Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what steps he plans to take to reduce civil service costs by at least 10% by 2030.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review, we are developing plans for how to use the latest automation, augmentation, and AI technology to reduce costs in administrative areas such as HR, Finance, and Commercial. We are conducting a comprehensive review of the Defence workforce to ensure it is appropriately structured to deliver on our strategic priorities, including evaluating the balance between Regulars, Reserves, Civil Servants and Contractors. We will also use this as an opportunity for deep prioritisation, taking difficult but necessary choices to address affordability challenges. We will set out our plans in the Defence Reform and Efficiency Plan, which will be published in the autumn alongside the Defence Investment Plan.

With reference to recommendation 37 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in developing an autonomous mine-hunting capability.

The Mine Hunting Capability (MHC) programme continues to deliver an advanced suite of unmanned surface vessels (USVs) and unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs) into service within the Royal Navy, enabling frontline mine warfare specialists to enhance operational effectiveness. These cutting-edge autonomous mine-hunting systems are deployed by the Mine and Threat Exploitation Group for evaluation, training, and operational deployment. The comprehensive scope of the MHC programme encompasses multiple USVs, UUVs, remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) for identification and neutralisation, and a state-of-the-art, sovereign mine-sweeping capability. Additionally, the programme has delivered HMS STIRLING CASTLE, a dedicated support vessel designed to enhance the deployment and sustainment of autonomous systems.

With reference to page 70 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on gathering recommendations for independent oversight of his plan to tackle (a) structural, (b) behavioural and (c) leadership barriers within the workforce.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 5 September 2025 to Question 70723 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge).

With reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on reviewing (a) standards, (b) qualifications and (c) in-house training.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking a comprehensive review of military training to confirm appropriate alignment with civilian qualifications and standards, while ensuring operational readiness and the capacity to scale up training to meet warfighting requirements. This work is part of the Defence Accreditation Review, which aims to cohere, simplify, modernise and improve existing accreditation frameworks. The review encompasses qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, apprenticeships, professional certifications, and industry standards. Progress includes an assessment of current qualifications, the identification of data gaps, and the trialling of artificial intelligence to enhance training development and accreditation. We are formulating recommendations for accreditation policy and exploring the role of the Defence Awarding Organisation in this context. This work demonstrates our commitment to maintaining operational readiness and the professional development of our personnel, ensuring they are prepared for both the demands of war and their future civilian careers.

With reference to page 89 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made on reviewing the Submarine Telegraph Act 1885.

The legislation is currently being reviewed by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology in relation to the protection and security of subsea cables. The Ministry of Defence is a key partner in this process.

What the UK’s contribution is to the European Long Range Strike Approach.

The UK is supporting and participating in a number of areas in the European Long Range Strike Approach (ELSA), including surface and air launched capabilities over different range and performance needs. The very long range (2000km+) Deep Precision Strike programme launched between UK and Germany is an example with opportunities for wider European participation under ELSA.

With reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2024, what progress he has made in establishing more flexible regulation in order to facilitate experimentation in autonomy.

The Defence Maritime Regulator (DMR) is currently developing several options for defence to consider and progress. These options are being developed in conjunction with defence stakeholders and the Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) and will be presented for consideration by April 2026. The current options vary in scale and scope, but all allow for the unique legislative freedoms afforded to the Royal Navy and to Defence Shipping to be utilised to support the development of Maritime Autonomy. DMR is supporting the ongoing development of the MCA’s own maritime autonomy programme as the two organisations strive to deliver safe and environmentally sound shipping in the defence and civil sectors.

With reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what assessment he has made of the (a) flexibility, (b) efficiency and (c) value for money of civilian charter options for air-to-air refuelling in non-contested environments.

The RAF Voyager Force contributes to NATO Integrated Air Defence and NATO Enhanced Air Policing. In addition, I refer the hon. Member to the answer the right hon. Member for Liverpool Garston (Maria Eagle) gave to him on 4 July 2025 to Question 63066.

With reference to page 130 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on rebuilding defence medical (a) capacity and (b) capability together with the NHS.

A key recommendation of the Strategic Defence Review is rebuilding medical capacity and capability, together with the NHS, to ensure our Armed Forces remain fighting fit in peacetime and are prepared to meet operational demands when at war. With allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan we are focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. We will look to address legislative and regulatory barriers to effective care. The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence and will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review over the next 10 years, including to ensure that the Defence Medical Services and the NHS together have capacity to meet Defence medical needs, including in the most extreme circumstances.

With reference to page 130 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on rebuilding medical capabilities for warfighting from a Defence Medical Services perspective.

A key recommendation of the Strategic Defence Review is rebuilding medical capacity and capability, together with the NHS, to ensure our Armed Forces remain fighting fit in peacetime and are prepared to meet operational demands when at war. With allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan we are focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. We will look to address legislative and regulatory barriers to effective care. The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence and will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review over the next 10 years, including to ensure that the Defence Medical Services and the NHS together have capacity to meet Defence medical needs, including in the most extreme circumstances.

With reference to page 131 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in establishing a single Defence Medical Enterprise.

In response to the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the Defence Medical Services (DMS) will be empowered as the Lead Command for medical within the Cyber and Specialist Operations Command (CSOC). Work is ongoing to establish and implement the Lead Command model across the Armed Forces.

