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Military Aircraft: Procurement

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 19 November 2025UIN 89765

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress he has made on delivering the Shadow MK2 upgrade programme.

Answered by Luke Pollard

I can confirm that the Shadow Mk2 upgrade programme has been cancelled as it is late and has failed to deliver the capability that our Armed Forces need. It is also facing unacceptable cost escalation and delays.

This decision will allow us to focus on investing in other defence priorities and the Shadow Mk1.

We won't shy away from making difficult decisions that arise in the best interests of our Armed Forces and the taxpayer.

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