Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 481–500 of 2,619 · Ministry of Defence
With reference to his foreword in his Department's publication entitled The Strategic Defence Review 2025: Making Britain Safer: secure at home, strong abroad, updated on 8 July 2025, when he expects the next sub
On current plans, construction of SSN-AUKUS submarines will start in the late 2020s, with the aim to deliver the first UK submarines into service in the late 2030s.To meet this demand we are, as announced in the Spending Review, investing more than £6 bil...
By what date does he plan to direct award the contract for the integration of the Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo onto the RAF’s fleet of P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft to BAE Systems Surface Ships Limited.
The initial contract for the basic integration of the Sting Ray Mod 1 torpedo onto the RAF’s fleet of P-8 Poseidon Maritime Patrol aircraft was awarded to BAES Systems Surface Ships Ltd in December 2024 and work is ongoing to deliver this initial capabili...
If he will set out the full scope of the Naval Support Integrated Global Network programme.
The Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) programme is the successor to the Future Maritime Support Programme and will deliver in-service support to Royal Navy ships and submarines, alongside services enabling the maintenance and operation of so...
With reference to the press release entitled Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army, published on 13 May 2026, when did discussions regarding the procurement of RCH155 start
The project entered its concept phase in late 2018.
With reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy entitled National Security Strategy 2025: Security for the British People in a Dangerous World, published on 24 June 20
Our approach to China is robust and consistent - we will co-operate where we can and challenge where we must. We are strengthening our domestic resilience, deepening alliances and partnerships overseas, and investing in capabilities, ensuring the UK is bo...
With reference to the Answer of 29 April 2026 to Question 128971 on Shipping: Sanctions, what the legal basis is for conducting maritime interdiction operations against sanctioned Russian Shadow Fleet vessels tra
Sanctions enforcement is taken by various enforcement bodies under powers in the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018, and regulations made under it, UK armed forces may support those agencies in the exercise of their powers. All interdiction acti...
With 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 in enabling closer cooperation with the EU on space secu
Whilst NATO remains the cornerstone of Europe’s collective defence, we wholly recognise the important role the EU plays in the security of Europe. That is why this Government agreed the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). The SDP makes provision...
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the establishment of new SSN-AUKUS facilities in Australia on levels of workforce retention at conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSN) facilit
AUKUS Pillar 1 cannot be realised without the essential personnel and expertise needed to design, build, operate, maintain and decommission SSNs, but it also offers an unprecedented opportunity to integrate and grow the submarine building workforce of all...
What progress has he made with Lockheed Martin in facilitating the delivery of the two F-35Bs stranded at Lajes International Airport on Terceira Island in the Azores since March 2026.
The final two aircraft from the initial procurement phase were delivered to RAF Marham on 22 May 2026. This brings the total number of F-35Bs delivered to 48.
With reference to his foreword in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress he has made in delivering autonomous fighters as part of a next-generation RAF.
Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on delivering autonomous fighters, will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
With reference to the AUKUS Pillar 1 plan announced in 2023, what assessment he has made of the ability of the Royal Navy to facilitate an ongoing rotational presence of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered subm
The AUKUS partnership, announced in March 2023, sets out a phased approach under Pillar 1 to deliver a trilateral programme of conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines (SSNs), including a rotational UK and US presence in the Indo-Pacific from as e...
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adopting the 6mm Advanced Rifle Cartridge (6×38mm) for use in a) individual and b) specialist weapons within the UK armed forces.
As advised in my previous answer to Question 125983, Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calib...
What progress he has made in securing funding for the Global Combat Air Programme beyond the existing deal with Edgewing.
The UK remains committed to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), working closely with our international partners to deliver a next generation combat air capability. Our focus is on continuing to work closely with Italy and Japan on the next steps towar...
What progress he has made in establishing a third F-35 squadron by 2033.
All spending decisions on capabilities are taken as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
With reference to the press release entitled Next-generation remote controlled artillery systems to transform British Army, published on 13 May 2026, how many tranches of RCH155 delivery will be split over; and o
RCH 155 will be delivered individually rather than in tranches. Deliveries are expected to take place between 2028 and 2032.
With reference to the Answer of 21 April 2026 to Question 126806 on F-35 Aircraft: Cruise Missiles, what assessment he has made of the extent of corrosion across the F-35 force caused by maritime exposure.
The Department has extensive experience in mitigating and rectifying corrosion to aircraft caused by maritime exposure. F-35 corrosion inspection and maintenance was a planned activity following Operation HIGHMAST.
Pursuant to the answer of 21 April 2026 to question 126820 on Ajax Vehicles: Health and Safety, following statement HCWS1545, published on 28 April 2026, when is the Independent Expert Panel Review final report s
I can confirm the Independent Expert Panel Review has now concluded and the report is being reviewed. As I have done since Exercise Titan Storm I will continue to update the House on progress with Ajax.
What proportion of the Barrow Transformation Fund will be provided by his Department.
Recognising Barrow's role as a strategic national asset, the Government's commitment to the submarine building programme underpins the 10-year 'Plan for Barrow' backed by the £200 million Barrow Transformation Fund.The Ministry of Defence is contributing ...
By what date the interim stand-off capability will be available via the procurement of the Small Diameter Bomb II.
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 Armed Forces. The procurement has been prioritised through the Foreign Military Sale...
What progress he has made on developing the hypersonic and counter-hypersonic capabilities stream of AUKUS Pillar 2.
I refer the hon. Member to the answers I gave him on 20 April 2026, to Questions 125446 and Question 125418.