17 Oct 22. Defence’s lack of progress in space domain “unacceptable” and UK “lagging behind Italy.” Today, the Defence Committee publishes its report “Defence Space: through adversity to the stars?” The report finds that, while space is of increasing importance to defence, this reliance comes with risk. Space systems are under threat of deliberate attack from our adversaries and accidental damage from collisions in an ever-more contested and congested space environment. The Committee calls for a Minister for Space to be appointed within the Cabinet Office to provide clear centralised direction and accountability in taking forward the UK’s civil and defence ambitions in space. Through this inquiry, the Committee found that cross-Whitehall governance on space lacks coherence, clarity and direction. In particular, the Committee finds that it is simply unacceptable that almost four years since the UK was excluded from the EU’s Galileo programme, and with tens of ms of pounds of taxpayers’ money spent on considering a replacement, the Government appears no closer to coming to any conclusions about development of the UK’s own space-based Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) capabilities.
Given the vital need for a resilient PNT network both for Defence and for other aspects of Critical National Infrastructure, the Committee is deeply concerned by the complacent attitude towards PNT within Government, and by the seemingly low priority which the Ministry of Defence (MOD) attaches to this work.
The Committee calls on the Government to publish the conclusions of its Space Based PNT Programme which seems to have disappeared without a trace, and to set out a clear timetable for producing and taking forward the UK’s PNT strategy in its response to this report.
The report also voices concern about Russia’s impounding of OneWeb satellites earlier this year and calls for the Government to conduct the strictest possible scrutiny of the planned merger of OneWeb and Eutelsat under the National Security and Investment Act.
The Committee is surprised and concerned that the Government has removed the National Space Council from the list of Cabinet Committees, and that the MOD’s Space Directorate looks set to be disbanded. The report calls on the Government to provide an explanation for these changes.
Chair of the Defence Committee, Tobias Ellwood MP, said: “Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has thrown the importance of space as a defence domain into sharp relief. In Ukraine, military satellites have been relied on to provide secure communications, intelligence, and weapons targeting. And, for the first time, we have also seen commercial systems, such as Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites, being used to support operations on the ground. However, with this reliance comes risk, and in today’s contested and congested space environment our systems are increasingly vulnerable to both deliberate attack and accidental damage. Only recently we saw Russia undertake a dangerous and irresponsible anti-satellite missile test which put the International Space Station at risk. Russia’s impounding of OneWeb satellites, and the potential merger of OneWeb and Eutelsat, have raised serious questions about the handing over of critical technology to foreign powers and the need for sovereignty. A core defence domain in its own right, space plays a supporting yet central role in the delivery of military Services across the land, air and sea. In the years to come, shoring up our space capabilities will prove vital to the defence and security of the nation. Over this inquiry we heard that the UK is, at best, a third-rank space power, lagging behind Italy. And while Government has recognised there is work to do, the Whitehall machine is not moving fast enough. When the UK was expelled from the Galileo programme there were no real winners. Now, several years and tens of millions of pounds later, we are no closer to the development of a replacement Position, Navigation and Timing (PNT) network. Instead, the Government’s new Space Based PNT Programme has disappeared into the ether and we risk falling further behind both our peers and our adversaries. The lack of progress is unacceptable. In today’s report we call for the creation of a Minister for Space to provide direction, drive and accountability for this and other critical space programmes. Over the next decade the Ministry of Defence will spend £1.4 bn on developing new space capabilities. Given the Department’s woeful track record in delivering major projects on time and to budget, we have serious concerns that history will be repeated and we will continue to hold the Department to account.Despite the enormity of the task ahead, we must not let the challenges eclipse the potential opportunities. Space offers an exciting opportunity to future-proof both our defence capabilities and our economy. As our workforce shifts to become highly-skilled and technology-focused, the Government and the Ministry of Defence must work to develop clear and attractive space career paths, both in industry and in Defence, that will give us the edge that we need.”
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Armoured Cavalry Programme: Ajax Update
Statement made on 20 October 2022
Statement made by Alec Shelbrooke
Minister of State for Defence Procurement
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Statement
I wish to provide an update on the Ajax equipment project that is part of the Armoured Cavalry Programme.
