Written questions by Cartlidge.

Pursuant to the Answer of 9 April to Question 43148 on Ministry of Defence: Written Questions, whether artificial intelligence has been used to support (a) routine operations and (b) policy in relation to nuclear capability.

The delivery of defence capabilities enabled by artificial intelligence (AI) will be ambitious, safe and responsible. Research to identify, understand, and mitigate against risks of applying AI for sensitive defence affairs is underway. Routine nuclear deterrence operations continue to be conducted in accordance with the highest standards and controls. Regardless of any potential application of artificial intelligence in our strategic systems, we will ensure human political control of our nuclear weapons is maintained at all times. I hope that the hon. Gentleman will understand that I will not comment further on the details as to do so would prejudice the capability, security and effectiveness of the Armed Forces.

Whether UK sovereign capability will be considered in the procurement of a replacement for the SA80 rifle.

Project GRAYBURN aims to replace the L85 family of rifles with a new weapon system fit for future warfare. This will be achieved in partnership with industry by growing UK sovereign manufacturing skills and infrastructure. The Ministry of Defence is committed to investing in our nation’s prosperity and supporting and developing our competitive industrial base through provision of education, skills and jobs. The Defence Industrial Strategy will articulate how best Defence can contribute to sovereign operational independence, including in the production of small arms.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support, HCWS619, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of this announcement on Op COURAGE.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. VALOUR will ensure that services such as Op COURAGE are connected with others so that veterans receive the support they require.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support, HCWS619, what impact will VALOUR have on Veterans’ Advisory and Pensions Committees.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025, HCWS619, on Veterans Support, what the administrative cost is for implementing VALOUR.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support: A New Approach, HCWS619, whether the £50 million funding is in addition to the previously announced funding for defence made by the Prime Minister in his Oral Statement of 25 February 2025 on Defence and Security, Official Report, columns 631-634.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support: A New Approach, HCWS619, if the regional field officers will be (a) service personnel, (b) veterans, (c) civil servants and (d) recruited from elsewhere.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support, HCWS619, what the regional breakdown will be of Regional Field Officers.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025, HCWS619, on Veterans Support, whether VALOUR will be administered by the Office for Veterans Affairs.

VALOUR is a new commitment to establish the first-ever UK-wide approach to veteran support. A new VALOUR HQ within the Ministry of Defence, a network of field officers, regional VALOUR-recognised support centres, and development funding to support local delivery will be established, overseen by the Office for Veterans’ Affairs. VALOUR will foster the enterprising spirit of veteran charities, better connect local and national services and ensure veterans’ support is data driven. With new funding for veterans from the Ministry of Defence budget, the detailed structures and processes that will underpin VALOUR will be designed in collaboration with relevant partners and further details will be announced in due course.

With reference to the Written Statement of 6 May 2025 on Veterans Support, HCWS619, whether VALOUR services will offer legal advice for veterans subject to judicial proceedings arising from service on Operation Banner.

As a part of our ongoing commitment to veterans involved in Northern Ireland legal processes, the Ministry of Defence provides welfare support and where appropriate, legal support, at public expense.

When he plans to publish his Department's next Equipment Plan.

The Government is committed to sharing more detail of the Ministry of Defence's future investment choices following the Strategic Defence Review. The format this takes is being assessed in light of both Defence Reform and the upcoming Strategic Defence Review publication. As the Permanent Secretary set out in his letter of 12 March 2025to the Chairs of the Public Accounts Committee and Defence Select Committee, one of the options under consideration is reporting on defence investment more widely, rather than continue with the Equipment Plan in its previous format.

Pursuant to the Answer of 29 April to Question 47759 on Ukraine: Puma Helicopters, whether his Department has received any requests for rotary capability from the Ukrainian Government.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 29 April 2025 to Question 47759. We continue to liaise closely with Ukraine to deliver the capabilities they require to resist Russian aggression. This includes all relevant capabilities on Land, Sea and in the Air.

Whether his Department has decided whether to procure additional F-35 fighter jets.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) on 28 April 2025 to Question 45186.

Whether he plans to procure the MQ-28 Ghost Bat for use by the Royal Navy.

The Royal Navy is exploring how Fixed Wing Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (FW ACPs) could augment F35B Lightning embarked in Queen Elizabeth Class (QEC) carriers to provide additional strike capability. There are a number of emerging solutions for this capability and the Royal Navy will work collaboratively with the Royal Air Force to evaluate these solutions.

What the out of service date is for the Jackal 2 reconnaissance vehicle.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

What the out of service date is for the Bulldog armoured personnel carrier.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

What the out of service date is for the Warrior IFV.

The current projected Out of Service Dates (OSD) for the requested British Army vehicles can be found in the table below. VehicleOSDBulldog Armoured Personnel Carrier2030Warrior IFV2027Viking Personnel Armoured Vehicle2029Jackal 2 Reconnaissance Vehicle2030

Whether he has made an assessment of the potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD.

The potential merits of expanding Project ASGARD are continually assessed by the Department. Over time, ASGARD will deliver a suite of benefits across the Field Army. At this stage in the project, the capabilities are being operated by a single Brigade. At the midpoint of the current Project ASGARD delivery phase, an independent review was commissioned to assess progress. The recommendations from that review were adopted in full and are being implemented. Upon completion of the current delivery phase, a formal lesson identification and capture process will be conducted, in line with best practice guidance from the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority.

Whether his Department has decided whether to procure additional Typhoon fighter jets.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Fylde (Andrew Snowden) on 4 March 2025 for Question 34040.

Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April to Question 45049 on Military Strategic Headquarters: Armed Forces, whether posts will be (a) rotational, (b) competitive and (c) divided between the services to be filled by their own boarding procedures.

It is too early to specify the staffing requirements and representation levels for the four new areas of Defence created by Defence Reform: Department of State, Defence Nuclear Enterprise, National Armaments Director Group, and Military Strategic Headquarters (MSHQ). Head Office responsibilities have been subsumed into the new structure, and Strategic Command is part of MSHQ.However, Service personnel apportionment and representation will be balanced to ensure effective strategic direction, policy formulation, and coordination of joint capabilities and operations. It is anticipated that this continue to apply in new structure through a combination of rotation, competition-based appointments, and individual Service boarding procedures to ensure career progression and suitably qualified individuals.