Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the test flights of the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Block 1) for the Royal Australian Air Force.

This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority. As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026. The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 73562 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, how his Department defines specialist troops in this context.

The ARES variant is the common base for all the Ajax variants and will be used to deliver and support specialist troops across the battlefield. The term ‘specialist troops’ is used informally, and in this context refers to Anti -Tank Javelin Teams, Snipers and Support Troops.

When the RAF’s dual-capable aircraft programme will be delivered.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer my predecessor gave to Question 63225 on 7 July 2025 to the hon. Member for Poole (Neil Duncan-Jordan). https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-06-26/63225

What assessment he has made of the capability of the United States Navy’s MQ-25 Stingray aerial refuelling drone.

This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR's vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine - harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority. As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 billion this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026. The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 September 2025 to Question 73562 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what his Department's definition is of specialist troops.

The Department does not formally define the term ‘specialist troops’. In the context of Ajax, as per the pursuant Parliamentary Question, the term ‘specialist troops’ is used informally, and in this context refers to Anti -Tank Javelin Teams, Snipers and Support Troops.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of procuring the IFV variant of the General Dynamics Ajax.

There are no current plans to procure an IFV variant of Ajax.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 72208 on Unmanned Air Systems: Military Aid, on what dates were the 13 Military Aid to Civil Authority requests from 2022 to 2 September 2025 fulfilled by 2 C-UAS Wing; in what locations; and for which organisations.

I can provide some of the detail requested, however as the requests related to nationally significant events and other discreet tasks, I am withholding some information where its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Date Location Organisation supported 24 July - 10 August 2022 Birmingham Birmingham Police 9 - 14 September 2022 Edinburgh Police Scotland 13 - 20 September 2022 London Thames Valley Police 3 - 8 May 2023 RAF Northolt Metropolitan Police and Thames Valley Police 8 - 14 May 2023 Liverpool Liverpool Police 15 - 17 June 2023 London Metropolitan Police 20 - 23 June 2023 London Metropolitan Police 3 - 6 June 2024 Portsmouth Hampshire Police 15 - 29 July 2024 Blenheim Palace Thames Valley Police

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 72212 on F-35 Aircraft: Nuclear Weapons, what progress he has made on integration of (a) Meteor and (b) SPEAR 3 via the F-35 Joint Program Office.

I refer the hon. Member to the Answer my predecessor gave to him on 9 June 2025 to Question 52037, and I gave to him on 8 September to Question 73567.

What progress his Department has made on the (a) Mini Uncrewed Air Systems and (b) Beyond Visual Line of Sight persistent ISTAR aspects of the TIQUILA programme.

Project TIQUILA is delivering two Uncrewed Air Systems capabilities, Eagle and Kestral, to the British Army. Both of which reached the Army’s Initial Operating Capability in April 2025.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 73614 on Challenger Tanks: Supply Chains, when trials for Challenger 3 are due to be completed ahead of acceptance of the final build standard.

The Challenger 3 trials are currently planned to conclude by the end of 2026. This timeline is subject to ongoing review by the project team to ensure it remains aligned with delivery milestones, operational requirements, and any emerging technical risk.

What the full scope is of Project Keyes.

Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will consider requirements as it progresses.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September 2025 to Question 71981 on Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the outcome of Project Hunter ahead of the commencement of Project Grayburn.

Project HUNTER was established to select a new weapon system to be employed in the Army Special Operations Brigade (ASOB) specialist role. Project GRAYBURN was commissioned to replace the L85 (SA80) rifle. Though two different weapons, lessons learned from Project HUNTER are being used on Project GRAYBURN to influence training, ergonomics, maintenance, sight systems, safety, suppressors, ammunition, cleaning, equipment, personnel, information, doctrine, organisation, infrastructure, and logistics.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 72215 on Navigation: Satellites, what Alternative Position, Navigation and Timing technologies are being further investigated by the DE&S Space Delivery Team.

