Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

For what reasons the Royal Navy’s commitment to provide the flagship for the Standing NATO Maritime Group One would be rescheduled.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

On what date was the decision taken to withdraw HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

On what date discussions were held between his Department and (a) NATO and (b) the Deutsche Marine regarding the replacement of HMS Dragon by the German frigate Sachsen in the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

For what reason he withdrew HMS Dragon from the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, on what date the formal request from the Qatari Government was received to deploy 12 Squadron to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2026 to Question 121233 on Qatar: Air Force, what the reason given by the Qatari Government was for the formal request of 12 Squadron moving to Qatar.

The Qatari government made a formal request in January to deploy 12 Squadron in support of their collective self-defence noting rising regional tensions.

What assessment has he made of the potential impact upon the UK military of a Chinese invasion of Taiwan.

The UK actively monitors and assesses all emerging threats to national security to safeguard the nation's interests. It would be inappropriate to comment on a hypothetical operational scenario.

Whether any British service personnel are currently serving with the United States Army 82nd Airborne Division.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

Whether any British service personnel are serving with the United States Marine Corps 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit.

For reasons of operational and personnel security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on the specific roles, locations, or units in which UK personnel may be embedded.

When did the Royal Navy last hold the flagship Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

The Royal Navy (RN) has never held the Flagship role for Standing NATO Maritime Group (SNMG)1 but regularly commits resources to the Group.

What assessment has he made of the potential risk posed to British shipping in the Bab el Mandeb Strait by the Houthis.

The UK Government regularly assesses the security situation in the region including the Bab el Mandeb Strait. The Department for Transport, supported by the Royal Navy’s UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) organisation, continues to provide UK and Red Ensign flagged shipping with advice on the risk posed by the Houthis to merchant vessels.

What steps he is taking to enhance the detection capability of RAF Fylingdales within the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System.

I am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

How many Rapid Sentry Systems have been procured for the RAF Regiment.

I am withholding the number of Rapid Sentry that have been procured as it would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Whether HMS Duncan was the Royal Navy fleet-ready escort on 1 February 2026.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right. hon Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP) on 12 March 2026 to Question number 118155. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

Whether the Royal Navy will take charge of the Allied Reaction Force (a) before or (b) after the Standing NATO Maritime Group One commitment.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 16 March 2026 to Question 119559. Written questions and answers - Written questions, answers and statements - UK Parliament

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the use of a) Maham-3 and b) Maham-7 naval mines by Iran on freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz.

As part of routine operational planning, the Ministry of Defence conducts frequent assessments of maritime threats and the activity of other States. To protect operational security and safeguard national defence interests, the results of these assessments are not made public.

What is the scheduled decommissioning date of each Royal Navy Type 45 ship.

On current plans, the last Type 45 Destroyer will retire from service by the end of 2038. The Royal Navy does not release out of service dates for individual ships.

Whether Land Ceptor is capable of ballistic missile interception.

Sky Sabre is a system of systems made up of radars, Command and Control nodes and Land Ceptor launchers. The Land Ceptor is not configured for Ballistic Missile Defence capability.

If he will set out which senior (a) Ministers, (b) military officers and (c) civil servants are required to approve the Defence Investment Plan prior to publication.

The Defence Investment Plan will be a Government document and plan, underpinned by the normal and appropriate collective agreement.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Powerful new Royal Navy warship programme advances as milestones reached for two ships, published on 24 February 2026, if he will confirm that defence spending will increase to 2.6% of GDP from 2027.

As the Hon. Gentleman will probably already know, based on the latest GDP projections, the UK's defence spending is currently forecast to reach 2.6% of GDP in 2027.