Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

On what date was the Gazelle AH Mk1 helicopter withdrawn from service In Northern Ireland.

The Gazelle AH Mk1 helicopter was withdrawn from service in Northern Ireland on 26 October 2023.

How many service personnel are undergoing treatment for hearing loss following operating within an Ajax or Ajax-platform vehicle.

On 22 November 2025, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care. Importantly, none of the symptoms were life-threatening or severe enough to require hospitalisation, and most soldiers have already shown significant improvement, with many returning to their duties. As a result, I directed the Army to pause all use of Ajax for training and exercising, while a safety investigation is carried out into the events. Those investigations are ongoing, and I will update the House at an appropriate point.

How many service personnel have had a hearing assessment following operating within an Ajax or Ajax-platform vehicle.

All Ajax users follow routine audiometry protocols which includes an annual hearing test. This is required for users of all armoured vehicles.

What assessment he has made of the impact of the collapse of negotiations on UK access to the SAFE fund.

The Security and Defence Partnership agreed with the European Union on 19 May is an example of this Government's commitment to delivering on its manifesto pledges to strengthen European security, support economic growth, and reinforce NATO. We are working swiftly with the EU to implement the Partnership and are prioritising cooperation on key areas, including support for Ukraine, countering hybrid threats, and promoting stability in the Western Balkans. As the Minister for the Cabinet Office set out in his Written Ministerial Statement on 1 December, the Security and Defence Partnership also unlocked the possibility for enhanced UK participation in the Security Action for Europe (SAFE) instrument. Earlier this autumn, the UK and the EU entered into formal negotiations on a bilateral agreement to facilitate UK participation in SAFE. The UK entered these negotiations in good faith, reflecting our shared strategic interests. However, it was not possible to conclude these negotiations with an agreement. This Government has been clear that we will only enter into agreements that serve the national interest. In this case, the negotiations did not yield an agreement that met this standard. It is disappointing that an agreement on UK participation in the first round of SAFE could not be reached; however, the UK's defence industry will retain access to SAFE under standard third-country terms, with the potential to contribute up to 35% of the content of SAFE contracts. This Government remains committed to pursuing cooperation with the European Union on defence and security that aligns with our NATO First policy, supports our defence objectives and delivers for the UK taxpayer.

What assessment has he made of the (a) immediate and (b) longer-term impact of grounding the SV fleet following the issues encountered during Exercise Titan Storm.

The safety of our personnel is always our utmost priority. A number of Rheinmetall MAN Military (RMMV) Support Vehicles (SV) been affected by a minor mechanical fault, which is being quickly rectified. This issue did not occur on Exercise TITAN STORM. Following advice from the Defence Safety Authority and Defence Equipment and Support, Field Army has directed a pause on its use of the vehicles while action is taken at pace to rectify the issue as a matter of priority. Whilst repair analysis is ongoing, initial estimates indicate that all vehicles will be returned to full use by early 2026 in accordance with formation priorities.

How many portable 3D printers manufactured by Bambi Labs the (a) Royal Navy, (b) British Army and (c) Royal Air Force currently have.

Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the Ministry of Defence (MOD) does. Therefore, the MOD works closely with the Defence, Science and Technology Laboratory (DSTL) on cyber security testing to strengthen the professionalisation and coherence of our policies and procedures. The MOD’s use of 3-D printers forms part of its trial and experimentation efforts. Consequently, details relating to 3-D printing equipment is not held centrally.

What progress he has made on the sale of HMS Albion.

HMS ALBION is currently moored at HMNB Devonport. No plans for HMS ALBION’s disposal have been confirmed. HMS Albion was never due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date in 2033. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. This ship was effectively mothballed by the previous Government.

What the current cost of maintaining HMS Albion is.

HMS Albion was never due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date in 2033. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. This ship was effectively mothballed by the previous Government. The Current Book Value of HMS ALBION is zero. The shift was valued to zero following the Defence Secretary's announcement to remove it from service last year. The annual maintenance cost for HMS ALBION is circa £2 million per annum.

What assessment he has made of the risk posed by UK armed forces of using 3D printers manufactured by Chinese firm Bambu Labs.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has strict security procedures in place to ensure all sensitive information is protected. Safeguarding the UK’s national security is the foundation of everything the MOD does. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential risk from all types of 3D printers, not just those manufactured in China, and we are working across the MOD to ensure risks are appropriately managed.

What assessment he has made of equipment of Chinese origin, used by the UK armed forces, which are subject to China’s National Intelligence Law.

As the Secretary of State and I have made clear, there is risk in Chinese components being present in in civil and military technology in the UK and across our alliances. We keep technology under review to protect our national security.

What the current book value is of the British Army’s Warrior fleet of vehicles.

The current Net Book Value of the British Army’s Warrior fleet of vehicles is £19,029,595.

