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Maria Eagle
LAB✓ Current MP
🏛️ Liverpool Garston
📅 1997–2025
1,950 speeches on Hansard record
✅ Votes attended: 78.00%
🟢 Rebelled against party: 0.20%
📝 Topics: Departmental Travel, West Coast Railway Line: Franchises, Ministry of Defence: Bullying and Harassment
🤝 Member of 1 All-Party Parliamentary Groups
Written Answers
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Department for Energy Security and Net Zero
To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, if he will clarify what transitional arrangements will be put in place to protect the skilled workforce that underpins the energy-efficiency sector and is vital to meeting the UK's goals on decarbonisation due to ECO4 ending this month…
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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, what transitional arrangements will be put in place following the ending of ECO4 to support companies in the supply chain.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he expects any companies currently doing work under ECO4 to close as a consequence of the closure of the scheme.
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To ask the Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero, whether he expects redundancies in the sector or a reduction in the available workforce as a consequence of the closure of the ECO4 scheme.
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Ministry of Defence
The preliminary plans for infrastructure upgrades at Rosyth Dockyard have been approved and industry have been engaged to begin progressing the scheme design. Once the scheme design is complete final costs for the project will be negotiated. The work will include the requirement to deliver a…
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The CTA International 40mm Cannon is compatible with the following ammunition: Armour Piercing Fin Stabilised Discarding Sabot-Tracer (APFSDS-T)Kinetic Energy Airburst (KE-AB)General Purpose Round – Airburst – Tracer (GPR-AB-T)General Purpose Round – Point Detonating –…
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The ARES Remote Weapon Station (RWS) is used with the General Purpose Machine Gun (GPMG), Heavy Machine Gun (HMG), and Grenade Machine Gun (GMG).
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The Department’s spending plans will be set out in the Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in the autumn. The share of this spending that relates to individual categories of spend will be considered as part of future returns to NATO.
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This Government is fully committed to the United Kingdom’s independent nuclear deterrent, underpinned by our triple lock commitment to continue to build the four new Dreadnought Class submarines, maintain our continuous at sea deterrent and deliver all the required upgrades, including the…
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In accordance with recommendation 33b (Nuclear Industry Flexibility - Ensuring it has the flexibility to incentivise industry investment in infrastructure and asset management) of the Strategic Defence Review, the Department will be conducting a review of the Single Source Contracting Regulations…
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The SDR recognised the transformative potential of AI and set out MOD's commitment to accelerate the adoption of AI-enabled capabilities across warfighting domains. All development and use of AI across Defence must align with MOD's AI Ethics Principles, published in 2022 in the Ambitious, Safe…
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The Strategic Defence Review has recommended the development of a Defence Finance and Investment Strategy, to be published in 2026, which will focus on improving Defence’s relationship with the financial services sector. This strategy aims to support SMEs in accessing tailored financial…
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The Royal Air Force's E-7 Wedgetail successfully conducted a flypast at the Royal International Air Tattoo at RAF Fairford on Saturday 19 July 2025.
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The Defence Investment Plan will set out how the MOD will deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review within the MOD's share of the Government's commitment to spending 2.6% of GDP on defence by 2027, and 3% of GDP in the next Parliament as fiscal and economic conditions allow.
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The Defence Investment Plan will set out the Department's spending plans to deliver the vision of the Strategic Defence Review against its forecast budget. This will be based on the Department's Spending Review settlement, and the MOD's projected share of the Government's ambition to spending 3% of…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196.
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The Prime Minister has been clear about the contribution our intelligence and security services make to the defence of our nation. The commitment to spend 2.6% on defence from 2027 will include all spend relating the Single Intelligence Account.
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Decisions on future modernisation and optimisation of the Volunteer Estate are subject to the Defence Investment Plan which is currently under consideration.
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I responded to the right hon. Member on 1 September 2025.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 8 May 2025 in response to Question 48996.Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Decommissioning (docx, 16.3KB)
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The UK does not categorise nuclear weapon capabilities as either strategic or sub-strategic. The UK and NATO have said that any employment of nuclear weapons against NATO would fundamentally alter the nature of a conflict.
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The Department's performance against its control totals for financial year 20245-25 will be set out in its Annual Report and Accounts, which will be published shortly.
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The Armoured Cavalry Programme plans to deliver a further 55 platforms between July 2025 and December 2025. 182 platforms will be delivered by the end of 2025. A breakdown by variant is provided below. AJAX26ARES5APOLLO1ATLAS10ATHENA13ARGUS0 It is anticipated that a further 110 platforms will be…
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No internal assessment has been made regarding the merits of procuring a mortar-capable variant of ARES.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 66728, which explains that the Army continues to undergo a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary. As part of this programme of work, the Army…
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93 ARES vehicles have been ordered as part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
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The current estimate for the costs of infrastructure improvement works at Devonport including the Naval Base and Dockyard are £5 billion. This important activity, which includes works at HMNB Devonport and investment in Devonport Dockyard, will support the Royal Navy’s military outputs…
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These projects are not formal projects within a broader programme. It is activity conducted by the Field Army that codifies ‘bottom-up’ efforts to improve how a modernised armoured battlegroup fights, through experimentation and innovation. Any outputs will inform adjustments to the…
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The Establishment Management Plan (EMP) at His Majesty’s Naval Base (HMNB) Clyde does not include actions to monitor and manage any potential discharges of radioactive material into surrounding environments. Its focus is on maintaining safe, secure, and high-quality estate, buildings, and…
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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…
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The final fatigue index of the remaining Typhoon Tranche 1 aircraft remains in line with the response given to Question 19681 on 21 June 2022 to the hon member for Angus (Mr Doogan). https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2022-06-16/19681
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The table below details the number of Typhoon aircraft currently in service with the Royal Air Force. Tranche 1Tranche 2Tranche 346740 The Royal Air Force does not have any Tranche 3A Typhoon aircraft.
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The planned out-of-service dates for the RAF's fleet of Typhoon aircraft are given below: Out of Service Tranche 1 2027 Tranche 2 2040 Tranche 3 2040 The RAF does not have any Typhoon Tranche 3A aircraft.
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26 of the 30 Tranche 1 Typhoon aircraft have been scrapped as of 1 July 2025; this equates to 87% of the Tranche 1 fleet.
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The Mk4 warhead components are being disassembled and re-used, recycled or safely disposed of at the Atomic Weapons Establishment (AWE) Burghfield site, following the transition to the Mk4A warhead in 2023. The cost of disassembling our nuclear warheads and details around the reuse of components…
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The New Medium Helicopter programme is an initiative to acquire a modern medium-lift support helicopter, addressing multiple rotary wing requirements to improve efficiency and operational flexibility. All capability requirements, including the New Medium Helicopter (NMH) programme, are being…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on the 28 April 2025 to Question 45196. https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-04-08/45196#
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to Question 65493 from the hon. Member for Epsom and Ewell (Helen Maguire) on 14 July 2025.https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-07-07/65493#
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The Ministry of Defence is actively prioritising UK businesses and manufacturing through its Defence Industrial Strategy, aiming to boost economic growth and national security. This strategy focuses on supporting domestic businesses, fostering innovation, and enhancing the UK's sovereign defence…
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation determined what buildings on Ministry of Defence land might potentially contain Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) material based on the period in which they were constructed and their construction type. Surveys are currently being conducted on all…
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We take the health and safety of our Service personnel and defence employees extremely seriously and have robust procedures around managing asbestos which comply with Health and Safety regulations. We are responsible for circa 1,967 sites and each building with confirmed asbestos is listed on the…
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The 2025 Strategic Defence Review described the increasingly demanding threat environments in which UK Defence will operate. The Defence Investment Plan will analyse this changing threat and determine our future mix of 4th and 5th generation combat aircraft, in order to provide the UK the most…
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Yes.
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Journalists are routinely present at events where Ajax is demonstrated and/or discussed. Ajax is currently in the manufacturing and fielding platforms to the Army phase of the programme. Since 1 February 2025, there have been no Ajax-specific events to which to invite journalists.
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The Department records contract awards based on the administrative address provided in the supplier’s successful tender. However, the actual delivery of goods or services may be carried out by an international parent company. To ensure accurate reporting of economic impact and regional value…
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The Ministry of Defence regularly reviews its critical supply chains to identify and mitigate risks to defence capability. The Department does not procure Chinese manufactured drones for use in operations.
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Details of central government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder (https://www.gov.uk/contracts-finder). Contracts procured under the Procurement Act 2023 above £12,000 inc VAT are published on the Central Digital…
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The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the RAF must stay at the leading edge of Combat Air's evolution, through the transition from exclusively crewed Combat Air platforms to a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous platforms, integrated…
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We expect to publish the Defence Investment Plan this autumn, before the Christmas recess period.
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I responded to the hon. Member’s letter of 1 July 2025 on 29 July 2025. This was within 20 working days of receipt, in accordance with longstanding policy.
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4% of the Ajax programme’s key suppliers are based in the North and North East of England.
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The Boxer programme is planned to deliver 60% by value of the original production contract from the UK.The long-term support solution for the programme is still under development but will look to build on the hundreds of UK jobs that have already been protected during the manufacture of the…
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It will take time to collate and review the information needed to answer the hon. Member’s question. I will write to him shortly and place a copy of my letter in the Library of the House.
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To maximise the value of my time on overseas visits, I will sometimes join working lunches with industry to discuss their live export campaigns and priorities. The dates referenced cover a period where I was in New Zealand and Australia to further Defence priorities in the region. I attended a…
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In response to the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommendations, and as part of Defence Reform, the department is currently making substantive changes to the end-to-end process for Science, Technology, Innovation, Integration, Acquisition and Support. These changes will ensure Defence: better…
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Approximately 60% of the Challenger 3 supply chain will be provided by UK suppliers. North East suppliers represent a significant contribution to this figure.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 July 2025 to Question 67413 to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (Mr Cartlidge). https://questions-statements.parliament.uk/written-questions/detail/2025-07-14/67413
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With the F-35 Lightning, the RAF is already equipped with one of the most advanced fighter jets in the world, and the integration of METEOR will further improve the aircraft's capability in future years. While Meteor integration is in progress, the UK's fleet of F-35 aircraft already carry AIM-120…
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To meet the ongoing demand for scalable tactical vests (STV) in August 2024, 1,980 STV textile covers in civilian blue (No Multi-Terrain Pattern) and without the Soft Armour Filler(SAF), were ordered. Defence Equipment and Support have ordered 15 Special Measure bespoke STV (SAF and MTP cover)…
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The Mine Hunting Capability Programme is delivering a rolling programme of unmanned surface vessels and unmanned underwater vehicles into Royal Navy service for use by frontline Mine Warfare specialists. These autonomous mine hunting systems are in regular use by the Mine Threat Exploitation Group,…
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The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) sets a new vision for how our Armed Forces should be conceived. This envisages a combination of conventional and digital warfighters; the power of drones, AI, and autonomy complementing the 'heavy metal' of tanks and artillery. It identifies that an immediate…
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The Ministry of Defence has continuous discussions with several European counterparts related to common platforms, such as A400M and Typhoon, and future capabilities. This includes continuous engagement with Italy as part of the delivery of our joint Global Combat Air Programme. We also have…
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The Strategic Defence Review published earlier this year has recommended that Defence must urgently develop the resilience of its military space systems.The new Defence Investment Plan, which will be published in Autumn, will set out how we will deliver the Strategic Defence Review's vision and…
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ASGARD is working to deliver a step change in lethality for land forces through a software-defined, network enabled, targeting web that will directly link into the Defence Targeting web, driving targeting at a rate unmatched through traditional processes. ASGARD is the British Army's flagship…
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The nuclear weapons allocated to the NATO nuclear mission are US weapons and the US needs to certify that any aircraft or personnel allocated to the mission are appropriately trained and equipped. We will continue to work closely with the US on the timeline to deliver this capability for the UK,…
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The information is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 4 July 2025 to Question 63066.F-35 Aircraft: In-flight Refuelling (docx, 15.9KB)
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The Wedgetail is not flying under any special clearance. The aircraft Test and Evaluation programme is being conducted under a Military Permit To Fly in accordance with Military Aviation Authority regulations. This allows the aircraft to be flown by Boeing during the test programme until delivery…
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This flight was a post-modification test flight to confirm the aircraft systems function correctly. Mission system testing will commence in autumn 2025 as part of a planned Test and Evaluation schedule.
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The UK E-7 will be supported and maintained in the United Kingdom. Following the approval of the Full Business Case, the sustainment contract is under negotiation.
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Procurement decisions by any other nation are fully a matter for that nation.
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Procurement decisions by any other NATO nation are fully a matter for that nation and NATO. The MOD will continue with its procurement of Wedgetail to meet national and NATO requirements for Airborne Early Warning & Control (AEW&C) which will be interoperable with allies. Wedgetail has superior…
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Block 4 modernisation will include the integration of UK-unique weapons and upgrades to air-to-surface and air-to-air weaponry.
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The Department does not provide the breakdown of individual UK roles within international programme offices.
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I am withholding the definition and specific criteria for achieving Initial Operational Capability as it would harm the security and capability of the Armed Forces. The Initial Operational Capability is clearly defined and the RAF is working to ensure the necessary supporting requirements are in…
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MOD uses ‘SCRIPT’; a Supply Chain Resilience Intelligent Performance Tool, designed to map and monitor the resilience of the Defence supply chain. The tool allows the department to assess and assure the resilience of the supply chain on an ongoing basis.
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The Strategic Defence Review recognised that the RAF must stay at the leading edge of combat air's evolution, through the transition from exclusively crewed combat air platforms to a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) with a mix of crewed, uncrewed, and increasingly autonomous platforms, integrated…
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Of 219 contracts awarded in Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) in financial year 2024-25, 97.72% (214 contracts) were awarded to Suppliers with a UK based address.
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Project Aquatrine is the collective project name of three Public Private Partnership agreements between strategic water and wastewater suppliers and the Ministry of Defence (MOD). Project Aquatrine established strategic management of water and sewerage services across the MOD estate. The project…
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Due to the nature of these procurements a number of exemptions from the procurement regulations will be applied, meaning that associated opportunities will be restricted, with a number of contracts being awarded single source. That said UK based companies within the Storm Shadow supply chain, stand…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 28 April 2025 to Question 45196, which explains that Project GRAYBURN is in its concept phase with the aim of identifying and understanding capability requirements. As part of this phase, various rifle calibres are being considered. The implications…
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The three aircraft arrived at the modification facility at STS Aviation Services in Birmingham between January 2021 and October 2022. Given their staggered arrival, the aircraft modification programmes are at varying degrees of completion.
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These aircraft are an important part of providing security for this country and providing jobs for industry across the UK, and the Secretary of State for Defence hopes to visit these facilities in the near future.
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The SDR sets a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence and make the UK stronger both at home and abroad. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will be a whole of UK Defence effort. We will publish a new Defence Investment Plan in the autumn set out our approach…
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The Strategic Defence Review recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy within the UK's conventional forces. Autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high numbers undersea, at sea, on land, and in the…
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The MOD does not routinely provide detailed stockpile numbers for security reasons. The stockpile will compromise both new build and freshly reconditioned missiles.
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Storm Shadow is in service today. Further refurbishment and new procurement of Storm Shadow missiles will augment the existing stockpile.
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The MOD does not routinely provide details of stockpiles for security reasons. Through a combination of continued refurbishment and new production the available stockpiles will be increasing in this Parliament. Production in the next parliament is expected to include new build of the replacement…
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The National Armaments Director is involved in key weapons decisions including those relating to the development of new air-to-air missiles.
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The Army intends to equip the Regular Infantry Units within 3 (UK) Division with Ares in the infantry troop carrying role: 1 MERCIAN, 1 Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, 1 Royal Welsh and 5 Rifles.
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There is no additional cost to the Authority (MOD) due to the late delivery of the aircraft, as Boeing are contracted to deliver a fleet of three Wedgetail under a Firm Price contract. The contract does include incentivisation milestones which are subject to enforcement measures based on contractor…
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Between delivery to STS Aviation and its first flight in September 2024 the aircraft has undergone significant structural modification to support the Multi-role Electronically Scanned Array (MESA) radar and mission systems. Since concluding previous flights in autumn 2024, the aircraft progressed…
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The Wedgetail is not flying under any special clearance. The aircraft Test and Evaluation programme is being conducted under a Military Permit To Fly in accordance with Military Aviation Authority regulations. This allows the aircraft to be flown by Boeing during the test programme until delivery…
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The UK and France work closely together on a range of nuclear research and technology matters, including as part of the 2010 TEUTATES Treaty. Our enhanced cooperation with France will not affect the UK’s sovereign nuclear capability which has always been and continues to be completely…
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It remains the case that only the UK Prime Minister and the French President can authorise the use of their respective nation's nuclear weapons.
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Our nuclear deterrent has always been and continues to be completely operationally independent, with only the Prime Minister being able to authorise the use of our nuclear weapons. In line with the Northwood Declaration on 10 July, the UK and France each retain the ability to act independently of…
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The possibility of coordinating UK and French independent nuclear deterrents adds a further level of strategic ambiguity, complicating the calculations of potential aggressors. Any adversary threatening the vital interests of our nations should know that they could be confronted by the strength of…
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As announced in the Northwood Declaration, a UK-France Nuclear Steering Group will be established to provide political direction for this work. It will be led by the Elysée and the Cabinet Office, and will coordinate across nuclear policy, capabilities and operations.
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France does not participate in NATO’s Nuclear Planning Group. This is a matter for the French Government.