My first concern is the safety of our personnel, which has been at the forefront of the work that has been ongoing over the summer. I am pleased to be able to inform the House that, following agreement from the Ajax Safety Panel, this work has led to resuming the User Validation Trials paused earlier this year and since Monday 10th October there have been eight days of trials.
Successful completion of User Validation Trials will allow progression toward Reliability Growth Trials.
I will continue to ensure that the House is kept updated on these matters.
Ukraine: Armed Conflict
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the total number of Russian land vehicles repurposed by the Ukrainian Armed Forces to defend against the Russian invasion of that country.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
Ukraine’s Armed Forces has inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces. Russian casualties continue to climb, with a rough estimate of 25,000 Russian dead, tens of thousands have been injured and tens of thousands more have already deserted. Poor logistics means that its troops are often without food and supplies, and morale continues to be generally awful.
Russia’s war machine is severely depleted, with more than 4000 armoured and protected vehicles destroyed, more than 500 artillery pieces decimated, including rocket systems and other capabilities, and over 50 fixed-wing aircraft, as well as numerous helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles rendered inoperable. Ukraine’s military have also captured many hundreds of Russian vehicles to use against the flagging Russian military.
Ukraine: Armed Conflict
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the number of Russian (a) main battle tanks, (b) armoured fighting vehicles, (c) fixed wing aircrafts, (d) helicopters, (e) unmanned aerial vehicles, (f) ships, (g) artillery systems, (h) multiple-launch rocket systems.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
Ukraine’s Armed Forces has inflicted heavy losses on Russian forces. Russian casualties continue to climb, with a rough estimate of 25,000 Russian dead, tens of thousands have been injured and tens of thousands more have already deserted. Poor logistics means that its troops are often without food and supplies, and morale continues to be generally awful.
Russia’s war machine is severely depleted, with more than 4000 armoured and protected vehicles destroyed, more than 500 artillery pieces decimated, including rocket systems and other capabilities, and over 50 fixed-wing aircraft, as well as numerous helicopters, unmanned aerial vehicles rendered inoperable. Ukraine’s military have also captured many hundreds of Russian vehicles to use against the flagging Russian military.
F-35 Aircraft: Components
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which major components of the UK’s F-35 fleet have been bought in (a) GBP, (b) USD and (c) other currencies.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on
19 October 2022
The F-35 programme is managed through a US Government Joint Program Office (JPO) based in the USA, which places F-35 contracts with industry on behalf of the F-35 Partner Nations. These contracts cover major components incorporated in the UK’s fleet. In accordance with US law and US federal acquisition rules and regulations, all the JPO’s contracts are denominated in US dollars and the UK makes its payments to the JPO in US dollars.
Defence: Shipbuilding
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his Department is taking to ensure that companies that are awarded shipbuilding contracts are able to pass credit checks for the leasing of (a) elevated work platforms and (b) other essential mechanical equipment.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
In answer to Questions 62719 and 62724 I refer the right hon. Member to the answer my hon. Friend, the then Minister for Defence Procurement (Jeremy Quin), gave him on 10 September 2021 in response to Question 44205. It would be inappropriate for the UK Government to comment on the commercial activities of other Governments.
Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made for the implications of his policies of the Integrated Review; and if he will make a Statement.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
Defence is supporting the Government’s refresh of the Integrated Review. We welcome this opportunity to strengthen our capabilities and prioritise our activities to ensure the UK remains ready to deter adversaries and support UK interests in the new era of strategic competition.
Taking lessons learned from the last year, we will build resilience and promote prosperity both domestically and across our global partner network.
Any specific policy changes required for Defence will be determined once the update to the Integrated Review has concluded.
Space Technology: Manufacturing Industries
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department plans to use procurement of space capabilities to support UK sovereign design and manufacturing capability in the space sector.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
Defence is investing £1.5bn over 10 years in the acquisition and development of new technologies in Space Domain Awareness, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance, Command and Control, and Space Control. This is in addition to around £5 bn over the next decade to enhance our satellite communication capabilities (Skynet). These capability priorities are set out in the Defence Space Strategy, published in February 2021.
This investment will play a part in stimulating innovation, commercialisation, and growth across the wider sector, from which UK industry is sure to benefit both directly and indirectly. Procurement of the Defence Space Portfolio (DSP) will also adhere to the principles set out in the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy, ensuring that along with value for money; social value, development of crucial skills, and the levelling up agenda are all considered when letting contracts.
The contract for the DSP’s first satellite was let in February 2022 for £22 m under Project TYCHE. It will be built by a UK company, Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd (SSTL).
Armoured Fighting Vehicles: Manufacturing Industries
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps his department is taking to develop the UK’s industrial capacity and skills required to design, test and manufacture armoured vehicles.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
In order to develop the UK’s industrial capacity and skills, the Department has this year published its first sector specific strategy for Land capabilities in the Land Industrial Strategy. This sets out the measures we intend to take as we plan and implement the modernisation and through life support of our Armoured Vehicle Fleet and related capabilities in the Land Sector.
Ajax Vehicles
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Head of REME will be required to sign off the safety guarantees associated with the AJAX Armoured Fighting Vehicle prior to that vehicle entering service.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
No. The relevant AJAX safety clearances associated with the vehicle(s) entering service will be signed off by Defence Equipment and Support and the Field Army. This is in line with the Ministry of Defence’s safety management system.
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the UK Armed Forces equipment and formation figures 2022, for what reason the 2022 figures show a reduction of 53 Armoured Fighting Vehicles by comparison to the 2021 figures.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The reduction in the Armoured Fighting Vehicle fleet is primarily due to a partial withdrawal of Warrior and CVR(T) from service.
This followed operational analysis which highlighted the requirement for the Army to reconsider how it creates the conditions for success in the close battle.
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the UK Armed Forces equipment and formation figures 2022, for what reason the 2022 figures show a reduction of 263 Protected Mobility Fighting Vehicles by comparison to the 2021 figures.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The Protected Mobility Fighting Vehicle (PM) fleet is made up of seven different vehicle families. The main reason for this reduction is the removal of the 218 Husky platforms from British Army service. This removal is part of ongoing work to rationalise the Land Fleet in order to benefit from increased commonality, modularity and opportunities of scale. Other reductions in the PM fleet are due to the routine process of disposals.
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the UK Armed Forces equipment and formation figures 2022, for what reason the figures show a reduction of 29 Armoured Personnel Carriers by comparison to 2021.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The reduction of 29 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) reflects ongoing activity to make the Army’s equipment holdings more streamlined, efficient and better aligned to the user requirement.
Military Aircraft: Helicopters
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether any operational users have requested that the New Medium Helicopter has forward firing capabilities and precision guided munitions as part of platform protection.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The detailed requirements for the New Medium Helicopter capability are being finalised, in collaboration with end users, and will be published as part of the second half of the programme’s competition.
Future Combat Air System
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the Future Combat Air System; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
Work on the Future Combat Air System (FCAS) is progressing at pace, enabled by a digital-first approach that embraces new technologies, and early investment in Research and Development. We are targeting an in-service date of 2035. The definition set for initial operating capability is classified and I am withholding details as its disclosure would be likely to prejudice the capability, effectiveness, or security of the Ministry of Defence and the Armed Forces. FCAS initial operating capability is planned to provide a step-change to the capabilities it will replace, including Typhoon.
China: Foreign Companies
Question
Siobhain McDonagh
Labour
Mitcham and Morden
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what his policy is on permitting Chinese state-owned companies to participate in the development of critical infrastructure in the UK.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The Government reviews foreign involvement in the development of the UK’s critical national infrastructure on a regular basis. The UK welcomes foreign investment, which can support jobs and growth, but the Government will not hesitate to act if our national security interests are threatened, irrespective of the foreign entities involved.
Military Aircraft: Procurement
Question
Jack Lopresti
Conservative
Filton and Bradley Stoke
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to help ensure that a 6th generation air system replacement for the Typhoon aircraft is (a) designed and (b) manufactured in the UK.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The Integrated Review confirmed our intent to develop a Future Combat Air System (FCAS) as a replacement for the capability provided by our Typhoon fast-jets. The 2018 Combat Air Strategy and 2021 Defence and Security Industrial Strategy both outline the importance of sustaining national defence industrial capability.
