Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

When is the demonstration phase trial of Challenger 3 due to be completed.

I refer the hon. Member to my answer to Question 100127, which remains extant: Challenger 3 is currently undergoing demonstration phase trials to prove the performance of the tanks. Manufacturing will begin once the tank's performance is proven, rather than being tied to a specific deadline. The project team will review the timeline regularly to ensure alignment with delivery milestones, operational needs, and emerging technical risks.

What is the out of service date of each Protected Mobility Vehicle platform included within the UK Armed Forces Land Equipment table.

The table below outlines the Out of Service dates for each of the Army’s Protected Mobility Vehicles based on current plans. Protected Mobility VehicleOut of Service DateJackall2030Coyote2030Mastiff2028Ridgeback2028Wolfhound2028Foxhound2030Panther2037Viking2029 These dates are continuously reviewed to ensure that the British Army has the capabilities it requires to deliver against Defence commitments.

How many noise and vibration injuries were sustained by personnel using Ajax vehicles between 23 July 2025 and Exercise Titan Storm.

The number of personnel with a recorded code for the relevant symptom has been provided. It should be noted that personnel who had a recorded symptom for noise or vibration may have had this on their health record prior to their first Ajax use. For any service person, use of Ajax will be mixed with other hazardous exposures in Defence, such as load-carriage, fitness tests and noise and vibration exposures from other sources such as small arms fire on ranges or other armoured vehicles. It is also possible that any symptoms may be non-Ajax related. Therefore, although a noise or vibration symptom may have been recorded on the health record since the individual first operated Ajax, it does not mean that the symptom was caused as a direct result of operating on the Ajax platform and could be entirely unrelated. Of those recorded as using Ajax since the start of the Armoured Cavalry programme between 23 July 2025 and 13 November 2025: 25 personnel had a noise symptom recorded on their electronic medical record since they first used Ajax.59 personnel had a vibration symptom recorded on their electronic medical record since they first used Ajax.

What progress he has made on delivering the Digital Targeting web.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to Question 96241 on 10 December 2025. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-12-02/96241 The Department aims to deliver the first elements of the Digital Targeting Web, or a ‘Minimal Viable Product’, in 2026. The detail of these first deliverables is being defined now, but in outline will consist of the digitisation of selected targeting processes to deliver increased scale, speed and precision. Plans will be continually developed and upgraded to respond to emerging threats and adjusted as necessary. No target date will be given for the full implementation of the Digital Targeting Web. This is because to be competitive, the UK must continually adapt and develop its ability to target, and this will require constant evolution.

With reference to the Ministry of Defence accounts 2024-25, what the retirement of Project Chinook and constructive losses of £129,469,000 relate to.

The figure of £129,469,000 recorded as constructive losses in the Ministry of Defence accounts for 2024-25 relates to the early retirement of 14 of the oldest Chinook aircraft and associated equipment announced in November 2024. This ageing equipment is being removed from service to optimise the sustainment of the remaining Chinook fleet. The associated financial adjustment ensures that the Department's accounts accurately reflect the revised date of retirement for these assets.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2025 to question 98882 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, how much funding has been allocated to Project Rarden in the defence budget in each year since 2000 including financial allocations carried forward for accounting purposes.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to his Question 98882 which remains extant. There has been no money spent or specific work carried out under Project Rarden in the last ten years, there is no further data prior to this date. Project Rarden is a legacy project that introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s. The reference to Project Rarden in the 2024-2025 Ministry of Defence Accounts is an error – this will be corrected. I can confirm that this entry relates to ammunition capability which was funded as part of the Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) munition. The Constructive loss of circa £3.7 million is a result of Defence choosing not to pursue procurement of the APFSDS munition following initial trials.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 December 2025 to question 98882 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Procurement, what the £3,777,000 in constructive losses related to Project Rarden in the 2024-25 Ministry of Defence Accounts is for.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer to his Question 98882 which remains extant. There has been no money spent or specific work carried out under Project Rarden in the last ten years, there is no further data prior to this date. Project Rarden is a legacy project that introduced the Rarden cannon into service in the 1970s. The reference to Project Rarden in the 2024-2025 Ministry of Defence Accounts is an error – this will be corrected. I can confirm that this entry relates to ammunition capability which was funded as part of the Armoured Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot (APFSDS) munition. The Constructive loss of circa £3.7 million is a result of Defence choosing not to pursue procurement of the APFSDS munition following initial trials.

