Written questions by Downie.

If he will make an assessment of the potential merits of joint UK–EU–Ukraine research and development programmes in areas such as autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and European allies on the sharing of knowledge and insight around autonomous systems, counter-drone technologies and missile defence whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

What steps his Department is taking to support collaboration between UK technology companies and Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British 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. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

Whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure the defence sector can learn from Ukraine’s operational experience in countering drones, missile threats and electronic warfare.

The Ministry of Defence continually assesses how Ukrainian battlefield innovation can inform the UK's own capabilities. The conflict has shown the need to accelerate the learn-adapt cycle, with concepts moving from design to battlefield use within weeks.The UK is seeking to identify lessons driven by rapid collection and analysis of frontline data. Forward technical expertise and open dialogue with operators will allow industry to innovate and scale production more quickly.There is acknowledgement of the importance of integrating UAS with traditional fires rather than seeing them as replacements. Ukraine's experience also highlights that operational surprise remains achievable through robust operational security and deception; the need for resilient Integrated Air and Missile Defence built on multiple effectors; and the imperative to train for contested and degraded electromagnetic environments.

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 steps his Department is taking to support UK companies seeking to collaborate with Ukrainian defence and dual-use technology innovators.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to strengthening collaboration between Ukrainian and British 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. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra. On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain’s cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine’s Armed Forces. This facility will deliver jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

What initiatives his Department is part of that aim to foster cooperation between Ukrainian defence innovators and the UK and European industrial and technology ecosystems.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to fostering collaboration between Ukraine, British and European industry. 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. Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.

What steps the UK Government is taking to promote collaborative defence innovation initiatives involving the UK, European partners and Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to promoting collaborative initiatives that strengthen 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.

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 assessment he has made of the role of Ukrainian defence technology innovation in strengthening NATO partners’ capabilities against drone and ballistic missile threats.

The Secretary of State for Defence continues to work closely with the Government of Ukraine and NATO partners on the sharing of knowledge and insights about drone and missile threats whose technologists and armed forces are constantly evolving capabilities to address a variety of threats from Russia.

What support his Department provides to UK companies seeking to supply innovation-based defence technologies to Ukraine.

The Secretary of State for Defence is committed to supporting UK companies in supplying innovation-based technologies to Ukraine, boosting high-skilled British-based jobs and meeting Ukraine's urgent needs in its fight against Russia's illegal invasion.In cooperation with trade association ADS, the UK has delivered seven successful Trade Missions to Ukraine, bringing together UK and Ukrainian industry to discuss opportunities for long-term cooperation and investment, and to promote greater collaboration with defence industrial companies inside Ukraine.Last year we announced that the UK will manufacture and jointly develop cutting-edge military equipment with Ukrainian industry through a groundbreaking new technology sharing agreement. This tech sharing agreement is called Programme Lyra.On the first anniversary of the 100 Year Partnership (16 Jan 2026) it was announced that a new business centre will open in Kyiv this year to ensure Britain's cutting-edge defence industry and innovators can step up their work to equip Ukraine's Armed Forces. This facility will deliver good jobs at home and bring Ukrainian and UK defence industries closer than ever while embedding the lessons from the battlefield.

How much spare storage there is at DM Crombie as a proportion of its total capacity.

I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.

How much spare storage there is at each Defence Munitions site as a proportion of their total capacity.

I am withholding this information as its disclosure would, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness or security of the Ministry of Defence.

What funding has been allocated for the implementation of ASGARD for the British Army.

ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.

If plans to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027 are on schedule.

The Department, through Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, is progressing plans to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027. This includes the establishment of the Defence Targeting Enterprise Office, which will enable the orchestration of cross-defence activity. The Ministry of Defence remains committed to delivering this Strategic Defence Review recommendation and will continue to monitor progress to ensure that delivery remains on track.

If he will provide an update on the implementation of ASGARD.

ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.

What assessment he has made of the potential of ASGARD for UK armed forces.

ASGARD will create a digitally enabled reconnaissance and strike network, bringing together sensors, decision-support tools and precision weapons to improve decision-making and increase lethality. With continued investment and oversight, ASGARD will deliver incremental capability upgrades between 2026 and 2029, aligned with the Army Command Plan, NATO standards and Defence’s Digital Target Web. The overall cost of ASGARD will continue to develop and change as it progresses, however future funding plans for ASGARD are being considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan. With regards to the implementation of ASGARD, I refer the hon. Member to Question 73577, which remains extant and explains the current position for the project. The next iteration of ASGARD, focused at Corps level operations, will be tested in Quarter two 2026.

What assessment he has made of the potential merits of adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

When he expects the jetty at DM Crombie to be fully operational.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

How many (a) Royal Navy and (b) RFA ships will use the jetty at DM Crombie in each of the next five years.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.

What discussions have taken place regarding adding refuelling capabilities at DM Crombie.

The Royal Navy and Defence Infrastructure Organisation work closely to ensure that infrastructure is in place to ensure continuity of operations. DM Crombie remains a key support enabler for Defence and continues to offer operational flexibility to the RN and RFA Fleet along with Allied Partners operating in the North Sea, Euro-Atlantic and High North regions. For operational security reasons, the Royal Navy will not release the movements of Royal Navy and RFA vessels in and out of DM Crombie over the next five years, nor comment on the specific material condition of operational infrastructure at DM Crombie.