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 741–760 of 2,264 · Ministry of Defence
What requirement has his Department specified for (a) anti-thermal and (b) anti IR coatings to the new rifle within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
Whether he has made it a requirement to use Aubert & Duval Armad steel to manufacture barrels for rifle variants within Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is its concept phase. One of the primary outputs of this phase will be user requirements. These will consider the full range of performance characteristics including maximum weight and coating requirements.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the MARTE Project on future defence export opportunities for Challenger 3.
Challenger 3 is the centrepiece of the British Army’s armoured modernisation programme and will deliver a step change in lethality, survivability and digital integration. The Department continues to explore export opportunities for Challenger 3 and its capabilities under the Land Industrial Strategy.
What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of equipping Ares with the Northrop Grumman M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of this work, the M230LF is being considered alongside other medium‑calibre cannon options available from industry.
On which vehicle platforms is he currently assessing the feasibility of equipping the M230LF (Link Fed) Dual Feed Bushmaster Chain Gun.
The Army and the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory have established an enduring research programme to assess the benefits of equipping elements of the armoured vehicle fleet with a range of capabilities, including enhanced lethality. As part of this work, the M230LF is being considered alongside other medium‑calibre cannon options available from industry.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.
The current assessment of the potential impact of the raw material shortage at Liberty Steel's Dalzell plant, on the construction of the three Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ships for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary, is deemed low.The sourcing of steel for the FSS programme is a matter for the prime contractor, Navantia UK, whose goal is to maximise UK steel content wherever it is technically and commercially feasible, while protecting the delivery schedule.
What plans he has to replace HMS Middleton in the Middle East upon its return to the UK.
The Ministry of Defence keeps its force posture in the Middle East under continual review to safeguard UK interests. The Royal Navy remains committed to regional stability through its enduring presence under Operation KIPION, including the UK Maritime Component Command (UKMCC), located in Bahrain, with a footprint of over 130 personnel. The Royal Navy’s modernisation programme has already delivered an autonomous Mine Countermeasures capability operating in the Gulf, continuing to innovate at pace.
Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to question 72379, whether the outline business case is on track to be submitted in June 2026.
The Type 83 concept is currently under review against the Royal Navy’s Hybrid Navy Strategy. Future business case approval remains subject to the Defence Investment Plan.
What assessment he has made of the potential benefits of adopting a short stroke piston operated system rather than direct gas impingement for any of the rifle variants tendered for development under Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
What assessment has he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate .300 blackout as part of Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
What assessment he made of the potential benefits of including an upper receiver which can accommodate 6.5 Creedmoor as part of Project Grayburn.
Project GRAYBURN is currently in its concept phase. An important output of this phase will be the definition of user requirements, covering the full range of performance characteristics, including calibre and operating system.
How many MineWolf MW370 uncrewed mine and route clearance systems have been purchased by his Department.
In 2023, the Ministry of Defence procured two MineWolf MW370 systems which were donated to the Armed Forces of Ukraine. The British Army uses various systems to deliver mine and route clearance capability, but for operational security considerations, details have been withheld.
What was the role of the Permanent Secretary in the delivery of the Ajax programme since 23 July 2025.
As with all major defence programmes, including Ajax, the role of the Permanent Secretary as the Departmental Accounting Officer, is to ensure the proper management of defence funds, ensuring regularity and propriety. Regarding the Army’s Ajax programme, that oversight has been brought to bear at critical programme milestones.
Pursuant to the Answer of 15 January 2026 to Question 105103 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what the value is of contractual payments to General Dynamics for the Ajax programme made since 23 July 2025.
The Ministry of Defence paid General Dynamics Land Systems UK £192 million in line with contractual obligations for the Ajax programme between 23 July 2025 and 12 Jan 2026.
With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what barrel length is required to fulfil the criteria of a) Dismounted Close Combat and b) Dismounted Close Combat (Short) and c) Personal Defence Weapon variants.
The decision on who needs a Dismounted Close Combat rifle versus a Generalist rifle will be based upon a wide range of criteria. The exact criteria will be determined during the Concept Phase. However, the list of criteria is likely to include the user role, likely engagement ranges, their likely targets, plus human factors. Decisions on barrel length will also be determined during the Concept Phase. The barrel length of each variant will be based upon considerations such as user role (for example, Light Infantry, Light Calvary, Armoured), likely engagement ranges, likely targets, and human factors.
With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what criteria will be required to be fulfilled to distinguish between the a) Dismounted Close Combat and b) Generalist variants.
The decision on who needs a Dismounted Close Combat rifle versus a Generalist rifle will be based upon a wide range of criteria. The exact criteria will be determined during the Concept Phase. However, the list of criteria is likely to include the user role, likely engagement ranges, their likely targets, plus human factors. Decisions on barrel length will also be determined during the Concept Phase. The barrel length of each variant will be based upon considerations such as user role (for example, Light Infantry, Light Calvary, Armoured), likely engagement ranges, likely targets, and human factors.
With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what weapons are included within the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio.
As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.
What direction was provided to Defence Equipment and Support by the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee regarding Project GRAYBURN.
As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.
With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what level of a) current and b) emerging body armour the new rifle is required to be able to defeat.
Project GRAYBURN will deliver a capability that will be able to defeat most prolific body armour types used by adversaries. The project remains in its concept phase and it is therefore too early to provide additional detail. However, due to operational sensitivities I do not plan to release this information in the future.
With reference to pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873 regarding Project Grayburn, what proportion of the weapon system will be manufactured in the UK.
As the project is at concept phase it is not clear yet what proportion of each weapon system will be manufactured in the United Kingdom but I can assure the hon. Member that it is desirable for the project to create skilled employment in the UK as set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy. As per the pipeline notice 2026/S 000-002873, following direction from the Joint Requirements Oversight Committee (JROC), Project GRAYBURN will focus on UK manufacture, establishing a strategic supply relationship, the delivery of variants, reliability and engagement with industry. Whilst the role of the JROC is not to provide direction to Defence Equipment and Support specifically, they are a mandated part of the commercial process and provide invaluable support to ensure Defence needs are met by providing strategic direction and cohering activities across Defence, overseeing the delivery of strategy and monitoring performance. I can confirm that the scope of the wider dismounted close combat weapons portfolio ranges from pistols to machine guns.