Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to the press conference from the Prime Minister on 16 March 2026, which three squadrons of fighter jets are deployed to the Middle East.

As of 18 March 2026, 12 Squadron, operating Typhoon aircraft, is deployed to Qatar. 2 Squadron, operating Typhoon aircraft, and 617 Squadron, operating F-35 aircraft, are deployed to RAF Akrotiri.

Whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is authorised to use lethal force.

As with all Armed Forces equipment capable of delivering lethal effect, the use of Phalanx is governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Internal directives relating to the use of weapons systems are operationally sensitive and are not disclosed.

What assessment has he made of the adequacy of 2 Force Protection Wing’s ORCUS counter-UAS equipment on preventing drone attacks on RAF Akrotiri.

While ORCUS+ is not optimised to defeat One-Way Attack UAS, it offers an enhanced ability to detect, track and identify, increasing a kinetic system’s ability to defeat but no system can be 100% effective. This is why our defences in the Eastern Mediterranean now include Typhon and F-35 jets, air defence and counter-drone units, Wildcat and Merlin helicopters, and a further 400 air defence personnel are currently deployed to protect British lives and interests.

Pursuant to the answer of 23 January 2026 to question 106075, what progress he has made on providing a full response.

An answer will be provided shortly.

What discussions he has had with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.

The Department has no records of formal engagement with Skycutter on the procurement of the Shrike 10 Fiber FPV drone.

Which directive within the Ministry of Defence authorises the use of the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS in a fully automated capacity.

As with all Armed Forces equipment capable of delivering lethal effect, the use of Phalanx is governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Internal directives relating to the use of weapons systems are operationally sensitive and are not disclosed.

What progress he has made in delivering Atlantic Net.

The Royal Navy (RN) will be deploying new undersea warfare technology as part of Atlantic Net, a new initiative that will see the RN rapidly field and iterate undersea warfare technology in collaboration with a Commercial Mission Partner or Partners. The initial commercial competition closed in late Nov 25 with follow on technical assessment undertaken during Dec 25, this process down-selected from 26 compliant consortia to five. The RN has worked collaboratively with these five consortia over the past three months, investing £5.6 million to rapidly develop and evidence these capabilities further before the Atlantic Net Commercial Mission Partner will be selected and scaled, pending approval in the Defence Investment Plan.

What the UK’s contribution is to the NATO Innovation Fund.

Following agreement by the Secretary of State for Defence and Chancellor the UK’s participation in the NATO Innovation Fund was announced on 30 June 2022. The fund invests in start-ups developing technology which fall into one of NATO’s defined EDT groups. It will be NATO’s venture capital fund. The fund’s objectives are: Foster a pipeline of dual-use technologies that can be adopted by NATO and participating nations;Crowd-in investment from private investorsBe commercially successful, providing returns on investment. The cost to the UK of participating in the fund is c£11 million per annum until financial year 2029-30.

How many Royal Navy T45 Destroyers have been upgraded with Sea Ceptor CAMM.

Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 Destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 Frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities in the surface fleet.

Pursuant to the answer of 11 March 2026 to question 118315 on USA: RAF Akrotiri, what is the scope of the permissions the US have been granted to use RAF Akrotiri.

As the Defence Secretary previously stated, the UK has agreed to a US request for permission to use RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for specific defensive purposes to destroy Iranian missiles and launchers at source. For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment on information relating to foreign nation’s military operations. Permissions to utilise UK military bases are considered on a case-by-case basis and the decision to grant permission is dependent on the nature and purpose of their activity.

Which T23 is scheduled to deploy on Operation Firecrest as part of the HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group.

Detail on Operation Firecrest can be found at the following link: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/uk-carrier-strike-group-to-deploy-to-north-atlantic-to-keep-uk-safe I am unable to comment further at this time to do so would compromise the security of our forces and effectiveness of operations. Further detail about Operation Firecrest will be provided in due course.

By which date is HMS Dauntless scheduled to complete her current Fleet Time Support Period.

HMS Dauntless is presently engaged in her Fleet Time Support Period in line with the Royal Navy’s planned maintenance cycle. In accordance with established practice, the Royal Navy does not routinely comment on the detailed operational programme of its vessels

What assessment has he made of the level of risk posed by the YJ-12 anti-ship cruise missile to Royal Navy ships.

As part of its routine responsibilities, the Royal Navy carries out comprehensive analyses of potential threats to its operations and assets. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

What his planned timetable is for approving MHC Block 2 of Uncrewed Underwater Vehicles.

The Royal Navy’s Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme is being delivered in incremental blocks to ensure capability can be introduced and enhanced at pace. First of class Block 1 systems are entering service and undergoing operational evaluation. Approval of the Full Business Case for Block 2 is on track to achieve a Minimum Deployable Capability by the end of 2030.

What assessment has he made of the level of threat posed by China towards the first and second island chain following the reduction in US military magazine depth during Operation Epic Fury.

As part of its routine responsibilities, UK Defence conducts assessments of the military capabilities of other states including in the Indo-Pacific. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

What progress has he made in implementing Project SYNERGIA.

Project SYNERGIA has been implemented.As the project supports research and development activity for future Counter Uncrewed Aerial System capability, it will remain in use until a core capability has been procured.

What air-to-air counter-drone engagement training is currently provided to a) Typhoon and b) F-35B pilots.

Using both live flying and realistic synthetic training simulation, Typhoon and F-35B Lightning aircrew continuously train for countering and defeating the full spectrum of airborne threats including drones.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of adopting the Mk22 Advanced Sniper Rifle for the UK Armed Forces.

Work to consider the future sniper rifle for UK Armed Forces is currently in a pre-concept project, and as such formal consideration of systems and specifications has not yet taken place.

Elements of which squadron are the four additional RAF Typhoons deployed to Cyprus.

It is Government policy not to comment on operational security issues, therefore we will not be providing further details on this matter.

What is the decision point for the deployment of RFA Lyme Bay to the Eastern Mediterranean.

RFA Lyme Bay has sailed from Gibraltar, available for maritime tasks in the region should they be required.