Written questions by Downie.

What estimate he has made of the cost of the disruption of drones flying over (i) RAF Lakenheath, (ii) RAF Mildenhall and (iii) RAF Feltwell in November 2024.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate he has made of the level of future use of electricity by each branch of the armed forces.

Awaiting answer.

What percentage of military energy use is electric.

Awaiting answer.

How much electricity was used by each arm of the military in each of the past 5 years.

Awaiting answer.

What activities would not be considered "sub threshold" in relation to Russian threats and offensive action against UK people, businesses and interests.

Awaiting answer.

Is he will define the meaning of "sub threshold" in relation to Russian threats and offensive action against UK people and interests.

Awaiting answer.

What assessment his Department has made of whether the design of the Common Combat Vehicles outlined in the Defence Investment Plan will be based on the Type-31 frigate.

Awaiting answer.

What estimate his Department has made of the timescales for procurement of the Common Combat Vessels outlined in the Defence Investment Plan.

Awaiting answer.

What steps has his Department taken to ensure that construction of the Common Combat Vessels outlined in the Defence Investment Plan is timed to coincide with the completion of orders of the Type-31 frigate progr

Awaiting answer.

How many Quick Reaction Alerts launches there were from (a) RAF Lossiemouth and (b) RAF Conningsby in each month in (i) 2025 and (ii) 2026.

Awaiting answer.

When he last met with trade unions to discuss pay and conditions for the Royal Fleet Auxiliary.

The Ministry of Defence continues to engage regularly with Maritime Trade Unions on matters relating to pay and conditions for Royal Fleet Auxiliary personnel. It would not be appropriate to provide further detail on specific meetings while those discussi...

When he last held discussions with Scottish Ministers on Defence Technical Excellence Colleges in Scotland.

On 12 March 2026, as part of the Scotland Defence Growth Deal, we announced our stated ambition to establish two Defence Technical Excellence Colleges, aligned to support the defence clusters in the East and West of Scotland. This was contingent on the Sc...

When he last met his counterparts from the USA and Australia to discuss potential national security threats posed by Chinese-made connected vehicles.

The Defence Secretary speaks with his US and Australian counterparts regularly on a range of national security topics to ensure coherence and alignment between our nations. The Ministry of Defence is working with other government departments to mitigate any potential threats to national security from connected vehicles. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicle, irrespective of origin, and we keep them under constant review.

What assessment his Department has made of the risk of the use of Chinese‑manufactured Cellular IoT Modules in defence‑adjacent supply chains.

The Ministry of Defence regularly assesses risks across defence‑adjacent supply chains, including those associated with connectivity‑enabled components. Any use of Cellular IoT technology is subject to proportionate security and assurance arrangements, with risks considered on a case‑by‑case basis in order to safeguard Defence and national security interests. In parallel, the Department supports onshoring and the development of assured supply chains to strengthen the resilience of both defence and wider civilian supply chains.

What assessment his Department has made of the potential impact of Chinese manufactured electric vehicles, including potential vulnerabilities such as remote kill switch capabilities, on national security.

The Ministry of Defence (MOD) takes the security of defence assets very seriously, and is working with other government departments to understand and mitigate any potential threats to national security from vehicles. Our policies and procedures take account of the potential threats from all types of vehicles, not just electric vehicles or those manufactured in China, and we are working across MOD to ensure risks are appropriately managed in accordance with the needs of different communities.

What assessment his Department has made of (a) trends in the level of Chinese-manufactured technology used in UK defence procurement and supply chains and (b) the potential impact of that technology on national security.

The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains, to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability. While the department does not routinely comment on the origin of specific components of our planned or in service capabilities, we welcome business with foreign companies as long as it follows our strict procurement regulations and does not put our national security at risk. Transactions continue to be monitored where there are potential national security concerns from any country, and the Department will investigate and apply appropriate mitigations where required.

What assessment he has made of the potential economic and security impacts for the UK defence sector of increases in cooperation with Ukraine’s defence innovation ecosystem.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine on cooperation between the UK and Ukraine defence sectors. We are building a sustained defence industrial partnership between the UK and Ukraine which will develop industrial capacity while supporting UK and Ukrainian security. The 100 Year Partnership between the UK and Ukraine facilities the rapid pursuit of sustainable production to create a dynamic ecosystem of defence innovation. We will carry out joint defence capability projects and encourage the establishment of joint defence enterprises, strengthening our defence capabilities and ensuring joint arms exports to foreign markets.

What mechanisms exist within his Department to capture and integrate lessons from Ukraine’s battlefield experience into UK defence planning and capability development.

The primary mechanism for lessons learnt from Ukraine's battlefield experience is through the Defence Lessons Identified Management System, which facilities their assignment and management.For those of strategic relevance, the Military Commands will route lessons through the newly instituted Military Strategic Lessons Working Group for refinement and drafting of actionable recommendations or for further investigatory activity.Once prepared, lessons are presented to the Integrated Warfare Development Board for validation and sentencing. After which, the Board will monitor the implementation progress of the lesson plus ensuring coherence across Military Strategic Headquarters and the Military Commands.

What discussions he has had with European partners on strengthening cooperation with Ukraine in defence innovation and dual-use technology development.

This March, I led the seventh and largest Trade Mission to Ukraine. The mission brought together government and industry officials from the UK, Europe, and Ukraine to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine. This week [17 March 2026], the UK and Ukraine signed an enhanced security and defence industrial declaration, which strengthens collaboration between Ukrainian and British defence innovators. This latest step in the 100 Year Partnership recognises the growing role of advanced drone capabilities and data to help protect military forces, defence infrastructure and national security.

What steps he has taken to strengthen collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian, British and European defence innovators. In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK industry and likeminded European partners to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.This month, I led the largest trade mission, with the UK welcoming five European partners and a record 35 UK companies from primes to SMEs, offering a range of innovative solutions.