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 2,619 · Ministry of Defence
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.
What the timeline is for phasing out the Land Rover from service.
As I recently confirmed at the Land Rover commemorative event in Bovington on 19 March 2026, the Light Mobility Vehicle programme aims to identify an enduring successor to the Land Rover, ensuring the Army’s continued operational effectiveness. The programme will formally launch in due course. The planned Out of Service Date for all current variants of the Land Rover fleet is 2030.
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.
What progress has he made in assessing the potential compatibility of the Aster missile with the Mk 41 vertical launch system.
The Royal Navy has announced its intention to become a Mk41 Navy, to ensure that future combatants have a versatile missile launcher capable of deploying both offensive and defensive missiles. The Navy is currently assessing a range of effector options, including missiles, guns, lasers and drones as it develops the Hybrid Navy concept.
What discussions he has had with his Polish counterpart on joining the Global Combat Air Programme.
The Secretary of State has regular discussions with his international counterparts on a range of issues. We have always maintained that we remain open to others joining GCAP, however, the UK and GCAP partners, Italy and Japan, are focused on delivering this vital military capability at pace.
Whether the Royal Navy’s Phalanx CIWS is permitted to defeat crewed a) fixed-wing or b) rotary-wing platforms.
The Phalanx Close-In Weapon System (CIWS) is designed primarily to counter incoming missiles and other immediate air or surface threats, with its employment governed by strict Rules of Engagement. Any use of the system against crewed fixed‑ or rotary‑wing aircraft would be considered on a case‑by‑case basis in line with international law and operational necessity, noting that specific Rules of Engagement profiles are classified and protected from disclosure to ensure operational ambiguity and effectiveness.
With reference to the press release entitled New radar systems to unlock offshore wind, published on 20 March 2026, which air defence radars have been purchased.
The contract will supply and integrate technologically advanced radar systems. I am withholding details of the specific air defence radar systems as its disclosure would prejudice commercial interests and the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces. However, I can confirm that the contract has been awarded to BAE Systems, a trusted partner in delivering advanced defence capabilities.
On what date is HMS Daring due to rejoin the fleet.
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project. The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
Whether he plans to integrate the Ballistic Missile Early Warning System into the a) digital targeting and b) maritime fighting web.
Ballistic missile early warning is a vital component of national defence, and the Government reaffirmed its commitment to this capability in the SDR, of which the Digital Targeting Web (DTW) will be a key element. Subject to the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan, the Maritime Fighting Web will deliver the maritime component of the DTW. The Ministry of Defence aims to deliver the first elements of the DTW, referred to as the "Minimum Viable Product" (MVP), in 2026. Plans will be continually reviewed to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary.
Pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2026 to question 120529 on Iran: RAF Akrotiri, what counter-UAS equipment does 2 Force Protection Wing have that is optimised to defeat one-way attack UAS.
You will appreciate the sensitivity of providing operational details that can be exploited by our adversaries. I refer you to the answer I gave on 18 March 2026 to Question 120529.
For how many days has HMS Daring been out of service since 2017.
HMS DARING entered Extended Readiness in October 2017 and will return to the Fleet later this year following completion of material upgrades including the Power Improvement Project. The Ministry of Defence provides Royal Navy Surface Fleet readiness data to the House of Commons Defence Committee on a six-monthly basis broken down by ship class rather than platform to maintain the operational security of the Fleet. The most recent release of readiness information can be found at the following website:https://committees.parliament.uk/publications/49270/documents/262458/default/(opens in a new tab)
Pursuant to the answer of 18 March 2026 to question 118993 on NATO: HMS Dragon, will the access to the special reserve, granted by the Chancellor to the Ministry of Defence, also be available to deploy capabilities to the High North on Operation Firecrest.
All National Security Council endorsed operations are funded from the special reserve. We do not comment on the eligibility of special reserve funding for live operations.
When the a) concept and b) assessment phases of the Future Air Dominance System are scheduled to commence.
The Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme is already in its Concept Phase, following approval of its Strategic Outline Case in 2025. The commencement of subsequent phases will be subject to future approvals in line with Defence Investment Plan.
On which date was the decision taken to recommence testing of the Ajax vehicle platform.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
On what date did the Army Safety Investigation Team investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm a) commence and b) conclude.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What was the outcome of the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
On what date did the Defence Accident Investigation Branch investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm a) commence and b) conclude.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What was the outcome of the Army Safety Investigation Team investigation into the noise and vibration injuries sustained on Exercise Titan Storm.
As I confirmed to the House during Defence Oral Questions on 16 March 2026, we have received the final Army safety investigation report, and work is ongoing to agree next steps. The department continues to engage with General Dynamics on the report and next steps, as we have since Exercise TITAN STORM. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.
What comparative assessments have been conducted between Ajax and like-for-like competitor vehicles which could replace it; and which vehicles have been compared.
Our focus has been, and continues to be, ensuring that AJAX is safe for our soldiers to use. In considering the future of AJAX, several alternative platforms were assessed. I intend to update the House to outline next steps after Easter recess.
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of (a) the potential cancellation of the the Ajax programme and (b) levels of Ajax export contracts on levels of employment in Merthyr Tydfil.
The Armoured Cavalry Programme's contract has a range of remedies available including but not limited to, step in rights, demand recovery plans, or terminate should its cancellation ever be necessary. While the future of the Merthyr Tydfil factory and future exports is a matter for General Dynamics Land Systems UK, I have frequent engagement with representatives from General Dynamics, the Welsh Government and the local MPs regarding the Ajax platform. I will update the House after Easter recess to outline next steps.