What are the capabilities of the Gravehawk air defence system.

The Gravehawk air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, jointly funded by the UK and Denmark, that uses the Ukrainian R-73/AA-11 air-to-air missile. Gravehawk is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, but will also offer some capability against fixed wing aircraft, helicopters and potentially cruise missiles.

What are the capabilities of the Raven air defence system.

The Raven air defence system is a bespoke system developed for Ukraine, funded by the UK, that uses the RAF's AIM-132 ASRAAM air-to-air missile. Raven is primarily intended to defend against Russian drones, fixed wing aircraft and helicopters, with some capability against cruise missiles.

What progress he has made on waiving visa fees for the dependents of Commonwealth veterans.

This Government is committed to waiving visa fees for non-UK veterans, including Commonwealth citizens, who have served for four or more years, and their dependants. We are working closely with the Home Office to deliver this commitment.

Pursuant to the answer of 15 July 2025, to question 68113 on Army, what progress has he made in developing the next iteration of Project Asgard.

I refer the hon. Member to the answers given to his questions 68113, 73577 and 79396 which remains extant and explains the current position for the Army’s project ASGARD.

How many a) Raven and b) Gravehawk air defence systems have been provided for Ukraine.

13 RAVEN air-defence systems have now been provided to Ukraine, giving Ukrainian units the ability to rapidly defend themselves against Russian aerial threats.Two prototype GRAVEHAWK air-defence systems have been delivered to Ukraine so far. Of the additional 15 GRAVEHAWK systems on contract, the first batch will be delivered shortly, and will reinforce Ukraine's ability to protect key infrastructure from Russia's deep-strike barrages.

What are the capability differences between Challenger 2 and Challenger 3.

The Challenger 3 Main Battle Tank will deliver a significant improvement in capability over its predecessor, the Challenger 2. Enhancements include a digitalised turret fitted with the latest 120mm smoothbore gun paired with the most lethal ammunition available; world-class UK-designed armour and an Active Protection System; and improved automotive performance. New advanced sighting systems, sensors and processing capabilities will improve situational awareness and interoperability with other units.

What progress has he made in procuring the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle.

In December 2025, the UK joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System research and development programme, a multinational initiative with Finland, centred around the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle. The programme is in the assessment phase.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the RCT30 turret for the Boxer platform.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to Question 6805 on 4 October 2024 which confirms the British Army has conducted operational analysis, lethality and survivability studies, which includes analysing potential turreted options. The British Army will continually review the capabilities, priorities and affordability choices that will be provided by BOXER and other platforms to ensure that its armoured Fighting Vehicle fleet best meets Defence and NATO's needs.

For what reason a) RFA Lyme Bay and b) RFA Mounts Bay have not been put to sea.

As a matter of policy, the Department does not comment on the detailed operational readiness or tasking of individual ships.

Pursuant to the answer of 16th December 2025, to question 98210 on Submarines: Decommissioning, what is the process for defueling decommissioned submarines.

The twelve decommissioned, first generation Pressurised Water Reactor (PWR1) submarines awaiting defuel in Devonport will dock in a specialised, licensed dock in Devonport, following processes regulated by the Office for Nuclear Regulation. The used fuel will be removed, loaded into a qualified transport container and transported to Sellafield prior to long-term storage in the Geological Disposal Facility. Submarines will be dismantled after the fuel has been removed. Work is underway to prepare the dock facilities and associated resources in line with plans to recommence defueling in 2026. Dismantling of Swiftsure commenced in Rosyth in 2023. This demonstrator project will refine the disposal process and is on track to be dismantled by the end of 2026, achieving the commitment given to the Public Accounts Committee in 2019.  Lessons learned from these defuel and dismantling projects will provide more certainty around the schedule for defueling and dismantling the remaining 22 decommissioned submarines.

What progress has he made in procuring a new 155mm self-propelled howitzer for the Royal Artillery.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 12 November 2025 to Question 88294, which remains extant.

What is the out-of-service date of the 105mm light gun.

On current plans, the Out of Service Date for L118 105 mm Light Gun is 2030.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of procuring the K9-Thunder 155mm self-propelled howitzer.

Many 155 mm Artillery systems, including K9-Thunder, were considered as candidates for the Army’s enduring artillery capability, prior to selection of the Remote Controlled Howitzer 155 mm for the Mobile Fires Platform. The Army continues to evaluate its need against current conditions.