VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Unmanned Air Systems

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 July 2025UIN 63610

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the oral contribution of the Minister for the Armed Forces in response to the hon. Member for Welwyn Hatfield at Defence Questions on 19 May 2025, Official Report, Col 739, what recent discussions he has had with UK drone component suppliers on up to date drone (a) technology and (b) capability.

Answered by Maria Eagle

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 conflicts and through our support to Ukraine, where drone capabilities are developed and exploited in cooperation with drone component suppliers. As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, Defence will continue to invest in drone technology to advance our capabilities in tandem with UK industry.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim