Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to recommendation 54 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a new Defence Intelligence Charter.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work to establish a single defence intelligence enterprise under the banner of 'Military Intelligence Services' (MIS) is continuing. Key stakeholders across Defence have been consulted, and draft proposals have been developed. This work has been executed through the existing structures of the Intelligence Function, which has already delivered enhanced coherence across several activities. The SDR sets out the requirement for further integration under the MIS, and the enterprise continues to develop as planned. Work on the Defence Intelligence Charter is ongoing, and Defence is aiming to publish the Charter by the end of 2025 however its publication will be coordinated with a wide range of Defence Reform activity and SDR delivery and thus is subject to change with dependencies across both. The Ministry of Defence's existing intelligence capabilities, incorporating Defence Intelligence (DI), PJHQ Joint Intelligence (J2), UK Special Forces J2, and Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Space Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance organisations) will operate under MIS with functional leadership provided by DI.

With reference to page 127 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on maximising the intelligence capabilities of Joint Intelligence (J2).

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work to establish a single defence intelligence enterprise under the banner of 'Military Intelligence Services' (MIS) is continuing. Key stakeholders across Defence have been consulted, and draft proposals have been developed. This work has been executed through the existing structures of the Intelligence Function, which has already delivered enhanced coherence across several activities. The SDR sets out the requirement for further integration under the MIS, and the enterprise continues to develop as planned. Work on the Defence Intelligence Charter is ongoing, and Defence is aiming to publish the Charter by the end of 2025 however its publication will be coordinated with a wide range of Defence Reform activity and SDR delivery and thus is subject to change with dependencies across both. The Ministry of Defence's existing intelligence capabilities, incorporating Defence Intelligence (DI), PJHQ Joint Intelligence (J2), UK Special Forces J2, and Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Space Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance organisations) will operate under MIS with functional leadership provided by DI.

With reference to page 113 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what (a) airborne early warning and (b) control capability does the RAF contribute to NATO plans in the Euro-Atlantic.

The UK will contribute the E-7 Wedgetail aircraft once operational. The Wedgetail is an airborne early warning and control aircraft that will deliver cutting-edge capabilities and strengthen the Alliance.

With reference to recommendation 29 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing an initial operating capability for a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre.

There are a series of sprints running to scope out the governance and structure of the Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre (DUSC) that will build on the work delivered to date by the Defence Uncrewed systems Design Authority (DUxDA). The outline governance proposals for the DUSC are on course, to be presented to the 3* Uncrewed Systems (UxS) Steering Group in November for endorsement.

With reference to page 23 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what steps his Department is taking to help tackle piracy through Diego Garcia.

For operational security reasons, we cannot give details about specific activities or measures. We perform a variety of maritime security tasks to counter a wide range of threats from illegal fishing, terrorism, piracy and hostile state activity. We do this in cooperation with key allies and partners in the region.

With reference to page 134 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what locations are included within the Strategic Base.

A complete list of locations for the Strategic Base is not available at this time as this list is dependent on the detail in each specific outload’s requirements.

How long HMS Ambush has not been operationally deployable.

I cannot provide specific detail regarding the operational deployability of HMS Ambush as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces.

With reference to page 120 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, whether there are existing capability gaps within the development of the Digital Warfighter group.

Development work has begun on the overall project for the Digital Warfighter Group with the intention of delivering the construct at Initial Operating Capability (IOC) by July 2026. Pending adequate resourcing and financing in line with Departmental priorities, there are no specific capability gaps within the development of the group.

With reference to page 127 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on maximising the intelligence capabilities of (a) Royal Navy, (b) Army, (c) RAF and (d) Space Command intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance organisations.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work to establish a single defence intelligence enterprise under the banner of 'Military Intelligence Services' (MIS) is continuing. Key stakeholders across Defence have been consulted, and draft proposals have been developed. This work has been executed through the existing structures of the Intelligence Function, which has already delivered enhanced coherence across several activities. The SDR sets out the requirement for further integration under the MIS, and the enterprise continues to develop as planned. Work on the Defence Intelligence Charter is ongoing, and Defence is aiming to publish the Charter by the end of 2025 however its publication will be coordinated with a wide range of Defence Reform activity and SDR delivery and thus is subject to change with dependencies across both. The Ministry of Defence's existing intelligence capabilities, incorporating Defence Intelligence (DI), PJHQ Joint Intelligence (J2), UK Special Forces J2, and Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Space Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance organisations) will operate under MIS with functional leadership provided by DI.

