Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What recent progress he has made on the Land Environment tactical Communication and Information Systems programme.

The Land Environment Tactical Communication and Information Systems (LETacCIS) programme continues to make progress. Most recently, the programme has: Delivered the Networks element of Army’s Project ASGARD, providing the Dismounted Data System to the Forward Land Forces in Estonia. Through Project CENTAUR, the programme has modernised the in-service Bowman system by increasing the geographical operating range using beyond line-of-sight systems such as satellite communications and 4/5G. Delivered into service 1360 modern software-defined radios through the Multi-Mode Radio project, providing the Field Army with a step change in interoperability and capability. Commenced a strategic reset from LETacCIS to Land Domain C4 to align with the principles set out by Army’s Project IRIS. The programme has also been upgraded from RED to AMBER in a recent independent assurance review led by the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA). This assessment recognises the significant progress to transform and deliver digital capability at the pace of relevance.

Whether the design of the Global Combat Air Programme requires the use of an engine with reheat capability.

The use of reheated engine in the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) will depend on the final performance requirements. As the aircraft is still in the concept phase, no final decision has yet been made on whether reheat will be included.

What steps he has taken to procure an image intensifying capability for the Leupold L1A1 sight.

The Ministry of Defence does not hold Leupold L1A1 sights, therefore it has taken no steps to procure an image intensifying capability.

What the size of the budget contingency for the Dreadnought nuclear submarine programme is.

I refer the hon. Member to page 11 of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise 2025 Annual Update to Parliament, which was published on 22 May 2025. The publication is available at the following location: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/682f01c2e9440506ee95398c/20250522-Defence-Nuclear-Enterprise-2025-Annual-Update-to-Parliament-v10.pdf

With reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the funding gaps which could impact delivery of the broader capabilities required to transition the Challenger 3 platform into service as part of the Armour Main Battle Tank programme.

The mandated scope of the Challenger 3 (CR3) programme is fully funded. Current support arrangements are being reviewed to ensure CR3 can transition fully supported into service.

What were the results of the trial of the L2A1 SACTARASS.

The L2A1 SACTARASS remains in limited use by the UK Armed Forces. However, for reasons of operational security I cannot provide any details on the result of the trial.

What is the out-of-service date of the L2A1 SACTARASS.

The L2A1 SACTARASS remains in limited use by the UK Armed Forces. However, for reasons of operational security I cannot provide any details on the result of the trial.

With reference to page 27 of the National Security Strategy 2025, published on 24 June 2025, who is responsible for the creation of a UK-wide Microbial Forensics Consortium.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is responsible for the creation of a UK-wide Microbial Forensics Consortium (UKMFC), as outlined in the Biological Security Strategy published on 12 June 2023. Outcome 11 of this strategy ('A strengthened national microbial forensics capability') was allocated to MOD, with delivery through the Defence Science & Technology Laboratory (Dstl). The UKMFC was launched in Autumn 2024 and is OneHealth in approach comprising frontline biosurveillance laboratories from the clinical, veterinary, plant, food and aquaculture sectors across all four nations of the UK.

What is the estimated completion date of the Future Air Dominance System programme.

Future Air Dominance System (FADS) will feature a combination of crewed and uncrewed platforms in a hybrid fleet formation. FADS ‘system of systems’ comprises several major projects and dependencies. These include the next generations of radars, computer Combat Management Systems, new lethal effectors, new communication technologies, plus the uncrewed Type 91 ‘Missile Ship’ and the advanced, minimally (or optionally) crewed Type T83 Combatant. The Type 83 is planned to enter service from the mid-2030s and is assumed to have a 25-year service life.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of Project Grayburn procuring a rifle with a common lower receiver group and a variable upper receiver group, based on role.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

What recent progress has been made in developing the Future Cruise/ Anti Ship Weapon.

SPEAR Capability 5 is being delivered through the collaborative Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme. This is progressing with our European partners and it has recently entered the demonstration phase. The programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme.

Whether Project Grayburn will include a suppressor within the scope of the Individual Weapon requirements.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items.

Whether Lewis machine and tool are included within the Project Grayburn contest for a new British Army individual weapon.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements, which includes consideration of other rifles, calibres, and ancillary items. As such, a competition is yet to be formally launched for Project GRAYBURN.

With reference to page 135 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what MOD land for building new houses has been identified by the cross-government taskforce.

The Strategic Defence Review sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The Government endorses the Review’s vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations is underway. Implementation will be priority business for the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. The Department will be making further announcements about land and estates in due course.

How many EJ200 engines have been manufactured by Rolls Royce in (a) 2020, (b), 2021, (c) 2022, (d) 2023, (e) 2024 and (f) 2025.

No new engines were manufactured for the UK MOD in the timeframe specified.

On what date will the Defence Exports Office be operational.

Design work for the Exports function is well underway and building momentum through several pilot Government to Government exports. Initial stand up is expected no later than end October 2025 with full implementation continuing over the next 12 months.

What recent progress he has made on the Spearfish Upgrade programme.

I refer the right hon. Member to the answer given on 30 April 2025 to Question 47292 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge).

What progress he has made in reaching consensus on the development path for Meteor across all six partner nations.

Options for future Meteor development remain under consideration by the Meteor Partner Nations. Further working level discussions are planned for September and October with the aim of reaching a consensus by the end of the year.

What (a) units and (b) functions will be moved from MoD Chicksands to RAF Wyton; and how many personnel.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to identify the best approach to realise the sale of the surplus land parcels including MOD Chicksands. This will include a detailed options appraisal and analysis of the proposed move's business case, however at the present time the preferred option has not yet been identified.

What information his Department holds on the size of (a) domestic and (b) overseas orders that would be required to maintain 100% of workforce skills at the Warton assembly line.

As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, this Government is committed to ensuring Defence is an engine for growth, driving jobs and prosperity through a new partnership with industry. The Department continues to work very closely with our most important suppliers to support UK economic growth and drive exports, including those of the Typhoon aircraft. However, the size and scope of the workforce at BAE Systems’ Warton site is a matter for the company.