VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Unmanned Air Systems

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 8 September 2026UIN 22969

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the 2025 Strategic Defence Review, what progress has he made in exploring providing Protector with a maritime surveillance capability, integrated with P-8 Poseidon maritime control and reconnaissance aircraft and Type 26 frigates, as outlined in Recommendation 47.

Answered by Ministry of Defence

The Defence Investment Plan directed Maritime capabilities for the PROTECTOR RG Mk1 be brought forward, and a review of PROTECTOR is therefore currently underway. Rebaselined milestones are expected by December 2026, with a Review Note to follow.

In the interim the Capability Sponsor, Cyber and Specialist Operations Command, is progressing capability development activity.

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