Keeping Britain Safe: secure at home and strong abroad, published on 24 March 2026, by when he plans to have a) revi
ReplyIn line with the commitments set out in the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence is progressing a review of our hospitality and protocol policy. As stated in the Strategy we are working to introduce a refreshed policy by Q4 2026.
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 16 April 2026 to question 124255 on Navy: Uncrewed Systems, which autonomous systems have been a) developed and b) adopted via the Maritime Big Play programme.
ReplyMaritime Big Play is focussed on technology standards and solutions that will facilitate tri-lateral AUKUS interoperability of uncrewed systems. The intended outcome is the provision of clear recommendations to ensure that the nations are able to operate ...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (CP1338), published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on collaborating with Poland on air and missile defence.
ReplyIn accordance with the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy, we are prioritising collaboration and capability development with European allies, including Poland. The UK and Poland signed the Northolt Treaty on 27 May, a b...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the press release entitled UK to contribute drones, jets and warship to Multinational Mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz, published on 12 May 2026, whether that deployment will be funded by
ReplyThe Chancellor has confirmed that she had approved access to the Special Reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the Middle East. This includes the £115 million UK contribution to Multinational Mission to secure the Strait of Hormuz announced in May....
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
AskedWith reference to the news story entitled UK Armed Forces salute 250 years of American independence with US celebrations, published on 18 May 2026, which Royal Navy ships will visit (a) New Orleans and (b) New Yo
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence does not routinely comment on future ship movements for reasons of safeguarding operational security.
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
AskedWhat steps he has taken to equip Ministry of Defence Police with Live Facial Recognition vans.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence Police (MDP) does not possess its own Live Facial Recognition (FR) van for deployments. However, the MDP continues to collaborate with national policing partners, with ongoing discussions regarding access to regional Live FR vans a...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (CP1338), published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on a) renewing and b) increasing greater strategic depth
ReplyThe US is the UK’s principal defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US remains an essential pillar of our security. Our defence cooperation is mutually supportive, and we continue deep cooperation with the US on issue...
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 is the lifespan of the Noctis-1 military satellite.
ReplyNoctis-1 is a ground-based telescope, which is designed to remain in service until the mid-2030s. There is scope for extension through future upgrades.
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
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential merits of implementing a new management system across the Type 45 fleet to facilitate a reduction in crew size.
ReplyThe Ministry of Defence keeps the personnel requirements and operating models of its surface fleet, including the Type 45 Destroyers, under continual review to ensure they remain effective, safe and aligned with operational demands. Any change would be su...
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
AskedWhat discussions he has held with Cook Defence Systems on procuring new tracks for the Ajax fleet.
ReplyI am not aware of any discussions between the Ministry of Defence and Cook Defence Systems regarding the procurement of new tracks for the Ajax fleet. The original procurement of Ajax tracks was undertaken through General Dynamics Land Systems–UK (GDLS-UK...