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Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 October 2025UIN 79720

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the data tables accompanying the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority Annual Report 2024-25, published on 11 August 2025, what the nature is of the (a) workforce shortages and (b) weapons testing delays under the Delivery Confidence of the Protector programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard

Personnel shortfalls were identified in both the RAF and Defence Equipment and Support delivery team constructs. Internal prioritisation activity has since occurred to mitigate shortfalls. Protector's schedule was also delayed due to the resultant review of activity after a fatal accident of a US contractor that occurred at the deployed weapons testing location in September 2023.

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