In the summer of 2021, we awarded the national contract, initially worth £250 m, for concept and assessment work under the FCAS Acquisition Programme. This was awarded to BAE Systems, Leonardo, MBDA and Rolls-Royce (Team Tempest), with flow through to the wider national supply chain. The Concept & Assessment Phase will define the capability we require and invest in the skills and infrastructure needed to deliver it. Our Team Tempest partners now have 2,500 people working on FCAS across the UK, with many more in the supply chain, and this number is growing. Under the Acquisition Programme, £1 bn has already been invested in UK Research & Development through the FCAS Technology Initiative, with a further £1 bn set to be invested over the coming years. This is laying the groundwork for the programme’s later stages, with the aim of delivering FCAS in a shorter timeframe than previous programmes.
National Flagship: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new national flagship announced on 30 May 2021; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the flagship.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The design competition for the National Flagship is ongoing and no winning bidder has yet been selected. Until the design competition has concluded, and a manufacture contract has been awarded, it is not possible to set initial or full operating capability dates or the definitions of those milestones.
Ministry of Defence: Horizon Europe
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has been personally involved in formal consultations with the EU over the UK’s bid to access the Horizon Europe programme.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
I regularly discuss a range of matters with Cabinet colleagues, including the Secretary of State for BEIS. Ministry of Defence officials are engaging on this topic.
Fleet Solid Support Ships: Procurement
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what workshare value he expects to achieve in the Fleet Solid Support Ship contract.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 19 October 2022
The final workshare value in the Fleet Solid Support ship contract will be dependent on the winning Bidder’s proposal. A significant proportion of the build and assembly work will be carried out in the UK including the integration and fitting of sensitive systems.
Integrated Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy Review
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Minister for the Cabinet Office, what steps he is taking to progress the updating of the Integrated Review; how long the update will take; and if he will take steps to ensure that there will be a formal industry engagement process.
Answer
Chris Philp
Conservative
Croydon South
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Prime Minister has committed to producing a ‘refresh’ of the 2021 Integrated Review by the end of the year to ensure that the UK’s security, defence, development and foreign policy architecture is keeping pace with the evolving international environment.
The ‘refresh’ has two core aims:
- to review changes in the strategic context since publication of the IR; and
- to adjust the UK’s overarching approach and its priorities for action to 2025, including in line with the new Prime Minister’s specific priorities.
The ‘refresh’ will supplement and extend the IR rather than replacing it. As such, it supports the ongoing process of strategy development and delivery within government, and is an example of adaptive strategy in practice.
The Government will engage with Parliament, the Devolved Administrations, external experts, industry and wider stakeholders with an interest in our nation’s security and prosperity. This includes our allies and partners, building on our ongoing dialogue.
Although there are currently no plans for other documents to be published alongside the ‘refresh’, more detail will be published in due course on how the Government will pursue the strategic priorities set out in the IR.
Ajax Vehicles: Testing
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether representatives from the Army were present during General Dynamics’ trials of the AJAX Armoured Fighting Vehicle in the last six months.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
Under the main Ajax contract with General Dynamics, a number of trials involving five variants of the vehicle have occurred in the last six months. These include but are not limited to: power, radio and communications, security, live firing, acoustic signature, capacity and stowage and electromagnetic pulse trials. The trials have been assured by Ministry of Defence officials and Army personnel as part of the joint team working on the project.
National Flagship: Procurement
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how much public funding has been allocated to the National Flagship programme; and which companies have received public funds under that programme.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Ministry of Defence has allocated c. £2.5 m to the National Flagship programme. None of this funding has been allocated in the present calendar year. As of 4 October 2022, the Ministry of Defence has spent £2.476 m during Financial Years 21-22 and 22-23 on the National Flagship programme. This sum includes internal and external staff costs, consultancy spend and private sector support.
The Ministry of Defence has not assumed liability for costs incurred by bidders for the purposes of bidding into the current design competition, and no design or manufacturing contracts have been placed to date.
Defence: Skilled Workers
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure the UK retains a skilled workforce in the defence industry.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Defence and Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) provides our world-leading defence industry with transparency and clarity on the Government’s plans, giving them the confidence to invest in and sustain the wide variety of highly skilled jobs across the four nations of the UK, delivering defence capability and contributing towards economic growth.
We are working with industry to develop relevant skills in the defence sector, including through sharing expertise, making it easier for people to move between Government and industry, and identifying and attracting potential talent.
