Written questions by Obese-Jecty.

With reference to page 136 of his Department's document entitled Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in ensuring that infrastructure requirements are fully integrated into (a) capability development and (b) investment decisions.

The Defence Investment Plan (DIP) will cohere current capabilities and future Strategic Defence Review deliverables, this includes the infrastructure which supports or enables the capability. Those capabilities and deliverables will be prioritised against force plans and published within the DIP.

With reference to page 133 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in conducting a holistic assessment of defence infrastructure requirements.

As part of the Defence Investment Plan Defence has cohered the totality of the Defence Lines of Development for current capabilities and future Strategic Defence Review deliverables. This includes infrastructure for which the front-line commands and delivery agents have made a holistic assessment. Those capabilities and deliverables will be prioritised against force plans.

What functions will be included within the National Armaments Director group.

The National Armaments Director Group was established in March 2025 and is still being designed. It currently includes five enabling organisations and four newly established areas: Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl)Defence SupportDefence Equipment and Support (DE&S)Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO)Defence Digital (DD)International Collaboration & Exports (ICE) including UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE)Commercial & Industry (C&I) including National Shipbuilding Office (NSO)Options and Commissioning (O&C) including Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA), part of UK Defence Innovation (UKDI)Corporate and Shared Services including UK Hydrographic Office (UKHO), The Oil and Pipelines Agency (OPA) and Single Source Regulations Office (SSRO).

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of mechanisms within the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership to help improve the resilience of critical infrastructure.

The Government pledged in its manifesto to pursue a new relationship with the EU to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO. The recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR) further reiterates this commitment and recognises that international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The Government delivered on this commitment at the UK-EU Summit on 19 May where we agreed a new and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). Implementation of the SDP is a joint effort with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and is progressing. Since May, my Rt Hon Friend, Defence Secretary John Healey has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed their ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. In October, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary will both meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for the first UK/EU foreign and security policy dialogue under the SDP. In addition, Ministers and officials from across Government have held consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to, tackling irregular migration and hybrid threats. We continue to work with EU counterparts to strengthen dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation across the range of issues covered in the SDP, including maritime and space security. As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, this Government will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.

With reference to page 34 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what the scope is of mechanisms within the UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership to help tackle hybrid threats.

The Government pledged in its manifesto to pursue a new relationship with the EU to strengthen European security, support growth and reinforce NATO. The recently released Strategic Defence Review (SDR) further reiterates this commitment and recognises that international partnerships are crucial for the UK’s security and prosperity. The Government delivered on this commitment at the UK-EU Summit on 19 May where we agreed a new and ambitious Security and Defence Partnership (SDP). Implementation of the SDP is a joint effort with the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office and is progressing. Since May, my Rt Hon Friend, Defence Secretary John Healey has held discussions with the European Commissioner for Defence and Space, Andrius Kubilius, where they discussed their ambition to explore the potential for enhanced UK-EU cooperation under SAFE. In October, the Foreign Secretary and the Defence Secretary will both meet with the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas, for the first UK/EU foreign and security policy dialogue under the SDP. In addition, Ministers and officials from across Government have held consultations with their EU counterparts on a range of issues, including but not limited to, tackling irregular migration and hybrid threats. We continue to work with EU counterparts to strengthen dialogue and mutually beneficial cooperation across the range of issues covered in the SDP, including maritime and space security. As the Defence Secretary has previously said to this House, this Government will ensure that any UK commitment– whether financial or non-financial – will provide value for the UK taxpayer and supports our defence goals. We will continue to prioritise engagement and cooperation on the issues that are most important in helping to safeguard European security and prosperity – all in support of this government’s NATO First defence policy.

With reference to page 133 of his Department's Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 2 June 2025, what progress he has made in creating a single Recapitalisation Plan for Defence infrastructure.

A Recapitalisation Plan for Defence Infrastructure is currently being drafted with a target completion date of February 2026.

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.

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 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.

With reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, which projects are affected by the challenges to recruit the required (a) skills and (b) experience levels in the Army Programme Management Office.

These resource challenges are impacting a significant portion of the Army Portfolio. The confidence assessments of the programmes are available in the National infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, accessible here: https://ar25.nista.grid.civilservice.gov.uk/tables. The Army Programme and Portfolio Office actively manages the prioritisation of programmes to ensure its workforce is allocated where it is most needed. To retain and enhance this skilled cohort, the office offers comprehensive Portfolio, Programme and Project Management training packages to develop current personnel and to attract talent into the team.

What (a) financial, (b) manpower and (c) other material contributions the UK has made to foreign comparative testing with the US in the last 12 months.

The Ministry of Defence actively supports the Foreign Comparative Testing (FCT) programme by collaborating on programme development and working with FCT representatives to identify promising UK technologies. Detailed outcomes remain the responsibility of the individual companies and the FCT.