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 761–780 of 2,619 · Ministry of Defence
With reference to HCWS1269, published on 22 January 2026, which individuals comprised the panel of experts with experience of noise and vibration chosen by the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry.
An Independent Expert Panel Review of the programme is ongoing; it would therefore not be appropriate to comment on the individuals involved at this time.
Pursuant to the Answer of 19 March 2026, to Question 121200 on HMS Duncan, is HMS Duncan currently a) safe, b) capable, and c) endorsed for tasking.
For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not give detailed information on past or current levels of readiness for individual Royal Navy warships.
What is the average length of time for each Type-45 Fleet Time Support Period.
Fleet Time Support Periods (FTSPs) for Type 45 Destroyers vary in duration depending on the scope of scheduled maintenance, operational commitments, capability insertions and any emergent work identified once the vessel enters the maintenance period.
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 Royal Navy’s ability to deploy a Type-45 destroyer to the Eastern Mediterranean prior to March 2026.
For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not comment on detailed readiness assessments or the timelines associated with specific platform movements.
When is HMS Richmond due to be decommissioned.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 108883 tabled on 4 February 2026.
What steps he has taken with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency to procure a Joint Commando Craft for the Royal Navy.
The UK is considering a bilateral programme with Norway to procure a Joint Commando Craft (JCC) and, working in conjunction with the Norwegian Defence Materiel Agency, has released a Request for Information. The programme is intended to deliver vessels capable of transporting specialist personnel and equipment, including uncrewed and autonomous systems, for insertion and extraction in demanding littoral environments.
What the scheduled handover date to the Royal Navy is of the Standing NATO Maritime Group 1 flagship commitment.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 6 March 2026 to Question 119559.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 119557 on RAF Wyton: NATO, what assessment he has been made of the current ability to conduct NATO-specific intelligence-gathering at RAF Wyton.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 119557 on 16 March 2026.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 119557 on RAF Wyton: NATO, whether the infrastructure at RAF Wyton is in scope for the Defence Investment Plan.
The Defence Investment Plan will cover investment in infrastructure. It will be published as soon as possible.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 118321 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, by what date does he expect all current ongoing investigations into Ajax to have concluded.
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.
Pursuant to the answer of 13 March 2026, to question 118321 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what investigations into Ajax are still ongoing.
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 assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring BAE Maritime’s Littoral Strike Craft for the Royal Navy.
The Strategic Defence Review considered all aspects of Defence, including the capabilities required by UK Defence to meet the challenges, threats, and opportunities of the twenty-first century. The plan for implementing the Review’s recommendations for the Integrated Force will be set out in the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of domestic weapons integration advantages of the F-35I over the British F-35B.
Israel procures F-35 directly from the US. This is a matter between the Israeli and US Governments.
What is the Royal Navy’s contribution to the Aspides naval mission.
The Royal Navy does not make a direct contribution to Operation ASPIDES.
Pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2025 to question 73557 on Navy: Dockyards, what progress he has made in delivering the NSIGN Projects to enable the Ministry of Defence to contract for Submarine and enabling Naval Base services delivered through Clyde and Devonport in March 2026.
Good progress has been made on both programmes. Contract placement is on track to extend the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) to cover the period from April 2026 up to October 2028. The extension will ensure a smooth transition to the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme, which will continue the maritime support transformation started by the FMSP. Supplier negotiations for the NSIGN programme continue.
Pursuant to the answer of 9 September 2025 to question 73557 on Navy: Dockyards, what progress he has made in delivering the extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) where required, for the period March 2026 to October 2028.
Good progress has been made on both programmes. Contract placement is on track to extend the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) to cover the period from April 2026 up to October 2028. The extension will ensure a smooth transition to the Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme, which will continue the maritime support transformation started by the FMSP. Supplier negotiations for the NSIGN programme continue.
By when will his department answer question 113295, published on 12 February 2026.
The total value of the air defence package announced by the Defence Secretary at the most recent Ukraine Defence Contact Group meeting, is £540 million. This is funded through the UK’s annual commitment of military aid to Ukraine and Ukrainian funding underwritten by UK Export Finance.
What assessment he has made of the level of deployability of HMS Duncan prior to completion of its Power Improvement Project upgrade.
The Royal Navy manages the availability and readiness of its ships on a rolling basis, ensuring that vessels are deployed only when they are safe, capable, and endorsed for tasking.
If he will make an assessment of the potential vulnerability of (a) Taiwan and (b) the first and second island chain following the deployment of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit from Okinawa to the Arabian Gulf.
The MOD does not comment on assessments conducted on the military capabilities of other states for reasons of operational security.