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We will enhance our readiness to coordinate our respective deterrents through nuclear dialogue and exercises, under the auspices of the new UK-France Nuclear Steering Group. We continually review our nuclear deterrence policy and posture in light of the international security environment and the…
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Appropriate organisations and officials were involved in the consultation process for the Lancaster House treaty refresh, prior to the announcement, on the joint decision to strengthen coordination and deepen cooperation between the UK and France's respective nuclear deterrents and nuclear research.
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The UK and France deepening nuclear collaboration, as set out in the declaration, is not a response to any specific event. The UK-France declaration does not set out a link between deepening our nuclear collaboration and our continued support for Ukraine.
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Storm Shadow is an established programme in the UK, and continued build and processing will sustain 300 jobs.
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In the UK, 1300 jobs will be sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme, with 300 jobs sustained and supported by the Storm Shadow programme.
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In the UK, 1300 jobs will be sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme, with 300 jobs sustained and supported by the Storm Shadow programme.
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The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The wider supply base supporting Storm Shadow is located throughout the UK, with MBDA roles spread over…
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The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The wider supply base supporting Storm Shadow is located throughout the UK, with MBDA roles spread over…
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The jobs sustained and supported by the FC/ASW programme comprise approximately 900 roles in MBDA, 300 in the complex sub system supplier base with a further 100 in the commodities supply chain. The roles include engineering, programme management, supply chain management, manufacturing, logistics…
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Since the 4 July 2024, there have been a total of 43 tasks completed in support of Ministers travel, across the RAF Command Support Air Transport fleets.
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The Typhoon programme supports more than 20,000 jobs across all regions of the UK, with an estimated 9,000 jobs in North-West England alone. Thanks to the hard-fought industrial workshare agreement, 37% of all nations' Typhoons are made in the UK, with major unit production occurring at BAE Systems…
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The Ministry of Defence is continuing with its procurement of E-7 Wedgetail in order to meet the national and NATO requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control capability which is interoperable with its allies.
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The UK and NATO have said that any employment of nuclear weapons against NATO would fundamentally alter the nature of a conflict. The UK therefore does not support the classification of nuclear weapons as either strategic or tactical.
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At the Spending Review, the Chancellor announced that there will be Defence Growth Deals launched across the UK. Further details will be provided in the forthcoming Defence Industrial Strategy.
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The UK and the EU have set out our joint ambition to swiftly explore the potential for enhanced cooperation under the SAFE instrument. The specific terms of UK participation will be subject to discussions on a bilateral agreement; we do not wish to pre-empt the outcome of any such negotiations.
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The total amount of Air Passenger Duty paid for Ministers who travelled on the RAF Envoy, on domestic flights, between 4 July 2024 and 31 March 2025 is £1,950.
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The Department procure a number of systems across all domains, many of which are integrated into larger platforms. Consequently, the information requested is not held centrally and could only be provided at disproportionate cost.
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The Army continues to undergo a combined programme of work to ensure our Land Forces will have the lethality, protection and mobility to fight and win against any adversary; and to support the transformation of the Army's two divisions and Corps Headquarters committed to NATO's Strategic Reserve…
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The Envoy aircraft operating costs are currently £4.4 million per year, contracted through Centreline Av Ltd. The operating costs of Voyager ZZ336 in its secondary role of VIP use are not separately recorded within the wider 27-Year AirTanker contract for the Voyager fleet's primary role of…
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The detail of F-35 procurement is subject to the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan, which is scheduled to complete in the Autumn. However, we will not be providing detailed updates on the steps required to enable participation in the NATO nuclear mission for national security reasons.
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A task can include multiple legs between the point of departure and the final destination.
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I am withholding the information requested as it is operationally sensitive.
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I am withholding the information requested as it is operationally sensitive.
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Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of drones ordered by the Ministry of Defence.
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This Government has announced nearly £1 billion in further investment for Directed Energy Weapons (DEW) to bring these capabilities into service, including a new DEW for the British Army by the end of the decade.We have recently completed trials of both radio frequency and laser DEW…
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Details of Ministry of Defence Private Finance Initiatives are published on PFI and PF2 projects: 2024 Summary Data - GOV.UK
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The Secretary of State has met with the General Secretary of Unite the Union over the last three months to discuss a range of issues including this.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 8 July 2025 to Question 64478.Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement (docx, 31.5KB)
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Northern Ireland plays a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom, with a defence industrial base that is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and our enduring support to Ukraine. For example, in March 2025 we announced a £1.5 billion contract for Lightweight Multirole Missiles…
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I provided to the hon. Member for South Suffolk (James Cartlidge), on 13 June in response to Question 58671.
