Written questions by Akehurst.

Whether his Department plans to expand the Short-Range and Medium-Range Air Defence launcher fleet beyond the eight Sky Sabre units set out in the Strategic Defence Review.

The British Army’s Land Ground Based Air Defence programme intends to increase the mass of the current Medium Range Air Defence fleet. The programme strives to modernise Defence’s ground-based air defence capabilities in the face of rapidly developing threats and is a high priority for the Army. It was only a short time ago that I was in Bolton to order more Sky Sabre Systems.

How many unmanned aerial vehicles the armed forces have procured in 2025 and will procure in 2026.

The Ministry of Defence has had delivery of over 1,500 uncrewed systems over the last year, and has delivered approximately 95,000 drones to Ukraine since July 2024. For security reasons we cannot provide a breakdown of what systems have been procured. Drones, including unmanned aerial systems, are integral to the modern way of warfighting, exemplified in the lessons gleaned from the war in Ukraine. The Strategic Defence Review announced an increase in autonomy investment of £2 billion in this Parliament, taking total Defence investment in autonomy to circa £4 billion. Work to deliver the Strategic Defence Review recommendations, including on autonomy and drones, will be prioritised appropriately against the threat as part of the future Integrated Force and set out in the Defence Investment Plan to be published this year.

Whether additional 155mm artillery shell production orders will be placed with BAE Systems’ Washington plant.

We can confirm that additional 155mm artillery shell production orders will be placed with BAE Systems’ Washington plant.

What the status is of the Remote Controlled Howitzer (RCH) 155 gun system programme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given on 12 November to Question 88294, which remains extant: 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

What the current lead times are for procuring new tanks, artillery systems and missile platform and how do those times compare to other NATO countries; and what steps he is taking to reduce those timelines.

The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.

What the status is of the SKYNET 6 programme.

The Skynet 6 programme continues to progress to meet Defence’s satellite communication needs. The build of the Skynet 6A satellite has transitioned into the testing and validation phase, and the competition and final negotiations for the remaining Skynet 6 satellites are nearing conclusion. The Skynet 6 programme will ensure that the UK retains a resilient satellite communications enterprise out to 2040.

What the status is of the New Medium Helicopter programme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 25 November 2025 to Question 91436:

What progress has been made on adapting Type 45 destroyers to carry Sea Ceptor missiles.

Sea Ceptor is already in service on all Type 23 frigates and work is underway to introduce it onto the Type 45 destroyers, as well as the new Type 26 and Type 31 frigates. This expansion of Sea Ceptor will further strengthen local air defence capabilities in the surface fleet.

What steps he is taking to expand the UK industrial footprint for Boxer vehicle assembly to increase surge capacity in the event of a prolonged conflict.

We have made significant investments in the UK industrial base, including factories, the workforce, and supply chains, to support the manufacture of Boxer vehicles. The Boxer programme is now in full production, with the potential to accommodate additional orders for surge delivery or export customers.

What assessment he has made of the potential operational risks arising from reliance on funding from European allies in Ground-Based Air Defence and Integrated Air and Missile Defence.

Whilst the UK works with European partners on a range of air and missile defence issues, the UK is not reliant on funding from European allies for our Ground Based Air Defence or Integrated Air and Missile Defence capabilities. His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review. Further announcements on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan.

What assessment has been made of whether current and planned orders for Starstreak and Lightweight Modular Missiles are sufficient to replenish stockpiles provided to Ukraine.

We are committed to investing more in munitions as set out in the Strategic Defence Review and details of what we will be investing in will be in the Defence Investment Plan.

What the status is of the Future Combat Air System Tempest programme.

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 20 October 2024 to Question 79701 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Mr Obese-Jecty).

What assessment he has made of the UK’s ability to improve Challenger 3 production rates.

The Ministry of Defence is working closely with the supply chain to ensure the timely development of Challenger 3. Focus remains on securing the necessary materials, identifying opportunities and mitigating risk to deliver tanks to users as soon as practicable.

Whether the replacement for Hawk fast jet trainer aircraft will be manufactured in the UK.

The Strategic Defence Review stated the intent to seek cost effective replacements for the Hawk aircraft. Decisions regarding the production, sustainment, and replacement of these aircraft will be made following the completion of the Defence Investment Plan. The Hon. Gentleman will be aware of this Government’s strong support for making more defence equipment in the UK.

What progress he has made on reducing procurement timelines for major military platforms from six years to two.

The Defence Industrial Strategy set out an average of six years to contract for major defence platforms. Whilst differing procurement systems make direct comparisons with other countries challenging, our new segmented approach to procurement, supported by accelerated commercial pathways, is designed to enable programmes to get to contract faster. We are making progress towards the target date of 1 April 2026 for establishment of the segmented approach in line with the Strategic Defence Review.

What (a) current and (b) planned capabilities the UK has for defence against attacks by (i) cruise missiles, (ii) drone swarms and (iii) ballistic missiles.

Current capabilities which would be used to defeat cruise missiles, drone swarms and ballistic missiles include existing Royal Navy, British Army and Royal Air Force capabilities. Type 45 destroyers, Ground Based Air Defence, Combat Air platforms and supporting air defence sensing and command and control, as well as Counter-Uncrewed Air System capabilities would all play a part in a response. His Majesty’s Government announced a £1 billion UK spend on Integrated Air and Missile Defence in the Strategic Defence Review which will shape future Integrated Air and Missile Defence capability. Further announcement on Integrated Air and Missile Defence investment will be made within the Defence Investment Plan. We have also recently approved £318 million for dragonfire which will help support protection against air threats with the first system being installed on a type 45 destroyer in 2027.

Pursuant to the Answer of 24 July 2024 to Question 69090 on Challenger Tanks: Supply Chains, what proportion of the (a) UK Challenger 3 work will be in the tier 2 supply chain and (b) lead consortium work will be undertaken in the North East.

The Manufacturing phase contracts for the tier 2 supply chain are being agreed by RBSL, the Prime Contractor. The programme will award approximately 60% of supply chain contracts to the UK with a significant contribution from the North East. RBSL have sites in Telford and Newcastle; the proportion of work undertaken at each site is a matter for RBSL.

Whether the contracts for the (a) Ajax, (b) Challenger 3 and (c) Boxer programmes included targets in relation to generating social value in the (a) UK and (b) North East.

In line with prevailing procurement rules at the time, the contracts for the Ajax, Challenger 3 and Boxer programmes did not contain specific targets in relation to generating social value. The Ministry of Defence actively monitors opportunities to enhance social value and UK prosperity through these programmes. Suppliers in the North East support jobs and social value across Defence.

What components of the Challenger 3 will have been manufactured in the UK; and what other industrial processes associated with the programme will have taken place in the UK during its (a) demonstration and (b) manufacturing phase.

The design, development and manufacture of the Challenger 3 tank is being undertaken by RBSL from its sites in Telford, Shropshire and Washington, Tyne and Wear. Challenger 3 sub-system design and manufacturing, including the fabrication of the turret structure and manufacture of the sighting systems, is being carried out by the wider UK supply chain.

What proportion of the supply chain for the Challenger 3 programme is based in the (a) UK and (b) North East.

Approximately 60% of the Challenger 3 supply chain will be provided by UK suppliers. North East suppliers represent a significant contribution to this figure.