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 521–540 of 2,264 · Ministry of Defence
If he has received the overarching Infrastructure Recapitalisation Plan as per Recommendation 59 of the Strategic Defence Review.
The overarching Infrastructure Recapitalisation Plan, as outlined in Recommendation 59 of the Strategic Defence Review, has not yet been submitted.
Whether his Department has any current contracts with Anthropic.
The Department does not hold any contracts with Anthropic.
Whether any British military personnel were involved in the (a) planning or (b) intelligence gathering for the US attack on Iran.
No British military personnel were involved in the planning for the US attack on Iran. It is the longstanding policy of successive Governments that we do not comment on intelligence matters.
Pursuant to the answer of 20 October 2025 to question 79699 on Antiship Missiles, by what date will the Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme full business case receive a decision on approval.
The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme continues to move towards its Full Business Case approval in 2026. The schedule for completing the approval process is structured to allow continued delivery of industry work (where approvals are already in place to protect work throughout 2026) without the approval process introducing any delay.
Pursuant to the answer of 27 October 2025 to question 79399 on Unmanned Aircraft Systems: Procurement, how much funding will he provide to counter-drone capability to RAF Akrotiri.
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continually monitors the threat posed to the UK and our interests, and has processes in place to rapidly deliver capability required by specific Operational Commanders to manage risks to life that arise around the world. Integrated Air and Missile Defence investments will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be prioritised appropriately against the assessed threat picture as part of the future Integrated Force and will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan. The MOD, through the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group, is working to speed up financing and licensing for exports to Gulf partners. As part of this, a new Task Force has been created within the NAD Group to collaborate across government to support partners across the Middle East working with UK industry. It will also manage the impact of the conflict on the UK defence supply chain and gather requirements for stock replenishment.
What assessment has he made of the potential impactions for his policies of the recent withdrawals of a) Poland, b) Estonia and c) Finland from the Ottawa Treaty.
His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal. As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.
What assessment he has made of the potential merits of withdrawing from the Ottawa Treaty.
His Majesty's Government has noted the withdrawal of Finland, Estonia and Poland from the Ottawa Convention. The UK acknowledges and shares concerns about the security environment in the region as a result of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine. We also acknowledge that it is the sovereign right of those countries to make this decision. The UK will continue to work to mitigate impacts on vital arms control and disarmament norms, while continuing to engage bilaterally on the actions those States plan to take following their withdrawal. As a State Party to the Convention on the Prohibition of the Use, Stockpiling, Production and Transfer of Anti-Personnel Mines and on their Destruction (also known as the Ottawa Convention), the UK remains committed to the Convention.
What progress he has made in procuring a) GMLRS and b) ER-GMLRS munitions.
Replenishment of the Guided Multiple Launch Rocket Systems (GMLRS) stockpile is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in Quarter two 2026. The procurement of Extended Range GMLRS (ER-GMLRS) is on contract with the first deliveries expected to arrive in the UK in 2028.
What is the current size of the Royal Artillery’s M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems fleet.
The Ministry of Defence has an operational fleet of 21 M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems, comprising launcher and repair and recovery vehicle variants.
How many M270 launchers have been procured from Norway.
The UK has acquired 11 M270A0 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers from Norway.
Whether he has had discussions with representatives from India on the development of the engine for their new Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft.
The Ministry of Defence continues to engage at all levels to support and advance the UK’s bid for the Engine Development Programme for India’s Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft. Deepening the UK-India relationship on defence capability is a Prime Minister priority, as outlined by the recently published Defence Industrial Roadmap.
What is the full scope of the Low-Cost Effectors & Autonomous Platforms’ initiative.
The LEAP initiative is another firm signal of European collective commitments, delivering a united front of deterrence against Russia. LEAP will embrace groundbreaking industry innovation to exploit rapidly evolving technology at pace to deliver capabilities to counter threats posed now and in the future. The first focus of LEAP is on a new surface-to-air weapon – lightweight, affordable, and designed to counter mass drone and missile threats. Our innovative approach could see the defined effector designs manufactured from 2027. The aspiration is that LEAP will grow into other key low-cost and autonomous areas in the future.
What progress has he made in exploring the potential of using Australian Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar technologies for the UK.
As part of the Ministry of Defence’s capability delivery process the UK is exploring possibilities, including better understanding of Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) with our allied partners. A series of targeted risk-reduction activities has been agreed with the Australian Government. Any future decisions will be made in accordance with Departmental processes.
What progress he has made on developing cooperation with Australia on directed‑energy weapons.
As part of the UK's ambition to accelerate the development and deployment of Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) we are engaging with key allies who share our mutual aims in this field. For reasons of national security, it would not be appropriate to comment further on the specifics of this cooperation.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the decision of the (a) US Marines to retain the M27 rifle and (b) US Army’s adoption of the M7 on the ability of UK forces to operate with US forces.
The UK and US share evidence on research and experimentation on the development of small arms. Enhancing interoperability with Allies remains an important consideration in any procurement of capability that the Department undertakes. This includes the British Army’s Project GRAYBURN which will deliver the replacement of the L85 rifle. The project is considering different calibres as part of wider interoperability considerations.
What is the delivery timeline for the (a) 61 M270 MLRS launchers and (b) eight Repair and Recovery vehicles.
The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.
What progress he has made in upgrading the M270B1 Multiple Launch Rocket Systems to A2 standard.
The Multiple Launch Rocket Systems launchers and Repair and Recovery Vehicles (RRVs) are on contract to be upgraded to the A2 standard. Two launchers have now been delivered to the UK and a further 13 launchers and two RRVs are currently on the production line for delivery in 2026. The whole MLRS fleet is being upgraded in four tranches with the final deliveries estimated to be complete by 2029.
How many armed forces personnel have qualified for the operational allowance each year since its introduction.
It is taking time to collate the required information to answer the hon. Member's Question. I will write to him when the information is available, and a copy of this letter will be placed in the Library of The House.
If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies of China's no first use nuclear strike policy.
The UK’s nuclear policy, most recently outlined in the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, remains unchanged. The UK does not believe China’s No First Use policy is credible. It is extremely unlikely that in extreme circumstances a state in possession of nuclear weapons would not be willing to use them. China continues to expand and diversify its nuclear arsenal and fails to explain the rationale and intent behind its modernisation and how this aligns with its doctrine.
Which units form the UK's contribution to the NATO Allied Reaction Force Special Operations Component.
The United Kingdom will assume leadership of NATO’s Allied Reaction Force (ARF) Special Operations Component from July 2026 to June 2027. As part of this commitment, the UK is providing the Special Operations Component Command headquarters, responsible for commanding multinational Special Operations task groups held at high readiness for NATO collective defence and crisis response tasks. UK contributions to the ARF Special Operations Forces element principally comprise personnel drawn from the Royal Marines Commando Force, the Ranger Regiment and supporting Royal Air Force elements, forming maritime, land and air Special Operations Task Groups under NATO command. These forces will operate alongside contributions from Allied nations as part of the multinational ARF framework.