With reference to recommendation 58 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in establishing a ten-year physical infrastructure plan for Defence medical.

The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence (MOD) will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) over the next 10 years, including confirming the funding available to improve the physical and digital infrastructure of Defence Medical Services, together with medical evacuation and medical stockpiles. The SDR commits the MOD to establish a ten-year physical infrastructure plan for Defence medical by February 2026, including options for medical infrastructure drawing on the NHS and private finance.

With reference to page 131 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, updated on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in ensuring that Defence Medical Services force elements held at readiness can be integrated into the Defence Medical Enterprise.

A key recommendation of the Strategic Defence Review is rebuilding medical capacity and capability, together with the NHS, to ensure our Armed Forces remain fighting fit in peacetime and are prepared to meet operational demands when at war. With allies, through the NATO Medical Action Plan we are focused on addressing priority challenges in workforce; mass casualty planning; patient evacuation; and medical logistics. We will look to address legislative and regulatory barriers to effective care. The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the Ministry of Defence and will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review over the next 10 years, including to ensure that the Defence Medical Services and the NHS together have capacity to meet Defence medical needs, including in the most extreme circumstances.

With reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what civilian (a) qualifications and (b) standards are in scope to be adopted.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is undertaking a comprehensive review of military training to confirm appropriate alignment with civilian qualifications and standards, while ensuring operational readiness and the capacity to scale up training to meet warfighting requirements. This work is part of the Defence Accreditation Review, which aims to cohere, simplify, modernise and improve existing accreditation frameworks. The review encompasses qualifications on the Regulated Qualifications Framework, apprenticeships, professional certifications, and industry standards. Progress includes an assessment of current qualifications, the identification of data gaps, and the trialling of artificial intelligence to enhance training development and accreditation. We are formulating recommendations for accreditation policy and exploring the role of the Defence Awarding Organisation in this context. This work demonstrates our commitment to maintaining operational readiness and the professional development of our personnel, ensuring they are prepared for both the demands of war and their future civilian careers.

With reference to page 120 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what proportion of the National Cyber Force’s capability is dedicated to (a) defence and (b) other national security priorities.

We do not routinely comment on operational matters or the operational prioritisation of the National Cyber Force due to reasons of national security.

With reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on reforming (a) training and (b) education policy.

Defence is progressing its review of training and education policy; work is ongoing to meet this intent by January 2026. We aim to generate a more digestible Joint Service Publication (JSP) 822 (Defence Direction and Guidance for Training and Education), increased responsiveness of training to operational changes, and enhanced organisational learning – with training being based on emergent front-line requirements. A pan-Defence forum will be held in November 2025 to showcase the revised draft JSP 822 and gain 1-star level stakeholder endorsement from across the Military Commands.

With reference to page 71 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what recent progress he has made on establishing a career education pathway.

Respective Military Commands are responsible for reviewing their career education pathways as they have differing requirements on the front line. The Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ) will oversee these reviews during 2026 and consider where greater coherence would yield benefits to the development and delivery of an Integrated Force that can fight and win in multi-domain operations. By April 2026, MSHQ will ‘own’ funding and will both direct and influence Military Commands to concentrate on Joint and NATO-first education.

What recent estimate he has made of when the export of Type 31 Arrowhead frigates to Poland will be completed.

The Polish MIECZNIK frigate programme is constructing three Arrowhead-variant frigates under licence from Babcock in Poland. This is a Polish programme and it would be inappropriate for His Majesty's Government to comment on the progress of another nation's procurement schedule.

What progress he has made on making improvements to NATO’s Integrated Air and Missile Defence via the DIAMOND initiative.

Since the signing of the ‘Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences’ (DIAMOND) Letter of Intent in Autumn 2024, the UK has led work with the participating nations to agree the focus of the initiative. To complement related NATO-led activity, such as the Modular Ground Based Air Defence High Visibility Project, DIAMOND will consider procedural solutions to enable Day ‘Zero’ air defence integration and interoperability amongst NATO Allied forces. Through this initiative, the UK seeks to draw on and deepen our long existing partnerships with allies and industry to improve the Surface Based Integrated Air and Missile Defence of Europe. At the beginning of October, we met with participating nations and agreed plans to explore the development of joint synthetic exercise opportunities and a shared understanding of command and control links. The workshops are set to take place before the end of 2025.

What capability the UK contributes to the DIAMOND initiative.

Since the signing of the ‘Delivering Integrated Air and Missile Operational Networked Defences’ (DIAMOND) Letter of Intent in Autumn 2024, the UK has led work with the participating nations to agree the focus of the initiative. To complement related NATO-led activity, such as the Modular Ground Based Air Defence High Visibility Project, DIAMOND will consider procedural solutions to enable Day ‘Zero’ air defence integration and interoperability amongst NATO Allied forces. Through this initiative, the UK seeks to draw on and deepen our long existing partnerships with allies and industry to improve the Surface Based Integrated Air and Missile Defence of Europe. At the beginning of October, we met with participating nations and agreed plans to explore the development of joint synthetic exercise opportunities and a shared understanding of command and control links. The workshops are set to take place before the end of 2025.