Defence: Manufacturing Industries
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to ensure defence manufactures invest in the UK.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Government welcomes investment in the UK to build capacity, introduce new technology and techniques, and generate employment. The Defence & Security Industrial Strategy (DSIS) principles of transparency, communication, and a longer-term view of our priorities gives industry the confidence to plan ahead and invest not just in their infrastructure and workforce, but also cutting-edge research and development and innovation, leading to future technology and productivity gains.
Aligned with our vision of Global Britain, DSIS reinforces our strong international reputation as a hub of cooperation and technological innovation. Our openness to collaboration and investment, as well as our industrial and scientific strengths, make the UK an attractive partner.
Iran: Russia
Question
Andrew Rosindell
Conservative
Romford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential transfer of military equipment between Iran and Russia.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
Russia is making increasingly desperate choices to continue its unprovoked war against Ukraine, particularly in the face of our unprecedented sanctions and export controls. The Government is committed to strictly enforcing our sanctions against both Russia and Iran and holding Iran accountable on the transfer, or sale of any military equipment to Russia for use against Ukraine.
Ukraine: Military Aid
Question
Andrew Rosindell
Conservative
Romford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has plans to provide the Ukrainian army with armaments which are suitable for (a) winter warfare and (b) winter clothing.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
We continue to liaise closely with Ukraine to understand their priorities for the coming months.
The UK will deliver 25,000 sets of winter clothing and other equipment to help the Armed Forces of Ukraine during the winter. We are also delivering materiel to enable the platforms we have provided to operate in cold weather conditions.
The UK also announced it will give £10 m to NATO’s Comprehensive Assistance Package for Ukraine, to provide urgent assistance such as winter clothes, shelters, generators, fuel trucks and ambulances ahead of the winter.
Army
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he has any plans to reverse the reduction in Army numbers to 73,000 by 2025.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The 2021 Integrated Review and Defence Command Paper made clear that we must focus on capabilities rather than troop numbers. Through Future Soldier, the Army will have a whole force of over 100,000 comprising of 73,000 Regular Service Personnel and 30,100 Army Reserve.
The Army is re-organising and re-equipping to face future threats, however, as the Secretary of State has stated, as the threat changes, we need to change with it. In line with the agile planning and delivery mechanisms developed following the Integrated Review, Defence will continue to review our capabilities and readiness levels accordingly.
Any specific policy changes required for Defence will be determined once the Government’s update of the Integrated Review has concluded.
Qatar: Military Aid
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 28 September to parliamentary Question 51426 on Qatar: Military Aid, for what reasons his Department is spending around £500,000 on Counter-Improvised Explosive Device Training and Advice in…
Show full question
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Ministry of Defence is supporting Qatar to deliver a safe and secure World Cup tournament including through the provision of Counter-Improvised Explosive Device (C-IED) Training and advice to the Qatar Armed Forces to counter potential threats to the tournament. The UK’s contribution will add expertise and capability, it is a demonstration of our strong defence relationship, contributing to regional stability and protecting mutual prosperity and security.
EU Defence Policy
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment his Department has made of the potential merits of the UK’s Armed Forces joining the Military Mobility Permanent Structured Cooperation project.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has underlined the importance of addressing any impediments to moving military personnel and assets across Europe at pace. Joining the Permanent Structured Cooperation (PESCO) Military Mobility project would better enable the UK to shape relevant rules and requirements including cross-border military transport procedures.
Our NATO Allies Canada, Norway and the USA have already joined the PESCO Military Mobility project. We support all efforts to increase cooperation between EU partners and NATO Allies; including ensuring that bodies such as NATO, the EU and the Joint Expeditionary Force are working to complement each other.
Military Aircraft: Helicopters
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to progress the procurement of a new medium lift helicopter.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The New Medium Helicopter competition aligns with the Defence and Security Industrial Strategy. The competition’s contract notice and dynamic pre-qualification questionnaire were released in May this year and responses are being evaluated to determine a shortlist of credible suppliers. The second half of the competition, in which we will ask the selected suppliers to provide more detailed responses, is due to be launched later this financial year.
Ajax Vehicles: Procurement
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will make a decision made on the future of Ajax by December 2022.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Department continues to work with General Dynamics to resolve the challenges on Ajax and is actively working to validate the effectiveness of proposed modifications to address noise and vibration in line with the contract.
