Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What is the full scope of the the Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework.

The Hypersonic Technologies and Capability Development Framework (HTCDF) is a bespoke £1b billion Commercial Agile Route to Market to facilitate a spiralled approach to technology development through to a sovereign capability.The framework covers a broad range of scope required to develop a Hypersonic Strike Capability, crucially allowing contracting at all levels of Technology Readiness. Lots include: Design and Integration, Modelling, Simulation and Test and Evaluation, Airframe and Power Generation, Low TRL / Specialists, Lethal Package, Propulsion, Onboard Computing and Seekers with significant supplier capability represented in each Lot.

What progress has he made in updating the UK F-35B fleet with Block 4 modifications.

We do not routinely comment on detailed delivery schedules. However, the Block 4 upgrade programme continues, it did not impact the declaration of Lightning Full Operating Capability. The Block 4 upgrade programme will further develop our world leading Combat Air capability, the UK Lightning, through improvements in lethality, survivability and supportability.

What steps did he take to help ensure the mapping of the location of Olenya Guba released by his Department on 9 April 2026 accurately disclosed the location of the submarine base of the Main Directorate of Deep-Sea Research.

The map originally published on 9 April did not accurately reflect the location of Oleyna Guba. The difference in location arose during the reformatting of the map for publication and did not affect the versions used internally by the Department.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 June 2025 to Question 56964 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, on what dates did the Royal Air Force receive the remaining F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

On 13 March 2026, the UK accepted its 48th F-35B aircraft.

Pursuant to the Answer of 6 March 2025 to Question 36208 on USA: Military Alliances, what discussions he has held with his US counterparts on the ongoing commitment of the United States to the European Reassurance Initiative.

The Defence Secretary speaks with his US counterpart regularly on a range of topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our two nations. However, they have not recently discussed the US’ European Reassurance Initiative.

What military assets are tasked with the provision of physical security of UK offshore wind farm infrastructure.

The Ministry of Defence keeps the security of the UK's offshore energy installations and wider maritime critical national infrastructure under continuous review, working closely with other Government Departments, industry and international partners in relation to hostile and other security related threats The Royal Navy continues to deliver persistent presence, surveillance and deterrence activity in UK waters. The government has been clear on its readiness and willingness to respond decisively to any maritime threat to the UK and its interests. Allocation of military assets is prioritised to respond to global operational needs, including the vessels and aircraft of the Royal Navy.

With reference to page 24 of the Defence Diplomacy Strategy - Public Summary, by when he plans to (a) commence and (b) conclude the underpinning review.

Due to the size and complexity of Defence’s intelligence partnerships, this work is already underway and is being carried out in stages rather than as a one‑off, time‑limited review. The aim is to ensure that intelligence sharing supports Defence’s international priorities, underpins a NATO First approach, and strengthens the UK’s influence with allies and partners. As outlined in the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, this work will provide recommendations by the end of 2026.

What assessment has he made of the potential threat posed to British-flagged ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz by the Sunflower-200 kamikaze drone supplied to Iran by China.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.

Pursuant to the Answer of 21 May 2025 to Question 52039 on Armed Forces: Housing, how many void properties are in Huntingdon constituency for which the latest data is available.

As at 13 April 2026, there are 99 void Service Family Accommodation properties in the Huntingdon constituency.

What assessment he has of the potential threat posed to British-flagged ships transiting the Strait of Hormuz by the CM-302 anti-ship missile supplied to Iran by China.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.

With reference to his Department's joint press notice entitled Shadow fleet set to be interdicted in UK waters in latest blow to Russia, published on 25 March 2026, how many Russian shadow fleet vessels under UK sanctions and transiting UK waters have been assessed for boarding since the US operation to seize tanker Bella 1.

We will not go into specifics on our assessments as this could compromise our ability to successfully take action against these ships, only benefitting our adversaries.

With reference to his Department's announcement entitled UK and France sign agreement to develop next-generation air-to-air missile, published on 1 April 2026, by what date when will he establish the new joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office.

As set out in the Department's announcement of 1 April 2026, the United Kingdom and France have agreed to establish a joint Complex Weapons Portfolio Office. Work is now actively underway with the French Government to establish the office and agree a commissioning date at the earliest opportunity.

What progress he has made in meeting the NATO Industrial Capacity Expansion Pledge.

The NATO Industrial Capacity Expansion Pledge, agreed by Allies at the Washington Summit in July 2024, commits NATO to strengthening defence industrial capacity and resilience across the Alliance. The UK is actively supporting delivery of the Pledge through close engagement with NATO and Allies, including through NATO’s Defence Production Action Plan (DPAP), which provides the practical framework for implementing the commitments. This includes work to aggregate demand, strengthen defence‑critical supply chains, support multinational procurement, and improve NATO–industry engagement. The UK’s Defence Industrial Strategy aligns UK industrial activity with NATO priorities and supports delivery of the Pledge by increasing production capacity, improving resilience, and encouraging long‑term investment in the defence industrial base.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and Belgium sign multi-million pound Mission Data partnership, published on 31 March 2026, by what date does he plan to establish a sovereign Joint Electromagnetic Warfare Support Centre in Belgium.

Further to the Department’s press release entitled “UK and Belgium sign multi‑million pound Mission Data partnership”, published on 31 March 2026, the Programme is expected to deliver a fully functional and sustainably supported Belgian Joint Electromagnetic Warfare Support Centre by the end of 2028.

When the Armed Forces Pay Review for 2026-27 will be announced.

The Government has received the independent Armed Forces’ Pay Review Body Pay Round 26 report and is carefully considering its recommendations before publishing both the report and our response to it in due course.

What progress he has made in integrating the Aster 30 missile into the Mk41 Vertical Launching System (VLS).

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 123067, tabled on 23 March 2026:https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-03-23/123067

What the scope is of the Royal Navy’s Future Maritime Data Gathering programme.

The Future Maritime Data Gathering (FMDG) programme is exploring a range of technologies, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, advanced sensors, and improved data‑processing tools.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Russian use of the Chinese Shennong Shield-3000 mobile high-energy laser directed energy weapon on Taskforce Kindred’s efforts to support Ukrainian armed forces via drone capability.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled UK and Belgium sign multi-million pound Mission Data partnership, published on 31 March 2026, what is the total value of Belgian investment over five years.

The maximum financial contribution for Belgium is €150 million. This is inclusive of VAT and other taxes, customs duties and similar charges, and accounts for inflation.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact of the Russian Bagulnik-82 120mm mortar UGV as a potential threat to British forces in Estonia and Ukraine.

The Ministry of Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on the sharing of knowledge and insights to ensure that our support meets Ukraine's priority requirements and that the Armed Forces of Ukraine is responding effectively to the evolving threat, including from drones and energy weapons.Due to operational security, we do not comment on specific capabilities.