Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What protection RAF Akrotiri has against Iranian Medium Range Ballistic Missiles, in the context of the move of the US Navy USS Gerald R Ford Carrier Strike Group to the Red Sea on 5 March.

In addition to the equipment and capabilities stationed at RAF Akrotiri, the Ministry of Defence have added 400 additional personnel, increased air defence radar and missiles since January. We have deployed F-35 and Typhoon aircraft, three Wildcat helicopters and a Merlin helicopter. HMS Dragon has now departed from the UK, where, as the Secretary of State informed the House on 9 March 2026, it will join US air defence destroyers in the Eastern Mediterranean.

What discussions has he had with a) his US counterparts or b) Spektreworks, regarding the Low-cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).

The Department has no records of formal engagement with US counterparts or SpektreWorks regarding the Low‑Cost Uncrewed Combat Attack System (LUCAS).

Elements of which F-35B squadron is currently deployed to Cyprus.

We cannot release any further information on this matter due to operational security reasons.

What ships from NATO allies will deploy as escorts to HMS Prince of Wales Carrier Strike Group on Operation Firecrest.

Operation Firecrest is intended to include key allies, including the US, Canada and Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF) nations. We are continuing to refine with our allies the specific capabilities these will contribute to the deployment, although this information is operationally sensitive and therefore will not be disclosed.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the establishment of the Baltic Military Mobility Area on UK armed forces operations in Estonia.

The United Kingdom remains firmly committed to Estonia as the framework nation for NATO’s forward land forces. The purpose of the Baltic Military Mobility Area (MMA) is to harmonise procedures for the movement of military personnel and equipment across Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The alignment of infrastructure standards and legal authorisations will facilitate the movement of allied forces across the region. We recognise that the ability to reinforce and sustain forward‑deployed units is essential to the effective delivery of NATO’s defence plans, and that military mobility initiatives are therefore central to collective deterrence and defence.

What discussions has he had with (a) his United States counterparts and (b) the United States military on the drone attack at RAF Akrotiri.

Both the Defence Secretary and Defence Officials remain in regular contact with US counterparts on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations including operational matters.

Whether the additional preparation work to enable another Daring-class Royal Navy ship to replace HMS Dragon in its role as flagship of the NATO Standing Naval Maritime Group 1 will be funded from the Special Reserve.

In her statement to the House on 9 March, the Chancellor confirmed that she had approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the middle east.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact on minehunting and disposal capability in the a) Strait of Hormuz and b) wider Gulf region of withdrawing HMS Middleton on 25th January.

The UK is committed to supporting our interests and the interests of our allies in the Gulf region. We collaborate closely with allies and partners to maintain an Expeditionary Mine Warfare capability – this includes the introduction of the latest autonomous mine hunting capabilities.

Whether the Royal Marines will deploy any sub-units on Operation Firecrest.

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-s… 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.

Which building at RAF Akrotiri was struck by the attack drone on 2 March 2026.

The device struck a hangar.

If the preparation to deploy HMS Dragon for deployment to the eastern Mediterranean is funded from the Special Reserve.

In her statement to the House on 9 March, the Chancellor confirmed that she had approved access for the Ministry of Defence to the special reserve to deploy additional capabilities in the middle east.

What is the operational use of RAF Akrotiri by the United States Air Force on Operation Olive Harvest.

For operational security reasons, we do not offer comment or 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.

Pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, how will services become a VALOUR Recognised Centre and what will the eligibility criteria be.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course. The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website. A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway. VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Pursuant to the answer of 4 March 2026 to question 114218 on Veterans: Mental Health Services, by when will he establish a) a VALOUR HQ and b) a network of VALOUR Field Officers.

VALOUR will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRC) will enable veterans, and in due course the wider Armed Forces Community, to access in-person guidance and support. Applications for the first round of VALOUR Development Funding for organisations wishing to become a VRC closed on 14 January 2026. They are currently being assessed, and successful bids will be announced in due course. The VALOUR Recognised Centres Development Fund is administered by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust (AFCFT) on behalf of the Office for Veterans' Affairs (OVA). Further detail on the fund’s criteria is published on the AFCFT website. A network of VALOUR Field Officers (VFOs) will aim to bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination and enable data-driven policy and service development. The first phase of recruitment for VFOs is currently underway. VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs. The HQ team is currently being established within the Office for Veterans’ Affairs.

Whether the drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026 struck an aircraft hangar.

The drone that struck RAF Akrotiri on 2 March 2026 did strike a hangar causing minimal damage.

Pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2026 to question 115862 on China: Nuclear Weapons, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the a) diversification and b) modernisation of its nuclear arsenal.

The UK’s nuclear policy, most recently outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, remains unchanged. China is undertaking a significant programme of nuclear expansion and modernisation. The pace and scale of these developments, coupled with limited transparency about China’s doctrine, capabilities and decision‑making, is concerning. The UK continues to encourage China to engage substantively in strategic risk‑reduction and transparency measures.

Pursuant to the answer of 5 March 2026, to question 111945 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, for what reason will some Ajax vehicles move to Capability Drop 3 before Capability Drop 4 and others will be upgraded to Capability Drop 4.

Capability Drop 3 is the current approved standard for the Ajax fleet. Vehicles which are scheduled to be upgraded before the Capability Drop 4 standard is approved will move to Capability Drop 3. Vehicles which are later in the upgrade schedule will move directly to Capability Drop 4.

What progress he has made in installing the (a) defensive aid suite and (b) missile countermeasures to the RAF’s Envoy IV fleet.

Options to expand the future capability of the Envoy IV fleet are under consideration, including the installation of a defensive aid suite.

What steps has he taken to revise the Army fielding plan for the Ajax family of vehicles in order to reflect delays caused by the ministerial-led review.

Investigations into Ajax remain ongoing, and time must be given to ensure that all information and evidence is considered. The fielding plan will be updated once these investigations conclude. I will continue to keep the house informed of developments as I have done since the issue arose on Exercise Titan Storm.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Chinese DF-17 (Dongfeng-17) solid-fuelled medium-range ballistic missile fitted with the DF-ZF hypersonic glide vehicle on the safety of British forces.

The Ministry of Defence does not comment on states’ specific capabilities or how we would respond to them, as doing so could provide an operational advantage to those who may seek to harm the UK.