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The additional investment in defence announced by the Prime Minister on 25 February 2025 and by the Chancellor in the 2025 Spring Statement will both protect UK citizens from threats and create a secure and stable environment in which businesses can thrive, supporting the Government’s number…
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ASGARD is working to deliver a step change in lethality for land forces through a software-defined, network enabled, targeting web that will directly link into the Defence Targeting web, driving targeting at a rate unmatched through traditional processes.
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Domo Tactical Communications (DTC) are an important partner for the UK Commando Force (UKCF). Ministry of Defence officials engage with DTC regularly, including personnel representing the Royal Navy (RN) and British Army. The RN have already procured a number of High Frequency radios from DTC to be…
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The UK Government, through the Strategic Defence Review (SDR), will make defence an engine for growth ensuring that our defence spending boosts prosperity, jobs and security for working people across all nations and regions. The SDR outlines the need for infrastructure recapitalisation,…
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It is not possible to provide an assured cost estimate to dismantle the Pressurised Water Reactors on the decommissioned submarines at Devonport and Rosyth. Once the demonstrator submarine, SWIFTSURE, has achieved full dismantling in 2026 the Department will have a better understanding of cost…
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The Strategic Defence Review sets the course for making defence a driver of growth, creating jobs, and renewing the nation’s contract across the UK in line with the Government’s growth mission. The UK’s manufacturing industry is vital to both national security and economic growth.…
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The Ministry of Defence does not provide leadership training specifically for corporate leaders. There are some opportunities for industry partners to attend courses which include Leadership themes.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 17 March 2025 to Question 36360 to the hon. Member for South Holland and the Deepings (Sir John Hayes MP).
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It would not be appropriate to comment on timeframes in which UK F-35A aircraft will have access to US air-launched nuclear weapons for reasons of safeguarding of national security.
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I will respond to the right hon. Member shortly.
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For reasons of operational security, I am unable to provide further details relating to Electronic Counter Measures.
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The Strategic Defence Review recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the UK's conventional forces. Uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in high…
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The Department will continue to utilise Defence commercial processes to deliver an appropriate and robust security solution. All Ministry of Defence (MOD) procurements must comply with specific legal obligations regarding the fair treatment of all suppliers. It is recognised that small medium…
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It is longstanding UK and NATO policy to neither confirm nor deny the presence of nuclear weapons at any given location. Accordingly, I will not comment on timeframes in which UK F35A aircraft will have access to US air-launched nuclear weapons.
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The £15 billion investment in the sovereign warhead programme this Parliament includes sustaining our existing stockpile, developing Astraea; our sovereign replacement warhead programme, and modernising our infrastructure. We will uphold our commitments as a responsible nuclear weapons state.
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The Strategic Defence Review committed £1.5 billion investment for an "always on" pipeline for munitions and to build at least six new energetics and munitions factories in the UK. Feasibility studies are already underway to explore potential manufacturing sites across all four nations.…
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The Strategic Defence Review recommended that the Hawk T1 and T2 be replaced with a cost-effective advanced jet trainer. The future platform of the Royal Air Force aerobatic team is being considered at the same time, and a programme team is being established to deliver that capability.
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The Strategic Defence Review (SDR) recommended that, to ensure the RAF remains at the leading edge of combat air's evolution, additional F-35 aircraft will be required over the next decade. The SDR further stated that this could include a mix of F-35A and F-35B models, based on military…
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Negotiations with the Joint Programme Office to agree the contract and the schedule for order and delivery of the aircraft are ongoing.
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The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B as part of the next procurement package is expected to deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft for the taxpayer.
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The procurement of 12 F-35A rather than 12 F-35B is expected to deliver a saving of up to 25% per aircraft. Final prices will be identified during contract negotiation.
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Military or Army drones are designed for tactical and operational applications such as surveillance, reconnaissance, target acquisition and strike. Operation of these systems require assured Military Aviation Authority (MAA) training to ensure both their effectiveness on the battlefield and the…
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Future national air-to-air refuelling options will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, and in subsequent force development work.
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The UK Armed Forces have made, and continue to make, significant investments in advanced Electromagnetic Warfare (EW) capabilities to ensure operational effectiveness in modern combat scenarios. Training exercises routinely integrate EW systems to replicate real-world conditions, enabling personnel…
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The Strategic Defence Review sets out this Government’s commitment to enhancing the standard of Service Family Accommodation and Single Living Accommodation, which is essential for the morale and retention of Service personnel. The Ministry of Defence (Defence Digital) has recently signed a…
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The Spending Review has set the Ministry of Defence's Departmental Expenditure Limits until Financial Year 2028-29 for Resource and until 2029-30 for Capital. These are at high-level and do not specify all spend across the Department.Funding for individual activities, such as display teams, will be…
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I refer the hon. member to the answer I gave to Question 63066 on 4 July 2025 to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty).F-35 Aircraft: In-flight Refuelling (docx, 15.9KB)
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty) to Question 63065 on 2 July 2025.F-35 Aircraft (docx, 29.4KB)
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Generalist Force Protection equipment entered service with the Armed Forces between 2009 and 2014 in response to an Urgent Operational Requirement and was subsequently brought into the Core Equipment Plan, ensuring the maintenance of fleets. Specialist Explosive Ordnance Disposal equipment was last…
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The Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), through its contactors, maintain the Defence Training Estate (DTE) to ensure it provides suitable training facilities for the Armed Forces, which can include trench warfare. These are available to be booked by the Armed Forces for training as required.
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The Defence Industrial Joint Council (DIJC) aims to harness a wide and diverse set of expertise to shape the future of Britain's defence manufacturing, supply chain and innovation. The DIJC's top-level council is comprised of experts from across the sector, including representatives from the…
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Details of central Government contracts above £12,000 for procurements commenced before 24 February 2025 are published on Contracts Finder. Contracts procured under the Procurement Act 2023, which came into force on 24 February 2025, are published on the Central Digital Platform Find a Tender…
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Atlantic Bastion is the Royal Navy’s plan to secure the North Atlantic for the UK and NATO, as set out by the Strategic Defence Review. Navy Command is now focussed on delivering it. The first phase is now underway with industry engagement and associated commercial activity ongoing. This will…
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There are no plans to expand the existing nuclear capabilities of the Royal Navy beyond those announced in the Strategic Defence Review published on 2 June 2025.
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I refer the hon. member to the answer I gave to Question 63066 on 4 July 2025 to the hon member for Huntingdon (Ben Obese-Jecty).F-35 Aircraft: In-flight Refuelling (docx, 15.9KB)
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Northern Ireland plays a crucial role in the defence of the United Kingdom, with a defence industrial base that is at the forefront of advanced manufacturing and our enduring support to Ukraine. The UK Government will set out in the Defence Industrial Strategy how we will make defence an engine for…
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UK industry contributes approximately 15% by value of F-35 production, working with over 100 suppliers and supporting more than 20,000 jobs. The Ministry of Defence will purchase 12 F-35A aircraft as part of the previously agreed F-35B procurement schedule. It will help sustain the significant…
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Due to operational security, we cannot provide details on the numbers or types of military drones purchased by the Ministry of Defence for its own purposes or on behalf of the Drone Capability Coalition or those purchased for Ukraine.
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While I am unable to comment on specific capabilities, equipment gifted to Israel by the UK Government since 7 October 2023 has been non-lethal.
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The landmark detail concluded with the US in May this year protects jobs in the automotive, steel, aluminium, pharmaceutical and aerospace sectors - sectors that employ over 320,000 people across the UK. In addition, an estimated 260,000 jobs are supported by the auto industry in the wider…
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Defence routinely engages with drone component suppliers to iterate, and spiral develop capability in close cooperation with allies. One of the key mechanisms to ensure that Defence is up to date with the latest developments in drone technology and associated tactics is learning lessons from global…
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This Strategic Defence Review recommends that an immediate priority for force transformation should be a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence (AI) within the UK's conventional forces. Uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Integrated Force in a…
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The Strategic Defence Review sets the path for making defence an engine for growth, boosting prosperity, jobs and security for working people across the UK, in support of this Government’s growth mission. The UK’s manufacturing industry is vital not only to our national security but to…
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In total since January 2024, The Department can identify 48 ‘drone’ related contracts valuing £3.6 billion that have been active within the Ministry of Defence. Nine of these are marked as having a primary supplier address outside the UK.24 of these contracts were competitively…
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The UK will purchase 12 new F-35A fighter jets and join NATO’s dual capable aircraft nuclear mission in a major boost for national security. The Secretary of State for Defence has said he expects those F-35As to start being delivered before the end of the decade.
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Final prices will be identified during contract negotiation.
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I responded to the right hon. Member on 3 July 2025.
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Both global and national security risks are already continually assessed as part of the military requirement for sites that shape the disposal position.
