VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Armed Forces: Unmanned Air Systems

Asked by Helen MaguireLiberal DemocratMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 July 2025UIN 63810

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many unmanned (a) air, (b) ground, (c) underwater and (d) surface systems the armed forces require to meet the Strategic Defence Review's proposed approach to war fighting.

Answered by Maria Eagle

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 significant way over the next five years as part of a 'high-low' mix of capabilities whether undersea, at sea, on land, or over land. The major funding package includes more than £4 billion for autonomous systems in this Parliament. Further details will be set out as part of the Defence Investment Plan.

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