Written questions by Cartlidge.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Combat Air System programme.

Progress continues to be made on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS). The core platform, that will sit at its heart, is being delivered through the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP).The GCAP International Government Organisation (GIGO) to oversee delivery on behalf of our partner governments, Japan and Italy, has been created. Additionally, on 13 December, BAE Systems (UK), Leonardo (Italy), and Japan Aircraft Industrial Enhancement Co Ltd (JAIEC), reached an agreement to form a new company under a business joint venture for GCAP, subject to regulatory approvals.Both the GIGO and the proposed Industry Joint Venture will have their Head Quarters in Reading.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the A400M programme.

The delivery of all 22 A400M Atlas airframes is now complete and they are in frontline service. In co-ordination with the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority, the A400M Programme off-boarded from the Government Major Projects Portfolio on 31 March 2025. The UK remains committed to the six-Partner Nation agreement for A400M and signed the 'Global Deal' in September 2024 to confirm the final standard of aircraft, commit to the global spares support contract for the coming years and the first spiral upgrade to assure A400M remains at the forefront of technology.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Chinook Capability Sustainment Programme.

The first tranche of the Chinook Capability Sustainment programme to deliver 14 new build heavy assault Chinook helicopters remains on course to deliver Initial Operating Capability in May 2029 and Full Operating Capability in October 2030. Following Ministerial re-approval of the programme in May 2024, production of the simulators has progressed to plan and construction of the first two Chinook H-47 (Extended Range) aircraft has commenced in Philadelphia, with the first aircraft due to be delivered in 2027. Training of UK aircrew instructors in the US is due to commence in August 2025.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the E7 Wedgetail Programme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the right hon. Member for Rayleigh and Wickford (Mark Francois) on 4 February 2025 to Question 26432.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Future Cruise Anti Ship Weapon programme.

Work on the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon programme is continuing under contract with MBDA. Discussions with our partners to finalise arrangements for the next phase are in progress.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on NATO.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK operational independence.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing intelligence sharing structures.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on AUKUS.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on UK Defence policy.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

What assessment he has made of the potential impact of the proposed Security Pact with the European Union on existing UK defence programmes.

The Government has been clear about our commitment to negotiate an ambitious Security and Defence Partnership with the EU to strengthen European security and reinforce NATO. Talks are ongoing, and no agreements have been reached. I hope the hon. Member will understand that we will not provide a running commentary on their substance.

Pursuant to the Answer of 15 April to Question 43574 on Defence: Reform, if he will set out the terms of reference for the Quad.

The "Quad" refers to the Permanent Under Secretary, the Chief of Defence Staff, the National Armaments Director and Chief of Defence Nuclear. Each have clear and distinct accountabilities, and together are responsible for the Department's outcomes.The Quad is not a formal board. All four individuals sit on the Defence Board, the Executive Committee, and various other governance fora, which have their own specific terms of reference.

Pursuant to the Answer of 1 April to Question 43149 on Artillery: Procurement, if he will confirm that (a) no decision has been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV and (b) any decision will not be made until after the publication of the SDR.

We are currently undertaking a Strategic Defence Review which is looking at the threats we face and the capabilities we need to meet the challenges, threats and opportunities of the 21st century. No final decision has yet been taken on the procurement of 15 MLRS and 1 RRV.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the New Style of Information Technology Deployed Programme.

The programme achieved Acceptance into Service, and declaration of Initial Operating Capability (IOC) in the Land Environment in March 2024. In the last 12 months the programme has released an updated Operational Network (OpNET) capability with significantly enhanced build software. This is currently being deployed across the land environment and will facilitate the withdrawal of legacy systems from the land environment before the end of 2025. Following installation of OpNET to both Queen Elizabeth Class Aircraft Carriers, the programme is now focussed on extending this capability across the Rest of the Fleet. During financial year 2024-25 OpNET was installed to RFA TIDEFORCE, HMS SUTHERLAND, and HMS SCOTT. Plans are in place for six further installations during the current financial year.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Submersible Ship Nuclear AUKUS programme.

The SSN-AUKUS programme is approximately 18 months into the Detailed Design and Long Lead (D2L2) phase, with contracts totalling around £4 billion having been placed in October 2023. Infrastructure improvements are also being made at BAE Systems’ shipyard in Barrow and Rolls-Royce’s Raynesway site to support future submarine build programme requirements. The programme aims to deliver the first UK submarines in the late 2030s, to replace the Astute Class.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Future programme.

The Submarine Waterfront Infrastructure Future (SWIF) programme will deliver substantial infrastructure upgrades at HM Naval Base Devonport, as part of a wider significant investment programme to restore capacity and resilience to support the maintenance of our submarine fleet. The design phase of the SWIF programme is coming to a close and we are now starting the construction stage. This comes on the back of the restoration of 9 Dock to undertake submarine deep maintenance and 15 Dock to enable operational maintenance.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Spearcap 3 Programme.

The SPEAR Cap 3 programme remains in the Demonstration and Manufacture phase. The first SPEAR 3 Guided Firing took place missile from a BAE Systems-operated Typhoon in October 2024 at a test range in Sweden. Plans for the subsequent Guided Firing trials are on track with scheduled dates in summer 2025 at the same Swedish range. Hardware has been delivered by MBDA to Lockheed Martin in the US to support F-35B integration activity including on aircraft flights planned for summer 2025.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Sea Venom Programme.

The first successful guided firing of Sea Venom took place at the Aberporth range in Wales in October 2024, marking a significant milestone in the integration of Sea Venom onto Wildcat. Initial Operating Capability is on schedule to be declared by June, aligned to the Carrier Strike Group 25 deployment, with Full Operating Capability expected by 2029.

What recent progress his Department has made on implementing the Spearfish Upgrade Programme.

The Ministry of Defence has made significant progress in implementing the Spearfish Upgrade Programme, focusing on enhancing the capabilities of the Spearfish torpedo system to meet evolving defence requirements. The integration of the Spearfish Mod 1 torpedo with the submarine's combat system has been demonstrated through in-water firings.

Whether there is a minimum level of operational experience required to hold the position of Chief of the Defence Staff following the establishment of the Military Strategic Headquarters.

The Chief of the Defence Staff is chosen through a highly rigorous selection process to ensure the most suitable and qualified candidate for the role. This will continue to be the case. Operational experience is one of the criteria for eligible candidates, along with the requisite leadership and management credentials.