Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What progress his Department has made in developing a quantum illumination capability.

Defence quantum experts within Defence Science and Technology (DST), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) work closely with our international allies and partners in wider Government, industry and academia to support the UK’s world class expertise in quantum, and to identify and exploit the potential opportunities this developing technology can bring. Defence is a founding partner of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and works closely with the NQTP, DSIT, Innovate UK and the UKRI quantum research activities. ‘Quantum Radar’ and ‘Quantum Illumination’ have specific meanings. In both cases the technology is immature and the potential benefits to Defence remain uncertain.However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is conducting science & technology research into Quantum Technologies more broadly. This includes a focus on clock technology to enhance timing capabilities and sensing for navigation and situational awareness. Trials have been undertaken to understand the utility this technology can offer and inform technology development. MOD is collaborating with the UK’s Quantum Ecosystem, including the Quantum sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) Hub (led by the University of Birmingham) that is researching Quantum enhanced RADAR. The particular focus and priorities of Defence research activity is classified and cannot be released for National Security reasons.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the UK taking command of Joint Force Command Norfolk on the UK's role as lead nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force.

The UK taking command of Joint Force Command (JFC) Norfolk will not impact the UK’s role as Framework Nation within the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF).

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of utilising the M134 minigun in a ground-based counter-Unmanned Aircraft System role.

The British Army continues to revolutionise its fighting capabilities, improving their range, persistence, precision and mass. The ability of our Armed Forces to counter the threat of highly developed uncrewed air systems is of vital importance, as is learning from ongoing conflicts as well as independent first-principle thinking. The Army is considering several ground-based countermeasures to address the threat posed by uncrewed air systems as part of work looking into future capabilities.

If he will set out how the Dismounted Data System will speed up battlefield decision-making using AI.

The Dismounted Data System (DDS) delivers reconnaissance and intelligence data to troops far faster than legacy systems, giving commanders quicker and more accurate information.It provides realtime clarity on friendly and enemy positions, reducing misidentification and the risk of friendly fire. This capability underpins the modernisation of the Army’s light role forces, allowing us to take advantage of technological developments, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to counter threats to our personnel.

What the trained strength is of the Royal Marines.

The latest statistics concerning UK Service personnel, including the trained strength of the Royal Marines, can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/statistics/quarterly-service-personnel-statistics-2025

What assessment has he made of the potential impact of all central commands being led by the United States on NATO operations.

While the US will now command all of the Theatre Component Commands (TCC), the UK and other European allies will hold the respective Deputy Commander positions on rotation. This will give the UK insight and influence at these central commands. By focusing on the Component Commands, the US have ceded 4* command of the Joint Force Commands (JFC), which control operations in their respective areas of operations. This will allow greater 4* representation for the largest Allies and enables burden shifting to European nations, with the UK taking command of JFC Norfolk.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact on UK naval priorities of losing NATO’s Marcom central maritime command appointment.

The UK’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable and we continue to reinforce our role as the leading European nation in the alliance.

What aircraft do the RAF operate that are capable of deploying airborne parachute infantry at a) company, b) battalion and c) all arms battlegroup scale.

All twenty-two Atlas C1 aircrafts can be fitted with the Static Line delivery system for deploying parachute infantry at scale in a low-level static line configuration. They can also employ specialist military freefall parachuting and air dispatch of associated equipment.

What is the in-service date of HMS Venturer.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 4 February 2026 to the hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois) to Question 108597.

Within which Ministry of Defence a) projects and b) programmes are Palantir currently involved.

Palantir is used across a range of Defence data‑analytics and integration activities, with deployment decided by individual Delivery Teams rather than tied to a single defined list of projects or programmes. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) does not routinely publish a list of all individual projects or programmes using specific software platforms. However, all use of Palantir is governed by strict contractual controls ensuring United Kingdom Defence data remains sovereign and under MOD direction at all times.

Pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026, to question 110946 on Navy: Artificial Intelligence, what assessment has he made of the potential level of need for integration between the Maritime Fighting Web and the Digital Targeting Web.

The Maritime Fighting Web and the Digital Targeting Web are both elements of Defence’s broader programme to improve data‑driven decision making and effects delivery across the Integrated Force. The initiatives are designed for seamless integration to enable rapid maritime awareness, threat assessment, and coordinated action The Royal Navy is progressing plans to strengthen its dedicated maritime targeting function, so that it can more effectively contribute to joint and multi‑domain targeting activity and support an Integrated Force able to operate at greater speed, precision and scale. All future capabilities are dependent on the outcome of Defence Investment Plan.

Pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026, to question 110946 on Navy: Artificial Intelligence, what progress has he made in establishing a Royal Navy Targeting organisation to represent the maritime component of the Integrated Force.

The Maritime Fighting Web and the Digital Targeting Web are both elements of Defence’s broader programme to improve data‑driven decision making and effects delivery across the Integrated Force. The initiatives are designed for seamless integration to enable rapid maritime awareness, threat assessment, and coordinated action The Royal Navy is progressing plans to strengthen its dedicated maritime targeting function, so that it can more effectively contribute to joint and multi‑domain targeting activity and support an Integrated Force able to operate at greater speed, precision and scale. All future capabilities are dependent on the outcome of Defence Investment Plan.

Whether his Department currently has operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.

The Ministry of Defence does not have operational command of Border Force vessels in the English Channel.

What is the minimum operationally deployable capability drop standard for the Ajax-family of vehicles.

Capability Drop 3 is the minimum operationally deployable capability drop, with deployability being subject to decisions based on the safety reviews.

Pursuant to the answer of 9 February 2026, to question 110946 on Navy: Artificial Intelligence, what is the full scope of the Maritime Fighting Web.

The Maritime Fighting Web (MFW) is not a single system or platform but a long‑term programme of digital modernisation. Subject to the Defence Investment Plan, the MFW will deliver the maritime component of the Digital Targeting Web, enabling the Royal Navy to sense, understand, decide, and deliver effects at pace across the Hybrid Navy.

How many a) RAF Typhoons and b) RAF F-35Bs are stationed at RAF Akrotiri, as at 6 February 2026.

It is longstanding policy that we do not publicly comment on exact details around operational deployments (including figures), as it would harm the capability, security and operational effectiveness of UK forces.

What discussions he had with Peter Mandelson, whilst he was the UK Ambassador to the United States, on Palantir, prior to the awarding of the contract with the Ministry of Defence.

I refer the hon. Member to the Government's response to the Urgent Question tabled on 12 February, and the Written Ministerial Statement in the name of the Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister that same day, which set out an update on the Government's process. We will set out further details in due course. The Government wishes to ensure that Parliament’s instruction is met with the urgency and transparency that it deserves.

What discussions has he held with his cabinet colleagues on retaining sovereign military helicopter manufacturing capability.

Cabinet colleagues engage in discussions about defence capabilities, which are supported by the Defence Industrial Strategy. This strategy highlights the Government's commitment to preserving sovereign capabilities, playing a crucial role in supporting jobs and prosperity throughout the United Kingdom.

Pursuant to the answer of 6 February 2026 to question 109313 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, how many of the first 100 vehicles have had their hulls inspected to ensure there are no faults since being withdrawn from service.

Inspection of hulls takes place as part of the upgrade of all Ajax vehicles to Capability Drop 3 (CD3). To date, 17 vehicles from the first 100 hulls have been upgraded to CD3 and therefore inspected as part of that process.

What was the total value of the government-to-government defence sales agreement for the transfer of the former Royal Navy survey vessel HMS Enterprise to Bangladesh.

The Ministry of Defence does not routinely disclose the financial details or payment structures of bilateral defence sales, including the transfer of HMS Enterprise to the Bangladesh Government, due to commercial and operational sensitivities.