Written questions by Cartlidge.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled 20,000 UK jobs secured as Türkiye buys 20 Typhoon jets in biggest fighter jet deal in a generation, published on 27 October 2025, whether he plans to order any further Typhoons for use by the RAF.

As the hon. Gentleman will know, the UK's future combat air capability to enable the Integrated Force is being finalised through the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published later this year. The Plan will consider the appropriate mix of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft required to meet our military requirements and the associated economic benefits of the UK's Typhoon and F35 industrial workshare.

Pursuant to the Answer of 4 November to Question 85226 on Defence: Contracts, when he will publish the results of the public consultation.

The results of the public consultation will be published in the first half of 2026.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with his EU counterparts on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether there has been any enhanced cooperation between the European Union and the UK through the proposed SAFE instrument since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally issued the UK with a proposed fee to participate in the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, did the European Union request payment to allow UK participation in the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether the European Union has formally invited the UK to join the proposed SAFE instrument.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

Pursuant to the Answer of 2 June to Question 53596 on European Union: Military Alliances, whether he has held discussions with Cabinet ministers on the participation of the UK in common procurement under SAFE since 2 June 2025.

The UK is committed to resetting our relationship with the EU. We continue working to implement the package agreed at the UK-EU Summit and build on our landmark Security and Defence Partnership – which includes exploring UK participation in the EU’s Security Action For Europe (SAFE) instrument. As part of these efforts, the Ministry of Defence continues to work closely across the whole of Government, and in cooperation with industry partners and all our European allies, to inform our approach to enhancing Europe's defence industrial capacity and production and deliver critical capabilities required to support Ukraine. SAFE negotiations are ongoing andwe will not provide a running commentary on talks.This Government has been clear that we would only agree to a deal if we were satisfied it provided value for money to UK taxpayers.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many meetings his Department has held in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been assessed in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton, on 20 June 2025, how many military sites have been visited in relation to the review since 20 June 2025.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

With reference to the announcement of the security review into the defence estate in connection to the security breach at RAF Brize Norton on 20 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on the review.

Further to the written ministerial statement of 27 November, work in relation to the MOD Security Review is continuing at pace. All military sites were assessed and prioritised, and a programme of site reviews is ongoing. Ministers are kept regularly informed through routine meetings and frequent written and oral updates. Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. We have delivered urgent physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20 million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. Enhanced vigilance, updated guidance, and improved reporting have made it easier for personnel and industry partners to report incidents, while successful recruitment campaigns are increasing our policing and guard capacity. Our multi-layered security approach combines technology, workforce, and physical security to protect our people and assets. The piloting of Restricted Airspace above strategic sites and significant investment in remotely piloted aerial systems further enhance our ability to deter and respond to threats. Defence will use all available levers to take swift action wherever and whenever security is threatened and will not hesitate to pursue prosecution where criminality is suspected. Safeguarding the Defence estate remains a key priority, and we will continue to relentlessly pursue improvements to ensure we deliver the highest standards of security and resilience for our estate.

Pursuant to the Answer of 22 April 2025 to Question 45056 on Artillery: Procurement, what he expects the in service date for RCH155 to be.

The project aims to achieve Minimum Deployable Capability (MDC) within this decade and will deliver the Remote-Controlled Howitzer 155mm (RCH 155) Calibre Wheeled Artillery System. The project remains in its assessment phase and therefore it remains too early to provide an exact in-service date.

With reference to his Department's press release, entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, what the total is cost of establishing the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

Supporting the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth office is a priority, and we will ensure it has appropriate funding necessary to establish itself and deliver on its objectives.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, who will staff the Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

The Office for Small Business Growth will work collaboratively with other Ministry of Defence and Government organisations, including the Department for Business and Trade Growth Hubs, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, trade associations, strategic partners and other suppliers to bring coherence to the total support offering available to SMEs seeking to work in defence as well as non-traditional suppliers that may have offerings for a Defence application.The exact detail of how the Office will operate, including staffing options, is currently under development. Further detail of how the service will be led and resourced will be released shortly with the aim to deliver a modern, digitally-enabled and user-centric service.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, whether the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth will consult with third parties.

The Office for Small Business Growth is collaborative by design. In planning the scope of the Office, we have already consulted widely with third parties including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, trade associations, mid-tier suppliers, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and academia to ensure that the new service meets defence SMEs needs and fully integrates with support offered to smaller companies by other organisations and Government Departments. Collaboration across the Defence enterprise will continue once the Office has been established to ensure it continues to be a user-centric service for SMEs, start-ups and non-traditional suppliers to Defence.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, what form of public body the Defence Office for Small Business Growth will be.

The Defence Office for Small Business Growth will be an internal body of the Ministry of Defence (MOD), accountable to the MOD’s Director General Commercial and Industry under the National Armaments Director Group.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, whether the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth will produce Government policy.

The Defence Industrial Strategy (DIS), published in September this year, has set the Ministry of Defence's policy to support our thriving ecosystem of defence small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) through our new Office for Small Business Growth and dedicated SME Commercial Pathway to boost opportunities and access. The Office will seek to deliver the DIS policy intent, simplify entry routes into the defence supply chain for smaller companies, and shape future policy and strategy to improve the Department’s approach to working with SMEs.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled, Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, when he expects to launch the new Defence Office for Small Business Growth.

Planning for the Office for Business Growth is well underway. The support that will be offered by the Office has been developed following wide ranging consultation with a variety of stakeholders, including Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs), prime contractors, trade associations, mid-tier suppliers, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, and academia. The Office will provide services to both small businesses and Ministry of Defence teams, which will focus on growth and shaping the defence industry landscape to develop resilient supply chains. The Office will be established by late January 2026.

With reference to his Department's press release entitled Government launches Back British industry call to action to boost UK jobs, businesses and skills, published on 23 October 2025, how the Defence Office for Small Business Growth will interact with the Department for Business and Trade.

The Ministry of Defence’s (MOD) commitment to the establishment of the Defence Office for Small Business Growth has been outlined in the Department for Business and Trade’s ‘Backing Your Business’ plan, published in July this year. The Office will work collaboratively with other MOD and Government organisations, including the Department for Business and Trade Growth Hubs, Regional Defence and Security Clusters, Trade Associations and Strategic Partners and other suppliers to bring coherence to the total support offering available to SMEs seeking to work in defence.