We expect to be in a position to consider the way forward for the programme by the end of the year.
The Ministry of Defence will not accept a vehicle until it can be used safely for its intended purpose.
Ajax Vehicles: Noise
Question
Chris Evans
Labour
Islwyn
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether the Ajax armoured vehicle continues to pose a risk of noise exposure to service personnel.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The safety of our Armed Forces personnel always comes first. The Ministry of Defence is working to validate the effectiveness of proposed modifications to address noise and vibration as per the contract.
These are conducted under a very tight set of controls approved by the Ajax Safety Assurance Panel that includes monitoring the health of those conducting the trials. All personnel involved in executing the trials are explicitly empowered to stop the activity if they identify a safety concern.
The Ministry of Defence will not accept a vehicle until it can be used safely for its intended purpose.
Iraq: Unmanned Air Vehicles
Question
Stewart Malcolm McDonald
Scottish National Party
Glasgow South
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will set out the basis for drone strikes by the Royal Air Force in Iraq following the end of the Coalition forces’ combat mission in December 2021.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The basis for our continued air campaign is the mandate from Parliament and the consent of the Government of Iraq. In December 2021, the Global Coalition to Defeat Da’esh transitioned to an ‘advise, assist, enable’ mission. As part of this, the UK provides air support to the Iraqi Security Forces to secure the enduring defeat of Da’esh, which poses an ongoing threat in Iraq, Syria, and beyond.
Ukraine: Military Aid
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he will take to (a) scale up Operation Interflex and (b) train more Ukrainian armed forces personnel.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
With the help of our international partners, the training of Ukrainian Armed Forces personnel under Operation INTERFLEX will be scaled up in 2023. We are also working to identify where we may be able to further support the Armed Forces of Ukraine with collective and specialist training.
Army
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of (a) the size of the Army’s current stockpiles of artillery shells and (b) the Army’s ability to fulfil the UK’s NATO commitments to allies such as Estonia.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
The Army continually manages and reviews all of its stocks of weapons and munitions. Due to the classification of these assessments, it is inappropriate to give the detail in this forum.
We remain fully committed to collective defence through NATO and other multinational readiness forces, as demonstrated by our deployments to Estonia and the announcement, at the NATO Summit in Madrid, of the 1* UK Headquarters in Estonia.
NATO: Military Exercises
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many UK (a) personnel and (b) platforms are involved in the NATO exercise Joint Warrior which began on 1 October 2022.
Answer
James Heappey
Conservative
Wells
Commons
Answered on 18 October 2022
Approximately 1,000 UK personnel were directly involved in Exercise Joint Warrior with many others providing support as part of their daily work. The UK also contributed nine warships and thirteen military aircraft to the Exercise.
Unmanned Air Vehicles
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 September 2022 to Question 49577 on Unmanned Air Vehicles, what the whole life cost for the Protector drone programme is following the correction of the accounting error.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Baseline Whole Life Cost published in Ministry of Defence Government Major Projects Portfolio Data 2022, following correction of the accounting error, is £1,347.06m.
Artillery: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the 105mm light gun replacement; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The 105mm Light Gun is currently in service, with an Out of Service Date of 2030.
LE TacCIS Programme
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 23 May 2022 to Question 4466 on LE TacCIS Programme, whether his Department has agreed a new date with Elbit for the Battlefield Management Application (BMA).
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Battlefield Management Application (BMA) was delivered under the terms of the contract with Elbit which expired on the 30 April 2022. As all obligations had been met, there was no requirement to extend this contract further.
With regards to the requirements for the BMA, I refer the right hon. Member to the answer the previous Minister for Defence Procurement gave to him on 23 May 2022 to Question 4466.
Satellite Communications: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Skynet 6 satellite; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on
17 October 2022
The Initial Operating Capability (IOC) of SKYNET 6A is defined as having seven of the ultra-high frequency channels available for operational use by Ministry of Defence and allied personnel as soon as the satellite has reached its initial geo-stationary orbit for testing. The contracted date for IOC is January 2026. Full operating capability will be achieved following transit to the designated operational position and completion of final testing, which is forecast to be in August 2026.
Artillery: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the Mobile Fires Platform programme; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the programme.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Mobile Fires Platform (MFP) Initial Operating Capability (IOC) is defined as a single trained Close Support Regiment with a support package in place. IOC is anticipated to be achieved in 2029 and Full Operating Capability in 2032.
Apache AH-64 Helicopters: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new AH-64E Apache attack helicopter, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the programme; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Apache AH-64E initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as one AH-64E v6 squadron ‘at Readiness’, cleared to support operational use with full security accreditation; the delivery of two linked and accredited land simulators to conduct mission rehearsal training; and a long-term maintenance and training package.
Military Aircraft: Helicopters
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new medium support helicopter, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the programme; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
Industry’s detailed responses to the second half of the New Medium Helicopter programme competition will provide an improved understanding of aspects such as production capacity, which will enable us to confirm the definitions and timing of the programme’s capability milestones.
F-35 Aircraft: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether it remains the policy of his Department to purchase 138 F-35 aircraft, as confirmed in a Written Ministerial Statement made on 25 June 2019.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on
17 October 2022
The UK remains committed to the procurement of 138 aircraft.
AWACS: Procurement
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the potential impact of the delay in the UK’s E-7 Wedgetail aircraft fleet reaching Initial Operational Capability will have on RAF defence capability.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
Analysis to determine the timing of E-7 Wedgetail initial operational capability is ongoing, and will be confirmed when the Full Business Case is submitted towards the end of financial year 2022-23.
The United Kingdom remains part of the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force.
Ajax Vehicles: Testing
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department has made a recent assessment of the progress made by General Dynamics on providing demonstration trials of the AJAX armoured fighting vehicles.
Answer
Mr Ben Wallace
Conservative
Wyre and Preston North
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
Yes.
Boxer Vehicles: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, (a) what definition his Department has set for initial operating capability for the new Boxer mechanised infantry vehicle; and (b) what are the estimated dates for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability for the…
Show full question
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Boxer (Mechanised Infantry Programme) initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as a company group of vehicles equipped with trained crews. IOC is expected to be achieved in 2025 and full operating capability (FOC) in 2032.
Challenger Tanks: Procurement
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with regard to the new Challenger 3 main battle tank, (a) what definition of initial operating capability his Department has set for the tank; and (b) what is the estimated date for (i) initial operating capability and (ii) full operating capability.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
For the Challenger 3 programme, initial operating capability (IOC) is defined as a single squadron of Main Battle Tanks equipped with trained crews. IOC is expected to be achieved in 2027, however work is ongoing to scope options to bring this forward. Full operating capability (FOC) is expected in 2030.
Type 32 Frigates: Procurement
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent steps he has taken to progress the concept phase of the Type 32 Frigate.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 17 October 2022
The Type 32 Programme began the Concept Phase on 21 September 2022 and will seek to deliver an Outline Business Case in parallel with the Multi Role Support Ship.
Armoured Fighting Vehicles
Question
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which vehicles currently perform Armoured Reconnaissance roles in the British Army; and in what year each of those vehicle types first entered operational service.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 13 October 2022
The vehicle currently performing the Armoured Reconnaissance role in the British Army is the Combat Vehicle Reconnaissance (Tracked) CVR(T).
The CVR(T), a light, tracked specialist recce vehicle with turret, entered service in 1972, and was upgraded in the early 2000s.
Ministry of Defence: Official Hospitality
Question
Mr Kevan Jones
Labour
North Durham Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, if he will list the officials from his Department who will attend the Distinguished Visitors Day for the E-7 Wedgetail on 6 October 2022.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 13 October 2022
This event has been rescheduled to 2023 to better align with other engagement opportunities. As such, the list of attendees will be developed as planning for this event matures and will be confirmed nearer the time.
Multi Role Ocean Surveillance Ship
Question
John Healey
Labour
Wentworth and Dearne
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which organisation has been awarded the contract to construct two specialist multi-role ships to defend undersea cables.
Answer
Alec Shelbrooke
Conservative
Elmet and Rothwell
Commons
Answered on 13 October 2022
The first Multi-Role Ocean Surveillance Ship is expected to enter service in 2023. As negotiations for the first of the two Multi-Role Surveillance ships announced by the Secretary of State for Defence on 3 October 2022 are still in progress, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time. The procurement of the second ship is in the Concept Stage and no decisions have yet been made regarding the procurement strategy. No contract has yet been awarded for the construction of either ship.