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Military Aircraft

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 2 September 2026UIN 19179

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Ministry of Defence annual report and accounts 2025 to 2026, Losses, for what reason was Shadow Mk2 cancelled.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave him on 19 November 2025 to Question 89765:

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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