Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

What progress his Department has made on securing new capability by the Royal Navy’s Anti-Submarine Warfare Spearhead programme.

The Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Spearhead Programme has focussed on accelerating the Navy’s understanding of advanced capabilities. Key areas progressed include maritime autonomy, machine learning and artificial intelligence, to supplement existing crewed platforms. Investment in the Anti-Submarine Warfare Sonar 2087 system has led to improvements to Type 23 capabilities. These improvements will also be pulled through to the Type 26 programme. ASW Spearhead has developed new capability for the Merlin Mk2 Maritime Patrol Helicopter, resulting in a significant increase in sensor coverage.

What assessment has he made of the potential merits of renegotiating the 1967 Outer Space Treaty to reflect current exploitation of the difference between (a) air and (b) space.

The Outer Space Treaty (OST) is the cornerstone of international space law with all major space-faring nations being party to this treaty. The Treaty explicitly affirms that activities in the exploration and use of outer space must be carried out in accordance with international law, including the United Nations (UN) Charter. This includes the prohibition on the threat or use of force, which applies to States’ space activities, as it does to other domains. The Treaty also prohibits the stationing of nuclear weapons or other weapons of mass destruction in outer space. The Treaty does not impose a formal distinction between air and outer space, and this has not impeded the UK’s ability to pursue its ambitious goals in both aviation and space. We remain steadfast in our commitment to the Outer Space Treaty and the peaceful uses of outer space, ensuring space remains a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for future generations. Across government, there are efforts to strengthen governance of space more generally though the UN, including working through the UN Committee On the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space (COPUOS) and promoting norms rules and principles of responsible space behaviours to address threats to space systems.

With reference to the National Infrastructure & Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024/25, published on 11 August 2025, what are the key supplier issues that could impact delivery of the Challenger 3 Armour Main Battle Tank programme.

Initial Operating Capability for Challenger 3 is dependent on the delivery of hardware and software to enable the trials required to prove the final accepted build standard.

What recent progress has been made in developing SPEAR Capability 5.

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 recent progress he has made on the Dreadnought programme.

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

What recent progress he has made on the Fleet Solid Support programme.

Successful delivery of the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship programme, which is currently in the design phase, remains a priority. The acquisition of Harland & Wolff (H&W) by Navantia UK (NUK), following the administration of H&W, has provided greater certainty to the delivery of the FSS programme and protects the UK’s shipbuilding capability, and the supply chain that supports this, now and over the long-term. The works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard were restarted in spring following NUK’s takeover of the four H&W yards in January 2025. This investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity. NUK have recently started work on a new transport barge at their Methil facility in Fife. The barge will play a key role in the FSS programme, facilitating construction of the ships across multiple sites and represents an £8 million investment by the company. Design work is progressing well and production of the first FSS ship is expected to begin in 2025, with all three vessels bolstering the Royal Fleet Auxiliary over the coming decade. Whilst we have agreed with NUK the minimum changes to the contract necessary, the impact on the approved cost and in-service dates is still being assessed and will be mitigated as far as possible. On completion of this work, it will be subject to re-approval by the relevant authorities, with updates provided through official channels at the appropriate time. We are unable to comment any further on the details of the contract due to commercial sensitivities.

What progress he has made on the Future Air Dominance System programme.

The Future Air Dominance System’s Strategic Outline Case has been approved. The Programme is currently in its Concept phase as a Government Major Projects Portfolio (GMPP) item. Investment in a UK-sovereign maritime Radar Technology Demonstrator programme has commenced, with a contract placed with BAE Systems in July. As a critical element of the UK Defence Industrial Strategy, with the potential to deliver a genuine regional spread of growth, FADS remains one of the Navy’s highest priority future capability programmes.

What independent capability the UK has to protect its own space assets and interests.

UK Space Command’s mission is to protect and defend national and military space interests, and enable UK forces to operate globally. The National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC) works to protect the UK from space-related threats and risks. As the military component of NSpoC, No 1 Space Operations Squadron, monitors space activity, defends the UK’s ability to operate in space, and supports military missions with space expertise. No 2 Space Warning Squadron provides vital support to UK Space Command and allied operations. The squadron contributes to NATO security through global missile warning, and also supports Space Domain Awareness through the detection, tracking, and identification of objects in Space. The Strategic Defence Review reinforced this Government's commitment to increasing defence spending and strengthening the UK's space capabilities, with clear recommendations to invest in nationally separable capability to control the domain at a time and place of our choosing, global decision advantage, and space-based sensors to understand and act. Owing to the sensitive nature of UK Space Command’s mission and work, we cannot disclose details on the exact capability utilised as part of its mission or its overall development plans.

