Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to the speech by the Prime Minister at the Munich Security Conference on 14 February 2026, on which US capabilities he plans to decrease dependence.

The forthcoming Defence Investment Plan will set out how the UK will deliver the ambition of the Strategic Defence Review, ensuring we are integrated into NATO force structures by design but capable of acting as an integrated sovereign force when needed. This includes consideration of enabling capabilities such as munitions stockpiles, cyber resilience, space assets, and critical industrial capacity. While the UK-US defence relationship remains foundational to our defence and national security, and the UK derives great benefit from it, it is right that the UK continues to invest in a balanced mix of sovereign, bilateral and multilateral programmes. This ensures our Armed Forces can operate effectively with allies, lead when necessary, and maintain freedom of action in any future strategic environment.

How many contracts have been awarded to Leonardo since 1 January 2026; and what the whole life value of those contracts is.

The Department has awarded two contracts to Leonardo, both commencing after 1 January 2026, with current total values of £4,795,802 and £24,963,000.

How many meetings his Department has had with Leonardo since 1 January 2026.

Leonardo is one of Defence’s key suppliers and therefore Ministers and officials have consistently met with representatives from the company since 1 January 2026. The Department continues to have conversations at every level regarding current programmes and wider business interests across the UK, though the total number of meetings is not centrally recorded.

What he plans to commit to NATO’s Task Force X Baltic.

The UK is fully committed to NATO’s broader deterrence posture in the Baltic region, demonstrated through our significant contributions across air, maritime, and land domains. This includes our Forward Land Force commitment in Estonia, regular participation in NATO exercises, and involvement in maritime operations. We continue to work closely with our NATO Allies to regularly review and assess how best to allocate resources to ensure the greatest possible deterrent effect and to uphold the security of the Alliance.

Pursuant to the answer of 16 February 2026 to question 111934 on Armed Forces: Parachuting, what roles across the Armed Forces are defined as specialists.

Within the Armed Forces there are two levels of parachute specialisation: Low Level Para and High Altitude Para.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of proposed strike action by Royal Fleet Auxiliary seafarers on Royal Navy operations.

The Royal Fleet Auxiliary remains essential in supporting operations alongside the Royal Navy and our global allies. They continue to meet their operational commitments, and we are dedicated to resolving this dispute through ongoing dialogue with their trade unions.

How many medically discharged personnel have been referred to (a) Op COURAGE, (b) Op RESTORE and (c) Op VALOUR in each of the last five years.

Op COURAGE and RESTORE are both NHS initiatives; to date Op COURAGE has received 35,000 referrals, whilst over 1,000 veterans have used the Op RESTORE service.VALOUR is a programme which will give veterans across the UK easier access to the essential care and support available to them. There are three components of VALOUR. VALOUR Recognised Centres will facilitate access to multiple services for veterans, and will connect local, regional, and national services. A network of VALOUR Field Officers will bring together charities, service providers, and local government to improve collaboration and coordination, enabling data-driven policy and service development. Finally, a VALOUR HQ, within the MOD, will gather data and insight, working with policy and research teams to ensure services are designed to meet local needs.

With reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what is the a) total value of the package announced and b) from which budget will the funding be taken.

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.

Pursuant to the answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, by when will those Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 will reach Drop 4 standard.

All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.

Pursuant to the Answer of 11 February 2026 to question 110522 on Ajax Vehicles: Modernisation, when he expects the Ajax-family vehicles due to reach Drop 3 standard by October 2028 reach Drop 4 standard.

All 589 Ajax family vehicles will reach Capability Drop 4 by September 2029 as contracted, subject to reviews that are ongoing.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, by when will the delivery phase of Project Goldweed be completed.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.

What is the total planned number of tanks to be upgraded to Challenger 3.

148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.

What is the total planned number of Challenger 3 tanks for Royal Armoured Corps Regiments.

148 Challenger 2 Main Battle Tanks are being upgraded to the Challenger 3 standard. All 148 are for the Royal Armoured Corps.

Pursuant to the Answer of 12 February 2026 to Question 110953 on Military Intelligence: Digital Technology, when does he expect the SCC to be fully operational.

Secret Community Cloud capability will continue to be delivered on a phased basis, with Full Operating Capability expected in Autumn 2026.

When does he expect the UK’s commitment to Atlantic Strike to commence.

I refer the hon. Member to the response to Question 98877 provided on 18 December 2026.

What progress has he made in developing a Quantum Radar capability.

Defence quantum experts within Defence Science and Technology (DST), the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl), and Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) work closely with our international allies and partners in wider Government, industry and academia to support the UK’s world class expertise in quantum, and to identify and exploit the potential opportunities this developing technology can bring. Defence is a founding partner of the National Quantum Technology Programme (NQTP) and works closely with the NQTP, DSIT, Innovate UK and the UKRI quantum research activities. ‘Quantum Radar’ and ‘Quantum Illumination’ have specific meanings. In both cases the technology is immature and the potential benefits to Defence remain uncertain.However, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) is conducting science & technology research into Quantum Technologies more broadly. This includes a focus on clock technology to enhance timing capabilities and sensing for navigation and situational awareness. Trials have been undertaken to understand the utility this technology can offer and inform technology development. MOD is collaborating with the UK’s Quantum Ecosystem, including the Quantum sensing, Imaging and Timing (QuSIT) Hub (led by the University of Birmingham) that is researching Quantum enhanced RADAR. The particular focus and priorities of Defence research activity is classified and cannot be released for National Security reasons.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 111273 on Military Bases: Sales, what his planned timetable is for a decision on the disposal of JITG Chicksands.

The decision has already been taken to dispose of Ministry of Defence Chicksands when it becomes surplus to military requirement, as announced by the previous administration in December 2023.

With reference to the press release entitled UK announces urgent new air defence package for Ukraine worth over half a billion pounds, published on 12 February 2026, what calibre are the 200,000 rounds of artillery ammunition.

The calibre of this artillery ammunition cannot be detailed due to operational sensitives.

Pursuant to the answer of 12 February 2026 to question 110957 on Electronic Warfare: Procurement, whether Project Goldweed is an electronic warfare procurement project.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided on 12 February 2026 to Question 110957. As I hope the hon. Member will understand, due to operational and commercial sensitivities I am unable to provide any further detail on Project Goldweed.

If he will set out how the Dismounted Data System will speed up battlefield decision-making using AI.

The Dismounted Data System (DDS) delivers reconnaissance and intelligence data to troops far faster than legacy systems, giving commanders quicker and more accurate information.It provides realtime clarity on friendly and enemy positions, reducing misidentification and the risk of friendly fire. This capability underpins the modernisation of the Army’s light role forces, allowing us to take advantage of technological developments, including the use of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to counter threats to our personnel.