Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 41 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, how much funding his Department plans to provide for the mission to becoming a defence industrial leader by 2035 in (a) British Pound Sterling and (b) as a proportion of the annual defence budget.

The Government has boosted defence spending by £5 billion this year alone, as part of the largest sustained increase in defence spending since the end of the Cold War. This will see defence spending increase to 2.6% of GDP from 2027 with an ambition of hitting 3% by the end of next Parliament The Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year, will set out how we will align our funding to deliver the vision set out in the Strategic Defence Review, including a new partnership with industry. Future funding beyond the current Spending Review period will be subject to further Spending Reviews.

What the scope is of the UK's commitment to the NATO Eastern Sentry programme.

The UK committed early to Eastern Sentry, deploying RAF Typhoon fighter jets and Voyager air-to-air refuelling aircraft to conduct air defence missions over Poland. This deployment involves hundreds of UK personnel. In a demonstration of the UK’s ongoing and steadfast support for NATO’s collective defence, the Defence Secretary has confirmed that the UK’s contribution to Eastern Sentry will continue until at least the end of 2025, ensuring the security of NATO territory and deterring further aggression.

Pursuant to the Answer of 17 September 2025 to Question 76411 on Ajax Vehicles, by when armoured infantry doctrine will be rewritten to reflect the change in capability from Warrior to ARES.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mr Francois) to Question 77473, which remains extant and explains there is no direct replacement for Warrior. The British Army continually review all doctrine and make amendments as required. As the ARES platform is delivered into service, tactical doctrines will be reviewed accordingly.

Which vehicle platforms receive (a) spares and (b) support through the UK’s membership of the NATO Support and Procurement Agency.

The Boxer vehicle and Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) land platforms are supported by the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). The NSPA manages support solutions for partner nations operating similar equipment, enabling increased economies of scale when purchasing spare parts to support fleets.In addition, NSPA provides vehicle cleaning services through the Tactical Land System project.

With reference to page 64 of the Defence Industrial Strategy: Making Defence an Engine for Growth, published on 8 September 2025, CP 1388, whether the proposed defence technology cluster at RAF Wyton will be included within the defence innovation portfolio.

Collaboration will be at the heart of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI). UKDI will work closely with partners across the existing defence innovation landscape, including the proposed Defence Tech Cluster at RAF Wyton, establishing the right infrastructure for testing new ideas, driving innovation, and solving challenges at pace.

With reference to page 90 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on devising a strategy for the protection of critical national infrastructure by the (a) MOD Guard Service and (b) UK intelligence community.

The protection of Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) is an important pillar of work in the Home Defence Programme. This work is led by the Cabinet Office and aims to develop a cross-Government plan to strengthen the nation’s security, preparedness, and resilience in order to deter threats to and defend the UK homeland. Defence continues to play a significant contributory role with partners and the private sector to protect CNI from a full spectrum of threats. The UK already has an existing strategy for protecting CNI which includes a partnership between intelligence agencies, and components of the UK Intelligence Community (UKIC), such as the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC). The Ministry of Defence (MOD) Guard Service (MGS) provides unarmed security services for MOD sites. The MGS are just one of the MOD policing and guarding organisations that could contribute to the protection of CNI under the cross-Government plan.

With reference to page 78 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on developing a single Integrated Global Defence Network.

The Integrated Global Defence Network (IGDN) has completed the first phase of its development by merging the Directorate of Overseas Bases and the Global Defence Network of Defence Attachés and Advisors into the IGDN HQ, dually lead by a 2 star military director and an SCS2 civilian director, with 3 star military oversight. The network will now continue through to the second phase of its development through a series of projects, including the SDR-directed Network Review of Defence’s global footprint, which will include engagement with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office.

With reference to page 89 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what additional resource the Royal Navy will be granted to take a new (a) leading and (b) coordinating role in securing undersea infrastructure.

The Royal Navy is acting under the direction provided in the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to lead and co-ordinate work to protect critical undersea infrastructure. This includes new investment capability options for platforms and sensor suites to counter threats. Options for new investment to support critical undersea infrastructure protection are in the Royal Navy’s submission into the Defence Investment Plan, which will report in due course.

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on strengthening the interoperability of carrier strike groups with Italy.

Italy is an important partner of the United Kingdom, demonstrated in the context of Carrier Strike, through our memberships of NATO, the F-35 Lightning II programme, and the European Carrier Group Interoperability Initiative (ECGII). Interoperability has been strengthened during the ongoing deployment of the UK Carrier Strike Group (CSG) on Operation HIGHMAST, during which HMS PRINCE OF WALES worked alongside the Italian Navy’s ITS CAVOUR CSG in the Mediterranean Sea in May 2025. Combined training activity emphasised UK-Italian CSG interoperability and integration across all domains, including UK and Italian F-35B jets flying sorties by day and night, and the opportunity for Italian Navy F-35Bs to land on, and launch from, HMS PRINCE OF WALES. Further combined training opportunities to strengthen UK-Italian CSG interoperability are planned during the UK CSG’s return passage later this year.

With reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, when the multi-role ocean survey ship will be deployed to counter threats to critical undersea infrastructure.

The Royal Navy is acting under the direction provided in the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to lead and co-ordinate work to protect critical undersea infrastructure. This includes new investment capability options for platforms and sensor suites to counter threats. Options for new investment to support critical undersea infrastructure protection are in the Royal Navy’s submission into the Defence Investment Plan, which will report in due course.

With reference to page 11 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent steps he has taken to prioritise NATO in defence planning.

In line with the Strategic Defence Review, the UK has put NATO at the heart of our force development. This is evidenced by UK operational and force design for our Euro-Atlantic security being driven by NATO's plans and capability targets, as set through NATO's Defence Planning Process.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the ongoing challenges are in meeting the delivery date for the first Dreadnought submarine nuclear core.

The red delivery confidence rating for the Core Production Capability programme in the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA) report reflects the complexity of simultaneously completing the Astute Class cores while transitioning to a new core type for the Dreadnought Class. The Ministry of Defence is working closely with Rolls-Royce Submarines to improve delivery confidence by increasing production rates and improving manufacturing resilience. NISTA has confirmed these actions are appropriate. The first of Class, HMS Dreadnought, remains on track to enter service in the early 2030s.

With reference to page 22 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what recent steps the Royal Navy has taken to (a) lead and (b) coordinate work to help protect undersea infrastructure.

The Royal Navy is acting under the direction provided in the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to lead and co-ordinate work to protect critical undersea infrastructure. This includes new investment capability options for platforms and sensor suites to counter threats. Options for new investment to support critical undersea infrastructure protection are in the Royal Navy’s submission into the Defence Investment Plan, which will report in due course.

With reference to page 108 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what multiple increase in lethality he has achieved; and by when he plans to achieve a ten-fold increase.

The Army ​will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality over the next ten years by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data - leading the way in NATO in its use of technology to change how it fights, improving speed and accuracy. However, a tenfold increase in lethality is not a single moment in time-it is a trajectory. By 2027 the British Army aim to have doubled fighting power through better training, smarter use of existing capabilities, and rapid adaptation. Tripling by 2030 is within reach as we field new systems and integrate them into a digitally connected force.

With reference to recommendation 32 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, which Departments are involved in the implementation of the nuclear deterrent.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 7 September 2025 to Question 70755 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).

What progress his Department has made in identifying a vehicle on which to mount the Short-Range Air Defence missile system.

As announced at the Defence and Security International (DSEI) conference 2025, the British Army has joined the Common Armoured Vehicle System (CAVS) Programme, a multinational initiative with Finland, centred around the Patria 6x6 armoured vehicle. The Patria CAVS 6x6 armoured vehicle is being considered as the single common base platform which will deliver the British Army’s mounted Short Range Air Defence missile system, as well as a breadth of Heavy Protected Mobility requirements.

What progress has he made in converting the stockpile of Aster-15 missiles to the Aster-30 variant.

The Aster Mid-Life Refresh programme commenced this year with the refurbishment of Aster 30 missiles. A value for money assessment is underway to determine whether to convert the remaining stockpile of Aster 15 missiles into Aster 30s. If that option is taken forward, it would begin after the refurbishment of the Aster 30s has been completed in 2029.

With reference to page 134 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in attracting private capital to invest in housing developments on Ministry of Defence land.

The Defence Housing Strategy will set out the roadmap for how the Department will deliver a national regeneration programme for the Service Family Accommodation estate and deliver more housing of all types on Defence land identified as suitable for development. It is due to be published later this year.

Which armoured fighting vehicle is part of the Mechanised Infantry Programme.

As published on the British Army website, Boxer is the Armoured Fighting Vehicle being delivered through the Mechanised Infantry Programme. https://www.army.mod.uk/learn-and-explore/equipment/combat-vehicles/boxer/

With reference to page 23 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what steps the military is taking to help support the UK’s scientific presence in the British Antarctic Territory.

Defence plays an important role in safeguarding UK interests in Antarctica, including the British Antarctic Territory and supporting UK roles and responsibilities to the Antarctic Treaty. The Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship, HMS PROTECTOR, routinely deploys to the Antarctic Peninsula. Activities include: undertaking hydrographic surveys to improve the safety of navigation; facilitating inspections under the Antarctic Treaty; and assistance to the British Antarctic Survey and UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. RAF transport aircraft periodically deliver logistics to British Antarctic Survey through airdrops. The MOD is supporting the FCDO’s work to publish a UK Antarctic strategy by the end of the year, which will set the Government’s aims and ambitions for Antarctica for the next 10 years.