What is the full scope of Project IRIS.

The aim of Project IRIS was to ensure the Army has the future Land Command, Control, Communications, Computers & Intelligence (C4I) capability necessary to achieve its "New Way of Winning" vision and define the pathway to a data-driven Army, within the Land Domain Deployed Digital Ecosystem (LD3E) that is appropriately transformative, scalable, secure, resilient, agile and ultimately affordable and deliverable. The project formally concluded in 2024 and lessons are being applied across Army digital programmes. Detail regarding these lessons is sensitive and cannot be released as it would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Armed Forces.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of widening the runway at RAF Akrotiri owing to the increased size of the aircraft that use the base.

No assessment has identified a current requirement to widen the runway at RAF Akrotiri. The existing runway infrastructure fully supports the current operational requirements of the station and remains compliant with the standards set out in the Military Aviation Authority's Regulatory Articles.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled New munitions factories and long-range weapons to back nearly 2000 jobs under Strategic Defence Review, published on 1 June 2025, what are the completion dates for the six new (a) munitions and (b) energetics factories.

The Strategic Defence Review committed to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is currently developing a plan to deliver this commitment alongside our wider Defence Industrial Strategy, delivering long-term investment to boost UK growth and generating skilled UK jobs and export opportunities. The MOD is carefully considering arrangements for those factories including potential locations, and more detail will be set out in due course. It is currently considered to be premature to discuss specific proposals or sites until the necessary preparatory work has concluded.

What progress he has made on the Ships Support project of the Naval Support Integrated Global Network programme.

The Naval Support Integrated Global Network (NSIGN) Programme continues to progress through the Assessment Phase with the NSIGN (Submarines) Project Outline Business Case (OBC) approved April 2025 and Full Business Case approval expected in early 2026. Concept work is progressing with the NSIGN(Ships) and NSIGN (Naval Bases) Projects seeking OBC approval early and mid-2026 respectively. The NSIGN Projects will enable the Ministry of Defence to contract for Submarine and enabling Naval Base services delivered through Clyde and Devonport in March 2026 and for Ships and wider Naval Base services from October 2028, with a parallel (and planned) extension of the Future Maritime Support Programme (FMSP) where required, for the period March 2026 to October 2028.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the Royal Air Force’s RAVEN programme in supporting dynamic operational networking.

The Royal Air Force's RAVEN programme is a modern network which enables secure information systems to be deployed quickly into temporary operating locations worldwide. RAVEN reduces deployment time, enabling rapid response for Agile Combat Employment, Transition to Conflict and other time-critical Tasks. It also cuts workforce demand to support operational deployments. RAVEN has been used effectively on several operations and exercises including NATO Enhanced Air Policing, Operation Highmast and Operation Shader.

Whether Project Teutates is included within the Defence Nuclear Enterprise.

The TEUTATES programme is part of the Defence Nuclear Enterprise (DNE). It includes the ongoing development of an interim firing point at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Aldermaston site. The Technology Development Centre is also at AWE Aldermaston and is now being repurposed to support other programmes, having originally been constructed for TEUTATES.As set out in the DNE 2025 Annual Update to Parliament published on 22 May, the first X-rays by the UK-supplied Induction Voltage Adder machine were fired at the EPURE hydrodynamics facility in November 2024, marking an important Treaty milestone.I hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I am withholding cost estimates for the programme as release would prejudice international relations.

Whether he plans to procure the General Atomics MQ-9B SeaGurdian for maritime ISR operations.

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. As referenced in recommendation 46, the provision of maritime surveillance capability for Protector is currently being considered. The implementation of the Review's recommendations is underway. We will develop a new 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.

How the Borealis command, control and data processing system will help better (a) monitor and (b) protect UK satellites.

