29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many pilots are in the fast jet pilot training pipeline between Cranwell and being posted to frontline squadrons as fully qualified pilots.
ReplyAs of 1 June 2026, there were 119 trainee fast jet pilots in the fast jet training pipeline between Royal Air Force (RAF) Cranwell and commencing a front-line Operational Conversion Unit.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to page 30 of his Department's policy paper entitled Defence Diplomacy Strategy, Keeping Britain Safe: secure at home and strong abroad, published on 24 March 2026, by when he plans to have a) revi
ReplyIn line with the commitments set out in the Defence Diplomacy Strategy, the Ministry of Defence is progressing a review of our hospitality and protocol policy. As stated in the Strategy we are working to introduce a refreshed policy by Q4 2026.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the answer of 16 April 2026 to question 124255 on Navy: Uncrewed Systems, which autonomous systems have been a) developed and b) adopted via the Maritime Big Play programme.
ReplyMaritime Big Play is focussed on technology standards and solutions that will facilitate tri-lateral AUKUS interoperability of uncrewed systems. The intended outcome is the provision of clear recommendations to ensure that the nations are able to operate ...
29 May 2026·Department for Science, Innovation and Technology·Answered
AskedInnovation and Technology, with reference to her Department's policy paper entitled Replacing animals in science: A strategy to support the development, validation and uptake of alternative methods, published on
ReplyThe Government is working to strengthen international collaboration on the validation and acceptance of alternative methods, including engagement with regulators and international forums. As part of this, we are exploring opportunities to convene internat...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 45186 on F-35 Aircraft: Procurement, as of 1 June 2026 is the Departmental budget for the F-35 Lightning Programme as per the Integrated Review Defence Co
ReplyThe Integrated Review Defence Command Paper 2021 only confirmed the Programme of Record to complete the first Procurement Phase of 48 aircraft as laid out in the Government Major Projects Programme. This has now completed. Spending decisions on future cap...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow much does the Eurofighter Typhoon cost per flying hour.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its release would prejudice commercial interests
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of equipping each Royal Artillery Regiment with RCH155 on their manning establishment.
ReplyWork is ongoing to determine the future force structures of Royal Artillery Regiments. This includes consideration of the personnel required to operate and sustain the RCH155 system.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the Answer of 28 April 2025 to Question 44679 on Ukraine: Defence, what progress he has made in (a) accelerating, (b) developing and (c) deepening (i) UK defence industrial capacity and capabili
ReplyTask Force HIRST has supported the development of a strong defence industrial partnership with Ukraine, helping to ensure Ukraine prevails and enhancing the UK's wider defence partnerships, including joint development and interoperability. It has driven n...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedFor what reason the shelf life of javelin anti-tank missiles was extended by 5 years following the review of Batch Testing Criticality Analysis.
ReplyThe extension of the shelf life of Javelin missiles is a routine activity which preserves the value of the munitions stockpile.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedFollowing the test of four inert SPEAR 3 missiles on the F-35B at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, by when will plans to complete a) mission systems integration and b) jettison trials.
ReplyPlans to complete mission system integration and jettison trials for SPEAR 3 are part of a wider weapons integration programme and are subject to prioritisation and test platform availability across the entire programme. The SPEAR 3 integration programme ...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment he has made of the potential impact of sustainable aviation fuel requirements on logistics in each of the armed services.
ReplyIt is taking time to collate the requested information. I will write to the hon. Member and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedPursuant to the answer of 22 May 2026, to question 746 on Antisubmarine Warfare: Procurement, by when is the Long-Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon scheduled to progress from the concept phase.
ReplyThe Long-Range Anti-Submarine Warfare Weapon (ASW) remains in its early concept phase, and the Ministry of Defence continues to mature the requirement. Delivery timelines are subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan. The Royal Navy already fi...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow much does the F-35B cost per flying hour.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its release would prejudice commercial interests.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWhat assessment has he made of the potential merits of expanding the role of the Red Arrows from an exclusively aerobatic display team to an aerobatic display and aggressor squadron, in place of IX Squadron.
ReplyThere are no plans to change the role of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, beyond an aerobatic team.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow much does the F-35A cost per flying hour.
ReplyAs this variant is not yet in service, no information is held on this matter.
29 May 2026·Department for Energy Security and Net Zero·Answered
AskedWhat progress he has made on introducing a replacement to the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme.
ReplyBy the time the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme (PSDS) closes in 2028 it will have disbursed around £3.4 billion to over 1,400 projects, building invaluable experience and capability across a wide range of sites and building types. This will allow de...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedHow many fast jet pilots have qualified in the (a) RAF and (b) Royal Navy in each year since 2016.
ReplyI am withholding the information requested as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or the security of the Armed Forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Justice·Answered
AskedWhat the scope is of the project to deliver new prison places at HMP Ford.
ReplyThis Government has already delivered c.3,100 new places, as part of the biggest prison expansion programme since the Victorian era.We are no longer delivering at HMP Leyhill under the Category D Expansion Programme. Around 100 additional places are curre...
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedBy when is maintenance on (a) HMS Ambush and (b) HMS Artful expected to be completed.
ReplyI hope the hon. Gentleman will understand that I cannot provide the specific details requested as disclosure would, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of any relevant forces.
29 May 2026·Ministry of Defence·Answered
AskedWith reference to the fourth report of the Joint Committee on the National Security Strategy (CP1338), published on 24 June 2025, what progress he has made on a) renewing and b) increasing greater strategic depth
ReplyThe US is the UK’s principal defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US remains an essential pillar of our security. Our defence cooperation is mutually supportive, and we continue deep cooperation with the US on issue...