Written question asked by James Cartlidge (Conservative) on Thursday, 22 January 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 26 January 2026. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Friday, 30 January 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Uncrewed Systems: Testing

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, whether he plans to use the British Army Training Unit Suffield for the testing of uncrewed systems in the current Parliament.

Original answer: The Army is currently planning to use the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) for the testing of uncrewed systems in the spring of this year, supported by uncrewed trials expertise from the Joint 744 Naval Air Squadron. Plans beyond this and the future use of BATUS is dependent upon the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

The answer was corrected by Al Carns (Labour)

on Monday, 13 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Corrected answer

The Army is currently planning to use the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) for the testing of uncrewed systems in the spring of this year, supported by uncrewed trials expertise from the Joint 744 Naval Air Squadron. Plans beyond this and the future use of BATUS is dependent upon the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

The Army is currently using the British Army Training Unit Suffield (BATUS) for the testing of uncrewed systems, with further testing due to occur in the spring of this year. Plans beyond this and the future use of BATUS is dependent upon the outcome of the Defence Investment Plan.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 107734
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Army Canada Training Testing Uncrewed systems
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Uncrewed Systems: Testing

Secondary information

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