With reference to page 127 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what progress he has made on establishing a single defence intelligence enterprise.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work to establish a single defence intelligence enterprise under the banner of 'Military Intelligence Services' (MIS) is continuing. Key stakeholders across Defence have been consulted, and draft proposals have been developed. This work has been executed through the existing structures of the Intelligence Function, which has already delivered enhanced coherence across several activities. The SDR sets out the requirement for further integration under the MIS, and the enterprise continues to develop as planned. Work on the Defence Intelligence Charter is ongoing, and Defence is aiming to publish the Charter by the end of 2025 however its publication will be coordinated with a wide range of Defence Reform activity and SDR delivery and thus is subject to change with dependencies across both. The Ministry of Defence's existing intelligence capabilities, incorporating Defence Intelligence (DI), PJHQ Joint Intelligence (J2), UK Special Forces J2, and Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Space Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance organisations) will operate under MIS with functional leadership provided by DI.

With reference to page 127 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on maximising the intelligence capabilities of the Permanent Joint Headquarters.

As set out in the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), work to establish a single defence intelligence enterprise under the banner of 'Military Intelligence Services' (MIS) is continuing. Key stakeholders across Defence have been consulted, and draft proposals have been developed. This work has been executed through the existing structures of the Intelligence Function, which has already delivered enhanced coherence across several activities. The SDR sets out the requirement for further integration under the MIS, and the enterprise continues to develop as planned. Work on the Defence Intelligence Charter is ongoing, and Defence is aiming to publish the Charter by the end of 2025 however its publication will be coordinated with a wide range of Defence Reform activity and SDR delivery and thus is subject to change with dependencies across both. The Ministry of Defence's existing intelligence capabilities, incorporating Defence Intelligence (DI), PJHQ Joint Intelligence (J2), UK Special Forces J2, and Royal Navy, Army, RAF and Space Command intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance organisations) will operate under MIS with functional leadership provided by DI.

Whether he plans to redefine the Armoured Cavalry 2025 Programme.

Any plans to redefine the Armoured Cavalry programme will be approved in accordance with extant Department procedures.

With reference to page 114 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, what progress he has made in enhancing protector with maritime (a) surveillance equipment and (b) connectivity.

The exploration of the Maritime capability for Protector is being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan. We will ensure that this Plan is affordable, considers infrastructure and people, alongside capabilities and maximises the benefits of defence spending to grow the UK economy.

With reference to page 117 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made on seeking partners with which to develop the overhead, persistent intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability needed for effective Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Euro-Atlantic.

The Ministry of Defence regularly engages with our Euro-Atlantic partners to discuss air and missile threats. The development of an Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability set will be pursued both on a sovereign basis and through partner nation collaboration. The associated investment will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on all aspects of the Integrated Air and Missile Defence, will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

With reference to page 126 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what units are included within the single Service-designated Special Operations Forces.

The Strategic Defence Review was clear that the current threat environment means Defence needs greater choice and resilience across the spectrum of military effects. Units such as the Army Rangers and the Commando Force will provide the special operations-capable forces required to improve the UK’s warfighting capabilities as well as helping fulfil our contribution to NATO’s Special Operations Taskforce 2026.

How many Royal Air Force Poseidon P-8 aircraft have not been airworthy for more than 12 months.

There have been 2 occasions when a Poseidon MRA1 has not flown for more than 12 months due to maintenance: · ZP804 - 06/03/2024 to 04/09/2025· ZP807 - 12/07/2023 to 13/09/2024 This was mitigated through routine fleet management and maintenance planning frameworks.

Is he will set out the (a) delivery and (b) in-service date for each Type 26 frigate.

The Type 26 programme remains on track to meet all user requirements and deliver eight world-class anti-submarine warfare frigates in time to replace the anti-submarine warfare Type 23s. All ships are expected to enter service between 2028 and 2035. Type 26 Frigates will allow the Royal Navy to continue to play a leading role in the anti-submarine theatre of the North Atlantic, providing a crucial output to both NATO and the Joint Expeditionary Force.

Which (a) former bases and (b) other sites owned by his Department are categorised as disused and not earmarked for disposal within this Parliament.

There are no former bases or other sites owned by the Ministry of Defence that are disused and have no plan for disposal within this Parliament.

What assessment he has made of the future (a) structure, (b) role and (c) responsibilities of the Veterans’ Advisory and Pensions Committees.

We are reviewing the functions and activities of the Veterans Advisory Pension Commission in relation to wider departmental priorities for the Armed Forces Community. This includes the new VALOUR initiative and the Covenant Legal Duty Extension. The review aims to enhance and simplify the support provided to all members of the community.

What assessment he has made of the potential capability of the proposed Lockheed Martin F-55.

The Strategic Defence Review set out that Typhoon will be replaced by a sixth-generation jet, to sustain UK interests in this specialist sector and exploit emerging technology through partnerships such as the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP). We will develop a new Defence Investment Plan to take onboard the Review's vision and recommendations and turn them into a delivery plan.