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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Friday, 10 April 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 14 April 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 20 April 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.


Army: Body Armour

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of the adoption of the (a) 6.8mm x 50mm round and (b) QBZ-191 rifle by the Chinese People’s Liberation Army on British Army body armour.

Answer

The Ministry of Defence routinely assesses emerging and evolving small‑arms threats as part of its ongoing responsibility to protect Service personnel.

The specific threats against which UK body armour is designed to provide protection are held at a higher security classification and therefore it would be inappropriate for me to provide specific details. However, I can confirm that UK body armour requirements are kept under constant review to ensure they continue to reflect the most dangerous and prevalent threats our personnel are likely to face while conducting their duties.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125427
Session
2024-26
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Army China Body armour Rifles
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk