VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Arctic: Military Exercises

Asked by James CartlidgeConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 4 March 2026UIN 115083

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when was the Royal Navy's last Ice Exercise.

Answered by Al Carns

The Royal Navy (RN) has maintained an under‑ice capability centred on the Submarine Service through Swiftsure and Trafalgar class submarines and is certifying the new Astute Class to uphold this capability.

HMS Trenchant conducted the last Ice Exercise in 2018. It is the longstanding policy of this Department not to comment on future submarine operations.

The Strategic Defence Review highlighted the High North and Arctic as an increasing area of competition for the UK, and the Defence Investment Plan is considering a range of options to meet this threat.

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