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 1,921–1,940 of 2,619 · Ministry of Defence
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.
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.
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 Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle.
The Light Protected Mobility project, within the Land Mobility Programme, will determine the future Light Protected Mobility fleet. The project is in its Concept Phase, as such investment approval and procurement timelines are to be determined.
Pursuant to the Answer of 29 April 2025 to Question 48996 on Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning, what progress he has made on procuring replacement for the Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle.
Currently there are no direct replacements planned for the Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle.
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.
How many FV433 Bulldog vehicles are in service.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 9 September 2025, to Question 74743, where it states the total number of FV433 Bulldog vehicles in service is 750.
With reference to the UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, published in June 2025, what progress he has made in launching an alliance with the High Value Manufacturing Catapult.
The UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, published in June, announced the formation of an Alliance between the Ministry of Defence (MOD) and the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVM Catapult) to leverage HVM Catapult’s cross sector experience and world-leading research and development facilities. The MOD and HVM Catapult, with Innovate UK as its sponsoring authority, are working collaboratively on the scope of the Alliance. This includes setting the vision and objectives, identifying opportunities for Defence within existing HVM Catapult programmes, developing a joint roadmap for delivery, and appointing a senior departmental sponsor to lead the work.
Whether he plans to procure additional Ares vehicles beyond the 93 ordered.
There are no current plans to procure additional ARES vehicles beyond the 93 ordered.
How many Afghans who (a) worked for British forces and (b) are dependents of people who worked for British forces were brought to the United Kingdom via the Afghan Response Route.
Approximately 4,500 people have been relocated or are in transit to the UK via the ARR (900 principal applicants and 3,600 eligible family members). ARR eligibility was only granted for those individuals who were previously thought to be at highest risk of targeting by the Taleban as a result of their personal details being included in the February 2022 data incident under the previous Government.. It is not possible to provide a breakdown of relocation figures by job role, including those who worked directly for British Forces, at this time.
Pursuant to the Answer of 1 September 2025 to Question 69521 on Ajax Vehicles: Procurement, what will be the distribution of the 93 Ares vehicles across units.
The 93 ARES platforms will be distributed in line with the Army’s fielding plan and Defence priorities.
What the outcome was of the recent trial by HMS Trent of the Helicopter Visual Landing Aid System.
The recent trials of the Helicopter Visual Landing Aid System (HVLAS) onboard HMS Trent was a success. Three days of rigorous testing through day and night landings by a Wildcat Helicopter has shown the technology to be effective. As a result, we plan to fit HMS Spey, another Batch 2 Offshore Patrol Vessel, with HVALS as she enters scheduled refit.
Whether any defence operational developments are eligible for fast-track planning as nationally important Crown Developments in Huntingdon constituency.
There are currently two projects potentially eligible for fast-track planning as nationally important Crown Developments in Huntingdon constituency.
What the scope is of Project TELUM.
Project TELUM aims to deliver the successor capability to the services currently provided under the Light Aircraft Flying Task 2 (LAFT2) contract, which is set to expire in March 2030. The LAFT2 contract supports a range of services and flying tasks for Air Cadets, University Air Squadrons, the Royal Navy, the Army, and ad hoc flying training requirements, all of which will be addressed by Project TELUM.
Pursuant to the Answer of 1 September 2025 to Question 69515 on Typhoon Aircraft: Decommissioning, what roles the four Tranche 1 Typhoons are conducting.
1435 Flight flies the four Tranche 1 Typhoon FGR4 at Mount Pleasant complex. The unit provides air defence and Quick Reaction Alert in the South Atlantic Islands.
With reference to the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy, CP 1337, published on 23 June 2025, what progress he has made on re-establishing a nuclear fuel cycle for defence reactor fuel.
The Nuclear Fuels programme is in its early development phase and we are currently working with industry to develop options for its delivery. These options will inform the timescales for completion.
What progress he has made on the development of a Type 91 uncrewed arsenal ship/missile barge.
The need for a mix of crewed and uncrewed autonomous vessels to provide Air and Missile Defence and Strike Capabilities for the Royal Navy was endorsed in the Strategic Defence Review. Technology demonstrators to support and de-risk the transition to the envisaged ‘hybrid’ Surface Fleet are underway. The Type 91 ‘Arsenal Ship’ is being assessed for feasibility and affordability within the Concept Phase of the Future Air Dominance System (FADS) programme, with a recommendation to be made in the Outline Business Case planned for June 2026.
How many Commonwealth service-leavers who have served between four and six years have paid for a visa upon discharge since 5 July 2024.
All applications are submitted to the Home Office. The Ministry of Defence does not hold information about the number of applications submitted by Service personnel on discharge, or by their family members.
What was included within the air defence export deal with Poland.
Four air defence contracts have been signed with Poland. The four contracts, MALAN, PILICA+, MIECZNIK and NAREW were signed between 2022 - 2024 with a collective value in excessive of £6 billion and include the roll out of British ground and sea-based air defence systems across Poland. The systems include MBDA’s Common Anti-Air Modular Missiles (CAMM) and associated launchers. These contracts are the largest commercial agreements ever secured between the UK and Poland and will sustain hundreds of jobs at MBDA UK sites in Bristol, Bolton and Stevenage, and also in Poland. Importantly, the contracts also underpin the creation of a cooperative partnership between the UK and Poland to support the development of greater air defence and industrial capability in the UK and Poland, further increasing regional security and greater supply chain flexibility.