To ensure that Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities are resilient when satellite systems are unavailable or have been compromised, the Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) DE&S Space Delivery Team is focused on developing four initial key technology innovations, these include: developing Enhanced Long-Range Navigation (eLoran) capabilities, exploring and utilising Satellite Signals of Opportunity (SATSOO), investigating Chip Scale Atomic Clocks (CSAC) and exploring the applications of Data Fusion. Additional specific technologies will also be identified for investment at a later point in the programme but options for these remain unscoped at this time. Due to the risk of compromising operational security, it would be inappropriate for us to provide any further details on the specific investigations that the Department is undertaking.

What progress he has made in developing lighter-than-air platforms designed for extended loiter times.

Cyber and Specialist Operations Command has sponsored two extended-duration lighter-than-air trials under Project AETHER. Payload testing on the first extended-duration trial was successful and validated the plans to achieve extended loiter times. The second trial used an alternative approach with multiple, smaller stratospheric balloons operating collaboratively in sequence and demonstrating near-continuous Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance coverage for an extended duration.

What comparative assessment he has made of the suitability of the (a) Ares vehicle platform for offensive infantry operations and (b) the Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicle variant.

The Army continues to undergo a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have the lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary. The ARES variant of Ajax is designed for mounted close combat and is being delivered to the Field Army. The decision to field ARES with Infantry Battalions was taken after a considerable assessment programme. There is currently no Ajax Infantry Fighting Vehicle (IFV) variant and whilst there is a concept demonstrator, this is not a prototype IFV. The Army continually assesses the requirements to deliver the Armoured Infantry Capability.

How many military personnel work at the National Space Operations Centre.

The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) is staffed by civilian and military personnel and acts as a central hub for UK Control of Space operations, working in collaboration with the UK Space Agency and the Met Office. No 1 Space Operations Squadron is the military component of NSpoC with over 50 military personnel monitoring space activity and defending the UK's ability to operate in space.

Pursuant to the Answer of 8 September to Question 71983 on Army: Rifles, what upgrades were made to the L129 rifle as part of the upgrade to A2 configuration.

Upgrades made include a new monolithic upper receiver with an M-LOK handguard that is more comfortable and allows the attachment of ancillaries. The butt stock has been replaced to allow users to adjust for their size and equipment. The new L129A2 rifles also include an improved safety catch, a new flash eliminator that enables the future fitment of signature reduction devices.

What the end date is of the current concept phase of Project Grayburn.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 May to Question 49814, which advised that Project GRAYBURN aims to enter its assessment phase in 2026, following completion of its concept phase.

Which units are using FV433 Bulldog vehicles; and how many each unit has.

The FV430 Bulldog series is distributed to the units below in line with the Army’s fielding plan and Defence priorities. The Department does not release detailed information on unit equipment holdings below top-level figures. I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces. Unit1st Battalion Royal Regiment of Fusiliers1 Armoured Medical Regiment1st Battalion The Mercian Regiment1st Battalion The Royal Welsh1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery1 Signal Regiment12 Regiment Royal Artillery14 Regiment Royal Artillery15 Signal Regiment19 Regiment Royal Artillery2 Medical Regiment2nd Battalion The Royal Anglian Regiment21 Signal Regiment22 Engineer Regiment26 Engineer Regiment3rd (United Kingdom) Division Signal Regiment3 Armoured Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers3rd Regiment Royal Horse Artillery32 Regiment Royal Artillery4 Armoured Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers5 Regiment Royal Artillery5th Battalion The Rifles6 Armoured Close Support Battalion, Royal Electrical and Mechanical EngineersHousehold Cavalry RegimentThe King’s Royal HussarsThe Queen’s Royal HussarsThe Royal Dragoon GuardsThe Royal LancersThe Royal Tank RegimentStorage FleetsIndustryTraining FleetsOperationsTotal 750

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 48996 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning, what progress he has made on procuring a replacement for the Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier.

The Bulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier replacement is being considered as part of the Heavy Protected Mobility project, within the Land Mobility Programme. This project is currently in the Concept Phase and investment approval and procurement timelines are yet to be determined.