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 801–820 of 2,264 · Ministry of Defence
What were the 11 limitations of use on Ajax vehicles in September 2021 that were critical to achieving initial operating capability.
While it would be inappropriate to release details of the 11 limitations of use identified in the NAO report for security reasons, as a complete list of criteria could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces, those limitations were resolved prior to Initial Operating Capability being met.
Pursuant to the Answer of 9 January 2026 to Question 98880 on Ajax Vehicles: Noise, whether concerns were raised by the (a) Defence Science and Technology Lab and (b) Defence Equipment & Support on the accuracy of the findings of the (i) noise and (ii) vibration calculator.
There have been no concerns on the accuracy of the calculator since 2021.Work was undertaken to address concerns raised about the accuracy of the findings of the calculator from both DSTL and Defence Equipment and Support staff prior to 2021. Recent evidence from testing on platforms demonstrates both the accuracy and the safety factor within the calculator. These concerns were raised five years ago and have been fully addressed.
What assessment he has made of the potential risk of new vessels, intended to support operations at HM Naval Base Clyde, procured by Serco as part of the Royal Navy harbour and support craft element of the Defence Maritime Services Next Generation programme may be built in China.
Vessels being procured as part of the Defence Marine Services-Next Generation In-Port Services will not be built in China and future maintenance of the vessels will take place in the UK. This Government is stepping up our support for UK shipbuilders. We are looking closely at the subcontracting supply chain as part of our Shipbuilding and Maritime Technology Action Plan, which will set out our plans to ensure that we are maximising our use of UK industry as an engine for growth.
Whether the Royal Marines will be included within the scope of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme.
At the present time, there are no plans to include the Royal Marines in Tranche 1 of the Gap Year. However, Tranche 1 will help to understand the impact and measure success, informing the future shape of the scheme. The Royal Navy is developing a one-year scheme opening with Tranche 1 in March 2026 as a profession-agnostic employment scheme for sailors. Our intent is to offer broad employment across operational surface platforms in non-technical activities and potentially in the future, some shore-based roles, where the cohort will have received the minimum training feasible to be safe and effective at sea. This is an exciting opportunity to live and work alongside sailors on ships deployed on missions at sea, contributing to tasks that keep the ship running, and learning skills that could be developed into future careers, such as conducting supervised engineering watchkeeping tasks, seamanship activity, communal duties and whole ship tasks.
What is the planed timeline for replacing the L118 105mm Light Gun.
An assessment of the future capability requirements remains ongoing. No decisions on a potential replacement have yet been taken.
How many Ajax vehicles with identified faults were (a) manufactured and assembled in Spain and (b) manufactured in Spain and assembled in Wales.
No Ajax vehicles have been manufactured and assembled in Spain.No Ajax vehicles have been manufactured in Spain and assembled in Wales.
How many of the order of 589 Ajax hulls have now been built by General Dynamics.
All 589 Ajax hulls have been produced.
What is the current status of the shipborne rolling vertical landing programme.
Equipment to enable UK F-35Bs to undertake Shipborne Rolling Vertical Landings (SRVL) is fitted to HMS Prince Of Wales (PWLS) and underwent initial trials in 2023; the results of those trials continue to be analysed by a commercial partner. When complete, this will enable the Ministry of Defence to make an accurate assessment of the benefits and cost of further developing the SRVL system for operational use.
How many Ajax-family vehicles have completed factory acceptance testing.
The Ajax programme utilises a Joint Acceptance Group to undertake acceptance testing. All 185 capability drop 3 vehicles have been through this process.
What is the full scope of Project Vanquish.
Project Vanquish has been launched by the Royal Navy to seek proposals from industry for a Technical Demonstration of a Fixed-Wing, Short Take Off and Landing, Autonomous Collaborative Platform. Vanquish will be a jet-powered aircraft able to take off and land from a Queen Elizabeth Class carrier without the need for catapults or arrestor gear. It will determine the ability of such an air vehicle to deliver maritime mission sets for Carrier Strike.
Pursuant to the answer of 5th January 2026, to question 100522 on General Dynamics, when was a) he or b) the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry, informed, formally or informally that all criteria for Ajax Initial Operating Capability (IOC) were met on 23 July 2025, and by whom.
As previously confirmed, prior to Initial Operating Capability being announced on 5 November 2025, assurances and advice were provided to Ministers regarding the safety of the platform and confirming all criteria had been met.
What assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the decrease in power-to-weight ratio between Challenger 2 and Challenger 3.
I thank the hon. Gentleman for his intent and he will know that Challenger 3 has been designed to deliver an optimal balance of lethality, survivability, and mobility to meet its operational requirements.
Pursuant to the answer of 5th January 2026, to question 100522 on General Dynamics, what was the complete list of criteria for Ajax Initial Operating Capability (IOC) that was met on 23 July 2025.
The Armoured Cavalry Programme met all pre-agreed elements required to confirm Initial Operation Capability on 23 July 2025. The criteria spanned across all recognised Defence Lines of Development including Training, Equipment, Personnel, Information, Doctrine and Concepts, Organisation, Infrastructure, Safety and Logistics. It would not be appropriate to release the complete list of criteria as to do so could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability of our Armed Forces.
What is the projected cost of the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme in a) 2026/27, b) 2027/28 and c) 2028/29.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 13 January 2026, to Question 102946.https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2026-01-05/102946
Whether people participating in the Armed Forces Foundation Scheme will be eligible for promotion.
The Armed Forces Foundation Year Scheme (‘Gap Year’) helps deliver on the Strategic Defence Review 2025’s recommendation that Defence must offer novel ways of entry into the Armed Forces that attract more people from a wider range of backgrounds; options included offering shorter commitments that appeal to more of society. The Gap Year scheme will start as a first tranche during 2026, to understand the impact and measure success. Gap Year personnel could later become eligible for promotion if they opted to remain in the Armed Forces after their engagement, subject to meeting the requirements of relevant single Service personnel/promotion policy.
What was the (a) role and (b) location of the RAF’s Typhoon Squadrons on 1 January 2026.
The details of the RAF’s Typhoon squadrons and their roles can be found on the RAF website at www.raf.mod.uk
At what stage in the interview process is the forthcoming appointment of the Armed Forces Commissioner.
Five candidates have been interviewed for the role of the Armed Forces Commissioner to date. The recruitment follows the Governance Code on Public Appointments, which is designed to ensure the process is fair, open, and transparent. We are committed to appointing the right person for this critical role, which is central to delivering a trusted and effective service for our people. It is imperative that the Armed Forces Commissioner and their office are set up for success to ensure maximum effect. It is expected that the Commissioner will be appointed this year and their office operational from April, as previously stated.
What assessment was made by his Department of the potential benefits of adopting the Soucy Defence Composite Rubber Track for the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle following the 2017 trial of the system.
The Composite Rubber Track (CRT) trial conducted in 2017 was a success and achieved its aim of completing 5,000 kilometres on one set of tracks. The trial identified several possible exploitation opportunities in the current and future United Kingdom Armoured Fighting Vehicle fleet. No further trials have been undertaken with CRT and the Warrior Infantry Fighting Vehicle.
What progress his Department has made developing the WEEVIL mine-clearance vehicle.
I refer the hon. Member to my response to Question 95410 on 8 December 2025 which remains extant.
When is Operation Shader scheduled to end.
The UK remains committed to the enduring defeat of Daesh through Op SHADER. Whilst all UK operations remain under constant review, there are no plans to end Op SHADER. The UK will continue to do what is necessary to prevent a Daesh resurgence, support regional stability and protect UK national security.