In March of this year, this Government announced a new £65 million deal with CGI UK to deliver for our national security by enhancing protection for our satellite technology that millions rely on, while boosting jobs and growth at home.Project BOREALIS will enhance the UK's ability to monitor and protect crucial space assets, which underpin the UK's security and prosperity, enabling us to navigate the oceans, keep our military personnel safe, monitor the climate, and forecast the weather.Project BOREALIS will integrate various data sources to improve the UK's ability to monitor and safeguard its space assets. It will also form the Command and Control architecture as the backbone for the National Space Operations Centre (NSpOC). BOREALIS will iteratively build the NSpOC's capability to support emerging requirements and missions. Project BOREALIS will combine and analyse data from various sources to make the UK less reliant on allies. It aims to create a secure and independent system that provides high-quality information to help protect the UK's interests in space. This project will provide UK military with a better understanding of the Space Domain, boosting the UK's space capabilities and delivering on the Government's Plan for Change.

What training is provided to space warfighters in order to (a) monitor objects in orbit, (b) detect anomalies and (c) track potential threats.

This Government recognises the importance of a long-term holistic approach to education and workforce development. UK Space Command are working closely across Government, and with industry and leading academic centres around the country to ensure a joined-up approach to addressing skills gaps in the UK space sector. Space Operators start with a Foundation Space Operations Course to prepare for their role. At No 1 Space Operations Squadron, our operators receive training to monitor and manage activities in space, including tracking objects and sharing important information. At No 2 Space Warning Squadron, they train to detect and respond to potential missile threats. Once qualified, our personnel continue with advanced training in areas like space weather, satellite communications, and tracking objects in space, often working with international partners and experts. The UK Space Academy, part of UK Space Command, provides education and training on Space, offered to international partners and allies, cross-government civil servants, military personnel, and industry.

What direct offensive role is played by UK Space Command.

The Strategic Defence Review 2025 acknowledges space as a critical national infrastructure sector, a site of growing competition, and a domain that is central to warfighting. In recognition of space’s growing strategic importance, the Ministry of Defence carries out a wide-ranging programme of activity to ensure the UK remains at the forefront of innovation, deterrence, and operational readiness in this critical domain. UK Space Command’s mission is to protect and defend national and military space interests and enable UK forces to operate globally. The UK remains steadfast in our commitment to the Outer Space Treaty and the peaceful uses of outer space, ensuring space remains a safe, secure, and sustainable environment for future generations.

Which units will receive Ajax as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.

The following units are due to receive Ajax vehicles. HCR – Household Cavalry RegimentRL – Royal LancersRDG – Royal Dragoon GuardsQRH – Queens Royal HussarsKRH – Kings Royal HussarsRTR – Royal Tank Regiment26 RA - 26th Regiment Royal Artillery1 RHA - 1st Regiment Royal Horse Artillery19 RA - 19th Regiment Royal Artillery22 Engrs - 22 Engineer Regiment26 Engrs - 26 Engineer Regiment6 REME - 6 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME3 REME - 3 Armoured Close Support Battalion REME1 RRF - 1st Battalion, The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers5 Rifles – 5 RIFLES1 Mercian – Mercian Regiment1 Royal Welsh - 1st Battalion The Royal WelshCMC - Combat Manoeuvre CentreDSEME – Defence School of Electronic and Mechanical EngineeringCTS – Crew Training School [part of CMC]

What recent progress he has made on the single digital platform for the Armed Forces Recruiting Programme.

The Armed Forces Recruiting Programme (AFRP) has been directed to deliver a comprehensive tri-Service recruiting solution to establish a unified recruiting operating model. Future tri-Service recruiting will provide a flexible Candidate recruiting pathway that optimises the digital environment and will recruit against demand. It will engage, assist, and support the Candidates from expression of interest through to application, assessment, and job offer, to joining their chosen service and commencing initial training. The development of the single digital platform continues to progress in line with the delivery timeline. It is being built in line with Government Digital Service standards and the user experience is core to its development. Digital development is using an Agile methodology with a number of sprints taking place to align development to the overall solution requirements. AFRP submits quarterly reports and regular updates detailing the progress of the transition from Contract Effective Date which was 1 April 2025, to Service Commencement in 2027 which allows the monitoring and assurance of transition activity. The digital platform is currently in the detailed design phase and we are unable to provide further detail at this stage.