Every parliamentary written question tabled by Ben Obese-Jecty this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 1,661–1,680 of 2,264 · Ministry of Defence
What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the Kamchatka earthquake on the (a) Russian submarine fleet and (b) Russian Pacific surface fleet at Rybachiy.
While the Department can't comment on specific intelligence related to this matter in the interests of maintaining national security. The hon. member can be reassured that assessments of Russian capability continue to be an important activity for the Department.
How many scimitar tanks the British Army currently holds (a) in reserve and (b) that are awaiting disposal.
No Scimitar vehicles are held in reserve and only one vehicle is awaiting disposal.
What doctrinal publication defines the British Army’s armoured infantry company group tactics.
The British Army’s Armoured Infantry company group tactics are defined within the doctrinal publication Army Field Manual Warfighting Tactics, Part 5A: Armoured and Armoured Infantry Subunit Tactics.
What comparative assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the performance of the (a) 338 Lapua Magnum round and (b) .338 RUAG round for the L115A3 Long Range Rifle.
Project KEYES is a pre-concept plan to replace the L115 and L121 Sniper rifles in the early 2030s and will reconsider calibre and ammunition natures as it progresses.
From what date RPAS will pilots be streamed for selection rather than recruited separately from crewed systems.
With effect from 1 April 2024, Pilots recruited into the Royal Air Force are eligible to be streamed to Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) following completion of their Elementary Flying Training.
By what date sufficient crews and familiarisation with the new Protector system will be achieved to allow Protector to be deployed.
I am withholding the requested information as it would harm the Capabilities and Security of the Armed Forces.
From when will Protector be certified to operate in Class A to C airspace.
As a military registered air system, Protector RG Mk1 only requires certification by the Military Aviation Authority, who issued the Military Type Certificate for the air system in April 2025. Protector is already capable of operating in Class A and C airspace in the UK and the MOD continues to work closely with the CAA and international authorities to integrate Protector globally.
What progress Defence Equipment and Support has made on modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence.
Modelling the key integration challenges associated with Homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence is in progress to determine the best balance for investment of the up to £1 billion of new funding announced in the Strategic Defence Review.
What manpower reduction Protector MQ-9B’s ATLC function creates by replacing the LRE capability of Reaper.
The Automatic Take Off and Land Capability (ATLC) of Protector negates the requirement for Ground Control Station (GCS), pilot, sensor operator and GCS support staff to be present at any forward operating base to conduct the take-off and landing. As Protector is operated under a different construct to Reaper, no overall direct comparison can be made.
What percentage of RAF infrastructure is more than 50 years old.
This information is not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that considerable amounts of the defence estate is over 50 years old but the Government does not keep statistics based on age, but rather current use types. As such, we cannot provide that information without incurring disproportionate cost.
What proportion of aid dropped in Gaza during Operation Underhill was on target.
UK Defence delivered approximately 110 tonnes of humanitarian aid to Gaza in 2024. UK aid drops were judged to be accurate and to have landed within the designated drop zones.
What steps he is taking to increase the pan space at RAF Akrotiri in order to accommodate the increase in air assets held at the base.
There are currently no plans to expand the available ‘pan space’ at RAF Akrotiri. The Ministry of Defence is well set to expand at RAF Akrotiri should the need arise.
What is the 8005 manning establishment for an infantry (a) platoon, (b) company and (c) battalion in the armoured role equipped with Ares.
The Department does not release detailed information on its workforce requirements below top-level figures. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding the information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.
What progress he has made on upgrading (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Akrotiri to a new digital Air Traffic Control system.
The Lossiemouth Programme team has completed a programme of thorough research into potential suppliers of Digital Air Traffic Control (ATC) systems and understand the required regulatory assurance processes for the Military Aviation Authority. The programme is now proceeding to its second formal investment approval gate prior to commencing commercial action to invite industry to tender for this programme. The forthcoming approval will also seek a decision of the best value proposition to provide the infrastructure and advanced building design that will also be required. For RAF Akrotiri, a wider infrastructure project to deliver a new Headquarters building has commenced which will include provision for a Digital ATC Control Room. This is aiming to complete construction by early next decade. The Akrotiri project team are working closely with the Lossiemouth project team to ensure that opportunities to align procurement of new Digital ATC equipment are understood.
What engine is used as the test demonstrator for the Global Combat Air Programme.
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) demonstrator is planned to use EJ200 engines from the Eurofighter Typhoon, giving a reliable engine for testing the aircraft’s design. A brand-new engine will power the final production aircraft.
On what aircraft will SPEAR Capability 5’s (a) low-observable TP15 and (b) supersonic RJ10 be compatible.
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.
What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force’s APPIVATE programme to upskill users.
The effectiveness of the RAF's Appivate programme is continuously assessed through user testing, feedback and engagement from application development through to rollout. For each product delivered through the Appivate programme, metrics on customer satisfaction and engagement are tracked to ensure user needs are met at every stage. The product rollout process involves comprehensive user testing and feedback to guarantee that users are proficient in utilising the new solutions. This includes providing guides or demonstrations and offering in-person support to assist individuals. As part of RAF Digital, there is also wider engagement and input into larger Defence programmes around digital upskilling of users, such as DS4D (Digital Skills for Defence).
What balance of (a) airmanship, (b) handling aptitude and (c) capacity his Department will use to stream pilots for Protector as opposed to fast-jet, rotary or multi-engine.
Airmanship, handling aptitude and capacity has been interpreted to be characteristics of an individual pilot. There is no specific set balance regarding airmanship, handling aptitude, and capacity used when streaming pilots for Protector as opposed to fast jet, rotary wing or multi engine aircraft. This is owing to the number of other factors that the Streaming Boards also need to consider, such as previous experience, performance during each training element, personal preference and the ongoing needs of the Service. After completion of Elementary Flying Training - a 26:30 flying hour syllabus containing formative and summative assessments in airmanship, handling and capacity - individual trainee performances and military qualities are summarised in their end of course report. The report will also capture attributes such as learning rate, attitude to instruction, previous experience and character. All trainees are reviewed by a Streaming Board – a panel of experienced instructors and professional aviators - to determine the most appropriate pipeline for the next stage of training. This Streaming Board, with representatives from each pipeline (fast-jet, rotary, multi-engine and RPAS), takes into account trainees’ performance during Elementary Flying Training, to make a professional judgement on their suitability for each of the pipelines, including Protector. Having taken account of suitability, the Board will ensure Service needs are met in terms of filling priority training slots from the cohort, while aiming to support personal preference wherever possible.
What progress his Department has made on (a) developing and (b) procuring the A2 variant chambered in 6.5mm Creedmoor of the L129 rifle.
L129 Sharpshooter rifles have recently been upgraded to the A2 standard and will be issued to units in the coming months. This upgrade has delivered a modular weapon system that can be modified to 6.5 Creedmoor.
What lessons his Department learned from Project Hunter.
In 2023, a review of the approach used to inform the down-selection of AR15 variants for Project HUNTER was conducted. The intent of this review was to capture and understand any lessons or short-comings from this approach so that these can be addressed for future weapon procurement projects. Specific lessons cannot be released due to their sensitivity, however key aspects include training, ergonomics, maintenance, sight systems, safety, suppressors, ammunition, cleaning, equipment, personnel, information, doctrine, organisation, infrastructure, and logistics.