What the current book value of HMS Albion is.

HMS Albion was never due to go to sea ahead of its out-of-service date in 2033. It’s disposal shows that we are delivering for defence by divesting ourselves of old capabilities to make way for the future. This ship was effectively mothballed by the previous Government. The Current Book Value of HMS ALBION is zero. The shift was valued to zero following the Defence Secretary's announcement to remove it from service last year. The annual maintenance cost for HMS ALBION is circa £2 million per annum.

How many compensation claims relating to noise and vibration symptoms incurred during use of Ajax-variants have been made since the start of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

It will take time to collate and review the information needed to answer the hon. Member’s question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.

With references to the Written Statement on the Armoured Cavalry Programme (HCWS1099), published on 26th November 2025, what assurances was the Minister for Defence Readiness and Industry given prior to announcing Initial Operating Capability.

Before declaring Initial Operating Capability, I received written assurances from the Chief of the General Staff and the acting NAD that the vehicle was safe to operate. Within the letter note AJAX the vehicle was described as ‘demonstrably safe to operate”.

With references to the Written Statement on the Armoured Cavalry Programme (HCWS1099), published on 26 November 2025, what steps he has taken to help tackle issues relating to noise and vibration prior to declaring Initial Operating Capability.

Ajax has been through rigorous trials and an assured safety process, including with the Health and Safety Executive, with the evidence showing it is safe to operate. We will always put the safety of our personnel first and the current pause shows that we will investigate any issues when they arise. I am also putting in place a Ministerial led review into the Ajax programme, which will assess how effective the department has been at implementing the actions of previous reviews, and seeking anything further that is required regarding safety. It will be conducted by experts who are not part of the AJAX programme, including Malcolm Chalmers, to provide a more independent view. It will be overseen by myself and report to the Defence Secretary.

How many instances of vibration sickness have been recorded with a) Ajax, b) Ares, c) Athena and d) other Ajax-variants since 6th November 2025.

Safety of personnel is a top priority for me. As reported to the House in my recent Written Statement dated 26 November. On 22 November, during a routine training exercise, around 30 soldiers operating in Ajax reported being affected by noise and vibration exposure. Out of an abundance of caution, and in line with our safety protocols, the exercise was halted within 30 minutes so that those affected could receive appropriate medical care. Importantly, none of the symptoms were severe enough to require hospitalisation. Of the 61 vehicles of all AJAX types were involved in the exercise, 23 AJAX Vehicles were linked to soldiers suffering from noise or vibration injury.

With references to the Written Statement on the Armoured Cavalry Programme (HCWS1099), published on 26th November 2025, by when does he intend to complete the safety investigation into Ajax.

The safety of our personnel is paramount. The Defence Accident Investigation Board are conducting an investigation into the incident at pace with support from the Army Safety Investigation Team and General Dynamics. While the relevant investigations take place the Ministerial team have directed a pause on the use of Ajax for training and exercising. It is currently anticipated that the investigation will take at least two weeks.

Pursuant to the answer of 18th March 2025 to question 37371 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, what progress has he made on securing delivery of the remaining F-35B aircraft from the first tranche.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for East Londonderry (Mr Gregory Campbell) on 19 November 2025 to Question 91099. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-11-14/91099

How many instances of noise and vibration symptoms have occurred since the start of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

The health and safety of our Service personnel will always remain my top priority. The problems with the Armoured Cavalry programme (commonly known as Ajax) are a matter of public record under the last Government. As reported to the House in my recent Written Statement dated 22 January 2026, a number of personnel reported noise and vibration symptoms during Exercise TITAN STORM in November 2025. Following a second separate incident that I reported to the House on 18 December 2025, I directed a pause on all Ajax trials and testing. It is clear that soldiers suffered symptoms resembling those of noise and vibration during the Exercise in November 2025 and we need to find out why from our further investigations. Investigations remain ongoing and I will provide an update to the House when I am in receipt of their findings.

How many settlements for asbestos related disease his Department made in 2024/25.

Settlements of asbestos related compensation claims brought against the Ministry of Defence for asbestos related disease are published annually. These are published the year after the relevant financial year (FY). For example, settled claims and compensation paid in FY2024-25 will be published in 2026. The link below provides the most up to date information relating to common law claims in FY2023-24 including asbestos related claims. MOD common law compensation claims statistics 2023/24 - GOV.UK Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were no initial injury/illness awards under the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme (AFCS) for mesothelioma or any asbestos-related condition. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, there were 119 awards for mesothelioma or any asbestos related conditions under the War Pension Scheme (WPS). Please note, numbers for AFCS include initial awards only. Asbestos conditions which were initially rejected but were subsequently awarded, following a reconsideration or appeal in this financial year, have not been counted due to the complexity of the data.