VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Armed Forces: Robots

Asked by Dame Chi OnwurahLabourMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 20 July 2026UIN 17997

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, how many robots are deployed in the armed forces and how much funding for robotic development has his department made available.

Answered by Luke Pollard

The Ministry of Defence does not have a single agreed definition of the term 'robot'. While we operate a wide variety of autonomous platforms, the Department's policy is not to publish detailed information on certain specific capabilities on the grounds of operational security.

I want to see greater use of drones and autonomous systems across our Armed Forces to enhance their lethality and survivability. The Defence Investment Plan includes measures to support this ambition.

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