Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Monday, 2 December 2024, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 4 December 2024. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 10 December 2024 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Watchkeeper WK450

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what the potential operational implications are of retiring Watchkeeper Mk 1 in March 2025.

Answer: The Army will procure a modern Land Tactical Deep Find (LTDF) capability to replace the 14 years old Watchkeeper Mk 1 capability following its retirement from March 2025. This procurement will leverage lessons from Ukraine and emerging technologies to deliver a capability direct to NATO’s front line. Plans currently identify that 47 Regiment Royal Artillery will continue to deliver the Army’s Deep Find capability by turning their skills and experience from Watchkeeper Mk 1 to lead on fielding the new Deep Find capability. Plans for the Watchkeeper capability following its phased withdrawal from service are in development.

Secondary information