March 2025 Defence Oral Questions & Answers Summary

This month's Defence Oral Questions and Answers covered major themes including support for Ukraine, defence procurement, critical infrastructure protection, defence industrial capacity, and UK-EU defence collaboration. Several exchanges directly addressed defence technology, capability development, and industrial resilience.

Here's our summary of the questions and answers related to Defence Technology.

Dr Neil Shastri-Hurst (Con): What discussions has the Secretary of State had with NATO counterparts on increasing defence industrial capacity?

Minister Maria Eagle confirmed discussions with NATO allies, including the US and JEF members. The UK is leading efforts to expand defence spending and manufacturing capacity, with a focus on NATO-wide collaboration. She also highlighted the UK's push for access to EU defence financing initiatives like SAFE and ReArm, from which the UK is currently excluded.

James Cartlidge (Con): Is France undermining the UK defence industry by blocking our access to the €150bn EU fund?

Defence Secretary John Healey responded that the EU White Paper allows for third-country partnerships and the UK will seek to negotiate participation through a new UK-EU defence and security pact.

Tanmanjeet Singh Dhesi (Lab): Will the Strategic Defence Review be bold and ambitious?

Pollard confirmed the SDR will include the largest reforms in 50 years, with a strong focus on new technologies, autonomous systems, and cyber capabilities.

Jamie Stone (LD): How can JEF nations improve joint procurement and development of equipment?

Pollard highlighted the benefits of shared platforms (P-8s, F-35s, Type 26 frigates) and reiterated that deeper cooperation would improve capability and efficiency across JEF partners.

John Cooper (Con): What plans are there to replace the Hawk aircraft with a sovereign British-built platform?

Maria Eagle said Hawk retirement is due in the early 2030s and the MOD is actively reviewing replacement options, including UK-built alternatives.

Bob Blackman (Con): Will the UK invest in autonomous minesweepers to protect undersea cables, including in the Black Sea?

Luke Pollard confirmed ongoing investment in autonomous systems for subsea cable protection and anti-submarine warfare, to be detailed in the upcoming SDR.

Dr Al Pinkerton (LD): What is the impact of the US pausing cyber operations on UK capacity?

Luke Pollard said the UK is expanding cyber capabilities with a new direct-entry recruitment pathway and increased investment in offensive and defensive cyber operations.

Jim Dickson (Lab): What is being done to modernise armed forces recruitment and attract talent, including in cyber?

Luke Pollard outlined reforms including conditional job offers within 10 days, 35% pay rise for recruits, and dedicated cyber recruitment pathways.

Amanda Martin (Lab): How is the MOD supporting SMEs in defence procurement?

Maria Eagle announced new SME support hub and forthcoming MOD targets for increased SME involvement, aiming to drive innovation and regional growth.

Helen Maguire (LD) / Dr Roz Savage (LD): How is the UK pursuing a defence pact with the EU to support defence investment?

John Healey confirmed discussions with EU counterparts and reiterated the goal of a UK-EU security pact that enables participation in EU defence funding programmes.