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The Secretary of State for Defence has regular engagements with the US Secretary of Defense where they discuss a range of topics including defence spending. At the Hague Summit, Allies committed to investing 5% of GDP annually on defence and security, which will build an Alliance that is stronger,…
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UK industry contributes approximately 15% by value of F-35 production, working with over 100 suppliers and supporting more than 20,000 jobs. Although final assembly of all F-35 aircraft takes place at Lockheed Martin's facility in Fort Worth, Texas, the UK plays a significant role in the programme…
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The Ministry of Defence will initially purchase 12 F-35A aircraft from within previously agreed F-35B purchase schedules. Future F-35 purchases will be reviewed as part of the Defence Investment Plan, which will conclude in the autumn.
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We have longstanding reciprocal arrangements to use allies Air-to-Air refuelling support when required, just as our Voyagers also support refuelling of other allies' jets. Future national air-to-air refuelling options will be considered as part of the Defence Investment Plan, and in subsequent…
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With the creation of the National Armaments Group on 31 March 2025 and the transfer of Ministerial responsibility for defence exports to the Ministry of Defence on 31 July, Whitehall teams specialising in defence exports are being brought together for the first time. The new team will have…
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Whilst I can confirm that a study into this area is being undertaken, I cannot provide any further details due to reasons of operational security and commercial sensitivity. As such, there are no current plans to publish the study upon completion.
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We have longstanding reciprocal arrangements to use allies Air-to-Air refuelling support when required, just as our Voyagers also support refuelling of other allies’ jets.
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RFA LYME BAY is undergoing routine planned maintenance to ensure continued sustainability for operations. Royal Marines operations continue to be supported by the remainder of the amphibious fleet. These ships will continue to support amphibious capabilities until the Multi Role Strike Ship enters…
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The Ministry of Defence is continuing with its procurement of E-7 Wedgetail in order to meet the national and NATO requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control (AEWC) capability which is interoperable with its allies.As highlighted in the Strategic Defence Review, AEWC aircraft provide…
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The UK and France, along with Italy, have jointly sequenced aircraft carrier deployments, including coordinating the deployment of HMS Prince of Wales with France's Charles de Gaulle and Italy's Cavour, to strengthen European naval presence in the Indo-Pacific. This cooperation, part of broader…
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As part of our recent Security and Defence partnership with the EU, we have agreed to explore closer co-operation and joint investment in our defence industrial base. In the first instance, the partnership creates a basis for broad consultations on defence readiness and defence industry and also…
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This Government endorses the Strategic Defence Review’s (SDR) vision and accepts all 62 recommendations. The implementation of the Review’s recommendations will form part of the main business of the Department and will be executed through a whole of UK Defence effort. Any changes…
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The number of F-35A aircraft allocated to the F-35 Operational Conversion Unit within 207 Squadron will vary and remain subject to ongoing operational planning.
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The recent increase in defence spending is the largest sustained increase since the end of the Cold War. The Government is firmly committed to increasing defence spending to reach 2.6% of GDP by 2027 and has set an ambition to reach 3%in the next Parliament, as fiscal and economic conditions allow.…
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The UK Government, through the Strategic Defence Review will make defence an engine for growth ensuring that our defence spending boosting prosperity, jobs and security for working people across all nations and regions. This includes in Northern Ireland, where companies like Thales are at the…
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The Ministry of Defence is continuing with its procurement of E-7 Wedgetail in order to meet the national and NATO requirements for an Airborne Early Warning and Control capability which is interoperable with its allies.
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Procurement decisions by any other NATO nation are fully a matter for that nation. NATO standardisation ensures interoperability of other nations equipment with our own sovereign military capabilities.
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The UK remains committed to exploring interoperability between the Future Combat Air Systems (FCAS) of the UK and France, which will form part of the wider combat air and multi-domain capabilities across Europe and NATO. The UK maintains a NATO-first approach to addressing interoperability. At the…
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The Ministry of Defence is exploiting AI across a broad spectrum of use cases from the frontline to the back office to make all parts of Defence more efficient and effective. This includes the use of 'non-deterministic' AI systems, such as Large Language Models, where they demonstrate operational…
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No, the £4,282 figure is for Ministers only.
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No. There is no arrangement for the Prime Minister or the Secretary of State for Defence for use of the King's Helicopter Flight.
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I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Member for Epping Forest (Dr Neil Hudson) to Question 38688 on 20 March 2025.Defence: Employers' Contributions (docx, 29.1KB)
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The Government defines defence and national security spending in line with NATO's definition. NATO's definition of defence and security related expenditure includes areas such as strengthening the defence industrial base and our energy security, enhancing civil preparedness and resilience, and…
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