Written questions by Downie.

How many pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type.

This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons. For each training year, the number of pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements.

How many fast jet pilots are expected to complete training and enter front-line service with the RAF in each of the next five years.

The number of Royal Air Force (RAF) fast jet pilots that are expected to complete training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots in future years. The RAF actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of fast jet pilots expected to complete training and commence front-line Operational Conversion Units in the RAF in each of the next five years will not be released into the public domain as this information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.

How many fast jet pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years.

This information is not released into the public domain for operational and personnel security reasons.

What contingency plans he has to rapidly increase the number of front line pilots in the RAF.

Contingency plans are in place to rapidly increase the number of front-line pilots in the RAF if required. Details of specific contingency plans are not released for operational and personnel security reasons.

What steps he is taking to increase the number of frontline fast jet pilots available to the RAF.

In line with the Strategic Defence Review 2025, an RAF programme team is being established to revise current fast jet training arrangements and optimise capacity. A fast jet transformation project and human performance optimisation programme are being implemented. Measures to increase the number of fast jet Qualified Flying Instructors (QFIs) at RAF Valley have also been implemented. These include agreements with the Combat Air Force for them to provide suitably qualified and experienced QFI trainees from the front-line to RAF Valley to sustain the military QFI requirement and the recruitment of civilian QFIs though the UKMFTS Training Service Partner.

What the average cost is of training a new fast jet pilot for the RAF.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer the former Minister for Armed Forces, Luke Pollard MP, gave to Question 36613 on 13 March 2025 to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois MP).

How many new pilots completed training and entered front-line service with the RAF in each of the last five years by (a) aircraft and (b) service type.

For each training year, the number of pilots that undertake training and commence Operational Conversion Units is based upon the front-line demand for qualified pilots. The Royal Air Force (RAF) actively manage the pilot training pipelines to ensure that trainee flowthrough is kept to an optimum and meets the front-line requirements. The specific number of pilots that have completed training and commenced front-line Operational Conversion Units in each of the last five years is not released into the public domain as this level of detailed information may provide tactical advantage to hostile forces causing operational and personnel security risks.

How many quick reaction alert launches there have been from RAF (a) Coningsby and (b) Lossiemouth in each month of 2025.

The table below details the number of quick reaction alert launches, in each month of 2025: 2025RAF Lossiemouth RAF ConingsbyJanuary10February00March00April20May00June00July00August01September*11* To 30 September 2025

If he will provide a breakdown of flight time of the RAF P8-Poseidon fleet in hours, by (a) training, (b) specific exercises and (c) operational in each of the last two years.

I am withholding the information requested as the disclosure of information regarding a breakdown of flight time of the RAF P8-Poseidon fleet could, or would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.

What assessment he has made of the effectiveness of the RAF fleet of P8 Poseidon aircraft.

The RAF has conducted three series of trials to evaluate the P-8A Poseidon aircraft and its systems against the Maritime Patrol Aircraft Programme's capability requirements. These assessments confirmed that the P-8A Poseidon is an effective platform for its intended roles.

How many times RAF Poseidon P8 aircraft have been intercepted by Russian jets in international airspace in each of the last 24 months.

I am withholding the information requested as the disclosure of information regarding interactions between RAF Poseidon P8 aircraft and foreign military assets could, or would be likely to, prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Armed Forces.

How many times RAF P8-Poseidon aircraft have been launched from RAF Lossiemouth on operational mission in each of the last 12 months.

RAF P-8 Poseidon aircraft are routinely deployed from RAF Lossiemouth on operational missions in support of the UK's defence and security objectives. Over the past 12 months, an average of 17 operational missions per month have been conducted. For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not disclose detailed information on the number of missions conducted.

How many hours have been flown by each of the P8-Poseidon fleet in the last 12 months.

For reasons of operational security, the Ministry of Defence does not release detailed information regarding the flight hours of individual aircraft within the P-8 Poseidon fleet. Disclosing such data could compromise operational effectiveness and national security.

With reference to his Department's policy paper entitled The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy, published in June 2025, what progress he has made with Cabinet colleagues on the development of Defence Growth Deals.

At the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that there will be Defence Growth Deals launched across the UK. Further details will be provided in the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.

When he last met the South African Minister of Defence and Military Veterans; and what issues were discussed at the meeting.

The UK has a strong bilateral defence relationship with the Republic of South Africa. The Secretary of State for Defence has yet to meet his South African counterpart, Minister Motshekga. However the Minister for the House of Lords, Lord Coaker, had the pleasure of meeting with Mr Holomisa, the Deputy Minister of Defence and Military Veterans, in February 2025 where both parties spoke of the importance of the UK-Republic of South Africa Defence relationship.

Whether he plans to meet with the South African Minister for Defence and Military Veterans.

We are actively engaged in enhancing bilateral defence ties with South Africa. The Defence Secretary looks forward to meeting his South African counterpart when the opportunity arises.

If he will make an assessment of the potential implications for his policies on support for veterans in the UK of the support provided to military veterans living in South Africa.

This Government continues to work to deepen our relations with our international partners, including on issues relating to veterans.

If he will conduct an audit of defence Critical National infrastructure to identify whether they contain Chinese-made components.

The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability, including defence Critical National Infrastructure (CNI). We utilise the full suite of economic and security tools to manage national security risks to our assets, including the National Security and Investment Act and advice from the National Technical Authorities (NCSC and NPSA) on best practice for CNI security and resilience.

Which UK assets are deployed to support allies defending the High North.

The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.

Whether he plans to permanently station UK forces to defend the High North.

The Strategic Defence Review will set the strategic direction for Defence for the next decade. The UK is committed to maintaining a coherent Defence posture in the in the region and will defend and support our Allies should the need arise. The UK will contest malign and destabilising behaviours and activity in the region which threaten our interests and that of our Allies. The UK, as the framework nation for the Joint Expeditionary Force (JEF), provides a platform for engagement with Allied Arctic states, to build consensus on security issues, and counter Russian influence. The deployment of the Littoral Strike Group, Joint Aviation Assets, Carrier Strike capability and routine Maritime patrols in the region, as well as our regular cold weather training exercises in Norway, underlines the UK’s commitment to security in the High North.