Skip to main content

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.


Aircraft Carriers: Unmanned Air Systems

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the Answer of 12 May 2925 to Question 51565 on Aircraft Carriers: Unmanned Air Systems, what plans does he have to modify the General Atomics MQ-9 to operate from Queen Elizabeth Class carriers.

Answer

The General Atomics MQ9 and similar uncrewed systems remain under consideration for the Carrier Strike Airborne Early Warning requirement, consistent with the Royal Navy’s development of a Hybrid Air Wing. The investment decisions to support Strategic Defence Review recommendations are being developed by the Ministry of Defence and will be published in the Defence Investment Plan.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
125512
Session
2024-26
Related items
Aircraft Carriers: Unmanned Air Systems
Monday, 19 May 2025
Written questions
House of Commons
Grouped for answer
Yes
Subjects
Aircraft carriers Unmanned air systems
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk