19 Sep 25. Chair comment: Russian incursions into NATO airspace. Chair of the Defence Committee: Russian incursions “designed to bully, intimidate and divide NATO countries” The Defence Committee has issued a response to the news of Russian incursions into Estonian airspace. Chair of the Defence Committee, Tan Dhesi MP, said: “This brazen incursion into NATO territory is just the latest in a pattern of behaviour from Russia, designed to bully, intimidate and divide NATO countries. In the last couple of weeks, Russia has violated the airspace of Poland, Romania and Estonia. In response to Russia’s reckless ‘tests’, NATO must show strength and unity.”
House of Commons and House of Lords Hansard Written Answers
Defence Equipment: Manufacturing Industries
Question for Ministry of Defence
Max Wilkinson
Liberal Democrat
Cheltenham
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking with Cabinet colleagues to support defence companies.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 7 October 2025
The Defence Industrial Strategy is the defence sector plan for the Modern Industrial Strategy and underlines this Government’s commitment to making defence an engine for growth. The DIS outlines how the Government will back UK-based businesses by launching the offsets consultation, increase spending on SMEs, create a Defence Office for SME Growth, and provide additional support to companies to export. It announced an ambitious skills package of £182 m to enable industry to recruit and build the well-paid jobs that will keep the UK secure in the future. The DIS also outlines how the MOD will conduct early market engagement with industry to inform procurement decisions.
Typhoon Aircraft: National Income
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the contribution of Typhoon jets to GDP.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 7 October 2025
The biggest contribution of defence to GDP is peace and security. My Department has made no estimate of the contribution to GDP of any individual programmes and capabilities. The Defence Industrial Strategy published on 8 September 2025 clearly set out how we are making defence an engine for growth – Investing more money in key defence areas and regions across the UK to create good jobs. This year my Department has announced further multi-year contracts with UK companies for the support of in-service Typhoon EJ200 engines and the continuing development of the ECRS Mk2 radar upgrade programme that will be embodied on the RAF fleet. A resilient UK industrial base strengthens Britain’s defence companies and supply chains to make us more secure and boost our economy, which will support making NATO stronger.
Global Combat Air Programme: Japan
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, which elements of the Global Combat air programme are included within the scope of the Industrial Strategy partnership with the Japanese government agreed in March 2025.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 3 October 2025
The UK and Japan are pioneering an Industrial Strategy Partnership (ISP) focusing on green and digital transformation, economic security and inclusive regional growth. The ISP aims to deepen UK-Japan industrial and technology collaboration through programmes such as GCAP.
NATO
Question for Ministry of Defence
James Cartlidge
Conservative
South Suffolk
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to recommendation 2 of the Strategic Defence Review, published on 2 June 2025, what recent progress he has made on establishing a roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies by January 2026.
Answer
Al Carns
Labour
Birmingham Selly Oak
Commons
Answered on 3 October 2025
The Strategic Defence Review is clear that our defence policy is ‘NATO First’. The Armed Forces must be capable of operating as part of a NATO force by design. We are taking this forward with and through NATO, which will produce an Interoperability Plan for the Alliance by the end of the year. The Military Strategic Headquarters has appointed an interoperability champion to support the implementation of this plan.
The UK’s own roadmap for delivering deeper interoperability with NATO allies will be developed alongside our Integrated Force Design. Officials within the Department meet regularly to discuss both initiatives, however, information regarding the total number of meetings is not held in the format requested.
Israel Defence Forces and Mossad: Royal College of Defence Studies
Question for Ministry of Defence
Lord West of Spithead
Labour
Life peer
Lords
To ask His Majesty’s Government how many members of the Israel Defence Forces and Mossad have attended the Royal College of Defence Studies in the past 25 years.
Answer
Lord Coaker
Labour
Life peer
Lords
Answered on 2 October 2025
28 places have been taken up by Israeli Defence Forces on the Royal College of Defence Studies since 2000. These places are offered to the Israel Defence Forces.
Arms Trade: Trade Fairs
Question for Ministry of Defence
Baroness Deech
Crossbench
Life peer
Lords
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they have made of the implications for the UK’s defence and intelligence capabilities of their not inviting Israeli officials to the 2025 Defence and Security Equipment International event.
Answer
Lord Coaker
Labour
Life peer
Lords
Answered on 2 October 2025
The Ministry of Defence carefully assessed the implications of not inviting Israeli officials to the Defence and Security Equipment International (DSEI) UK 2025 conference. We do not comment publicly on operational matters. The Government of Israel’s decision to further escalate its military operation in Gaza is wrong, and, as a result, no Israeli government delegation was invited to attend DSEI UK 2025.
F-35 Aircraft: Finance
Question for Ministry of Defence
Clive Lewis
Labour
Norwich South
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department receives a share of funds from every F-35 sold to (a) foreign military sales customers and (b) Israel.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 2 October 2025
A key part of the overall funding approach for the F-35 is that all F-35 partners who contributed to development costs for the platform are able to recoup elements of the that original expenditure from foreign military sales, relative to their level of investment in programme development.
Defence Growth Board
Question for Ministry of Defence
James Cartlidge
Conservative
South Suffolk
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 3 April 2025 to Question 42299 on Defence Growth Board, whether the Defence Growth Board has met since 3 April 2025.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 2 October 2025
The purpose of the Defence Growth Board is to maximise Defence’s contribution to the government’s Growth Mission.
The Chancellor and Secretary of State for Defence meet regularly, including with representatives of the defence industry and financial sector, to ensure that this government is delivering for defence. The Board has met to build on this work.
Harland and Wolff: Shipbuilding
Question for Ministry of Defence
Baroness Ritchie of Downpatrick
Labour
Life peer
Lords
To ask His Majesty’s Government what assessment they made of the capability of the Harland and Wolff shipyard to construct Royal Navy defence warships before the contract for that project was awarded.
Answer
Lord Coaker
Labour
Life peer
Lords
Answered on 1 October 2025
Building on the success of the Type 31 Frigate competition, one of the main aims of the programme was to see British shipbuilders play a key role in the Fleet Solid Support (FSS) ship competition and for companies, including British firms, to tender for the design and build of the FSS ships. The competition sought to maximise the economic and social contribution shipbuilding can make in the UK, including encouraging investment in domestic shipyards, whilst balancing the need to deliver value for money and an overall compliant solution to the Royal Fleet Auxiliary’s needs.
The FSS ship contract was awarded to Navantia UK (NUK), with Harland & Wolff (H&W) as a strategic subcontractor and part of the winning consortium. The build strategy was, and remains, that all three ships will be assembled from blocks manufactured in H&W’s shipyards in the UK and Navantia’s shipyards in Spain. Final assembly, systems integration and testing of the ships is planned to take place in Belfast.
In order to deliver this build strategy, the contract required an investment of approximately £100 m in Belfast for recapitalisation of production facilities and investment in skills transfer, knowledge and technology.
Throughout the FSS ship’s competition procurement process all bidders were subject to economic and financial standing tests consistent with the relevant UK public procurement legislation and rules. On contract award, the Ministry of Defence’s assessment was that H&W were able to deliver their part of the programme. NUK are responsible for managing their subcontractors, including H&W, with protections ensured through the prime contractual arrangements.
Following H&W’s insolvency and NUK’s acquisition of the four H&W yards in January 2025, the works to recapitalise the Belfast shipyard have restarted; this investment will further strengthen UK capability, modernising the shipbuilding facilities in Belfast and leading to increased productivity and capacity.
Iron and Steel: Supply Chains
Question for Ministry of Defence
Baroness Redfern
Conservative
Life peer
Lords
To ask His Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to strengthen domestic supply chains for steel following the publication of the Defence Industrial Strategy on 8 September (CP 1388).
Answer
Lord Coaker
Labour
Life peer
Lords
Answered on 26 September 2025
The UK steel sector provides vital support to the UK’s defence capabilities, including specialist cast and forged steel components for a range of UK defence programmes such as submarines, surface vessels and artillery barrels. Steel used in our major Defence programmes is generally sourced by our prime contractors from a range of UK and international suppliers. This Government is committed to creating the right conditions in the UK for a competitive and sustainable steel industry.
The National Security Strategy, Strategic Defence Review and Defence Industrial Strategy set out how a strong industrial base is critical for maintaining our national security infrastructure.
The Ministry of Defence is also involved in the development of a Government steel strategy that will set a long-term vision for a revitalised and sustainable industry and outline the actions needed to get there. The strategy will articulate what is needed to secure UK steel supply chains and create a competitive business environment in the UK.
National Armaments Director Group: Costs
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of the design phase of the National Armaments Director Group; and when that phase is will conclude.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 24 September 2025
This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.
Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.
To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 m in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 m) and Organisational Change (£1.1 m).
In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 m on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.
The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.
The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.
National Armaments Director Group: Costs
Question for Ministry of Defence
Mr Mark Francois
Conservative
Rayleigh and Wickford
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what estimate he has made of the costs of the design phase of the National Armaments Director Group; and when that phase is will conclude.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 24 September 2025
This Government is delivering the deepest defence reforms in over 50 years. On 31 March 2025 the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group was stood up – creating a new export to end acquisition system design to cut waste and fix the broken procurement system this Government inherited.
Andy Start was appointed interim NAD and had been acting as NAD since the NAD Group was stood up on 31 March 2025. He conducts, all of the responsibilities the Head of the NAD Group must, regardless of the fact he is an interim appointment.
To the end of August 2025, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) expended £4.2 m in workforce costs on the establishment of the National Armaments Director (NAD) Group. This expenditure was drawn from existing resource within MOD, and is not a net increase for the Department. This expenditure is broken down into Enabling Workstreams (£3.1 m) and Organisational Change (£1.1 m).
In addition, in the same period the Department spent £0.5 m on external assistance in support of the establishment of the NAD Group.
The NAD Group design phased is scheduled to conclude on 31 March 2026, at which point costing will be able to be confirmed.
The Department has incurred no additional cost as a result of operating the NAD Group under Andy Start.
Armed Forces: Communication
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what is the full scope of Project EVE.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 24 September 2025
Project EVE is an innovative Communications & Information Systems (CIS) network which digitally connects front-line Commando Forces and supporting elements within 3 Cdo Brigade to globally dispersed Command and Control (C2) elements. EVE will be fielded by the Army’s Very High Readiness forces under Project CAIN for 16X.
Type 83 Destroyers: Procurement
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what recent progress has been made on the delivery of the future air superiority effectors programme.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 24 September 2025
The Future Air Superiority Effectors programme is currently in pre-concept phase, and work is actively underway to establish a concept phase.
Typhoon Aircraft: Procurement
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans to replace the remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 24 September 2025
The remaining in-service Tranche 1 Typhoons have a planned out of Service date of 2027. Upon Tranche 1 retirement, Typhoon will continue to serve as the backbone of the UK’s Combat Air Force until at least the 2040s.
To ensure it remains at the cutting edge of capability, the UK is planning significant investment in the Typhoon through-life equipment programme. This includes the delivery and integration of the advanced European Common Radar System Mark 2 (ECRS Mk2) radar, which will enhance the aircraft’s operational effectiveness.
Navy: Unmanned Marine Systems
Question for Ministry of Defence
Edward Morello
Liberal Democrat
West Dorset
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether his Department is taking steps to integrate unmanned surface vehicles into Royal Navy operations.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 22 September 2025
Yes, the Royal Navy (RN) is transitioning to uncrewed autonomous systems for mine counter measures and has already introduced the first tranche of capabilities into service. For a number of years, the RN has also operated autonomous wave gliders to enhance the RN’s ability to collect oceanographic data. The Strategic Defence Review announced the Atlantic Bastion transformation programme, which should see the introduction of uncrewed surface vessels to support a wide variety of tasks for the Royal Navy.
Unmanned Air Systems: Testing
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the implications for his policies of the result of the trial drone against drone engagement using the APKWS precision-guided rocket conducted by BAE Systems Falconworks unit.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 19 September 2025
The trial referenced by the hon. Member was conducted by BAE Systems for a multi-rotor Uncrewed Air System (UAS) and the information on the trial can be found on the open internet.
The UK Armed Forces remain steadfast in their commitment to advancing their already strong capabilities. They continuously explore the potential adoption of new equipment, including drones, to ensure they remain at the forefront of operational effectiveness.
This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) a path for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. We are delivering our commitment to spend 2.6% of GDP on defence, accelerating it to 2027, and we have set the ambition to reach 3% in the next Parliament.
A key part of the SDR’s vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 bn this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Military Aircraft
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the test flight of the General Atomics YFQ-42 drone.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 19 September 2025
This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR’s vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 bn this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Australia: Unmanned Air Systems
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential implications for his policies of the test flights of the Boeing MQ-28 Ghost Bat (Block 1) for the Royal Australian Air Force.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 19 September 2025
This Government launched the Strategic Defence Review (SDR) which set out the pathway for the next decade and beyond to transform Defence. A key part of the SDR’s vision for UK defence is innovation driven by lessons from Ukraine – harnessing drones, data, and digital warfare to make our Armed Forces stronger and safer. The SDR recommends that the Royal Air Force should shift towards the greater use of uncrewed systems as an immediate priority.
As part of this transformation, uncrewed and autonomous systems will be incorporated into the Royal Air Force through a broad mix of capabilities to enhance operational effectiveness. This Government is investing an additional £2 bn this Parliament into autonomous systems, including drones, and will establish a new Defence Uncrewed Systems Centre at initial operating capability by February 2026.
The exact types of uncrewed systems to be procured and the associated investment will be determined as part of the Defence Investment Plan.
Unmanned Air Systems
Question for Ministry of Defence
Ben Obese-Jecty
Conservative
Huntingdon
Commons
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how does StormShroud function autonomously as part of the RAF’s Autonomous Collaborative Platforms.
Answer
Luke Pollard
Labour
Plymouth Sutton and Devonport
Commons
Answered on 18 September 2025
StormShroud supports RAF F-35B Lightning and Typhoon pilots by jamming enemy radars, which increases the survivability and operational effectiveness of our crewed aircraft. As StormShroud is the first Autonomous Collaborative Platform (ACP) introduced into RAF service it does not currently function autonomously with other ACP as it is the first platform and no other ACPs exist yet to collaborate with yet. StormShroud may be directly controlled from a ground station or operate autonomously at range, where it confuses or jams adversary radar. However, I am withholding the exact nature of the autonomous behaviour as it would harm the security or effectiveness of the Armed Forces.