Every parliamentary written question tabled by James MacCleary this session, with the full answer and department. See how every department answers, or back to the MP page.
Showing 161–171 of 171 · Ministry of Defence
Pursuant to the Answer of 24 March 2025 to Question 38649 on Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement, whether the MQ-9 Reaper is currently in service.
No, the MQ-9 Reaper has retired from service and is replaced by the MQ-9B Protector remotely piloted aircraft.
Whether his Department has made an assessment of the potential merits of (a) procuring new or (b) converting Typhoon aircraft into a SEAD/EW capable fighter.
The RAF continuously reviews UK requirements across all mission sets; this includes the SEAD/EW mission and includes new additive effects including from Autonomous Collaborative Platforms (ACP) such as STORMSHROUD.Further details on UK Combat Air, ACP and the potential future integration of Combat Collaborative Aircraft investments will be subject to the forthcoming Defence Investment Plan.
What his planned timeline is for the integration of the Future Cruise/Anti-Ship Weapon on the Joint Strike Fighter.
The Future Cruise Anti-Ship Weapon programme is designed to be integrated on Typhoon and Rafale aircraft, as well as future platforms including the Global Combat Air Programme. Fit checks on F35 have been successfully conducted to test if FC/ASW can be integrated if required. All decisions on capabilities will be in the Defence Investment Plan.
Whether RAF flights over Gaza have led to (a) the release of any of the hostages and (b) other humanitarian benefits.
As is a longstanding convention, I cannot comment on intelligence matters for reasons of national security and to preserve our ability to respond to future hostage incidents around the world.
Whether the RAF surveillance footage over the Eastern Mediterranean, Israel and Gaza was livestreamed.
As is longstanding convention, I cannot comment on intelligence matters for reasons of national security and to preserve our ability to respond to future hostage incidents around the world.
Pursuant to the Answer of 23 April 2025 to Question 44918 on Unmanned Air Systems, whether he plans to donate any of those drones to Ukraine, in the context of changes to US export control policies.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 April 2025 to Question 44918. There are no plans to donate any MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems to Ukraine.
Whether his Department plans to (a) scrap, (b) sell or (c) donate to Ukraine the MQ-9 Reaper when it leaves service.
I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 23 April 2025 to Question 44918. There are no plans to sell or donate any MQ-9 Reaper Remotely Piloted Air Systems to Ukraine. Disposal will be managed in accordance with our Foreign Military Sales (FMS) contractual obligations.
What steps his Department is taking to stop trespass on military training grounds.
Defence is taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate. The Department is committed to safeguarding UK military training grounds from unauthorised access through a combination of physical security measures, legal enforcement, and community engagement. To further enhance security, the Ministry of Defence ensures increased visible patrols, maintains guard readiness, regularly inspects and maintains CCTV, gates, and barriers, and promotes heightened security awareness across the Defence Estate. This Government has also delivered significant physical enhancements, introduced advanced surveillance technology such as the Immediate Threat Mitigation Solution, and we are investing £20million in digital transformation to modernise our approach. As part of the Respect the Range campaign, tailored communication packages are delivered to educate the public on safety measures and the importance of adhering to guidelines near the training estate.
How many break-ins were detected at Royal Air Force bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at Royal Air Forces bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows: 20222023202420253568 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. 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. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.
How many break-ins were detected at Royal Navy bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at Royal Navy bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows:20222023202420250100 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised forced entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a priority key for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. 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. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.
How many break-ins were detected at British Army bases in the UK in each year since 2022.
The number of break-ins detected at British Army bases in the UK in each year since 2022 is as follows: 20222023202420255503 The data provided is where the incident has been recorded as a trespass or an intruder on the site with some evidence of unauthorised entry. The safety and security of the Defence estate continues to be a key priority for Defence and we are taking decisive action to strengthen security across our estate, reversing years of under-investment and focusing our resources on our highest priority sites. The Department is using in-year funding to deliver physical security enhancements, focussing on high priority sites across the defence estate. 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. The Strategic Defence Review recognised that we are in a new era of threat, which demands a new era for UK Defence. We remain committed to maintaining the highest standards of security to safeguard our national defence capabilities.