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Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 10 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ballistic Missile Defence: Unmanned Air Systems

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, page 28 on Integrated Air and Missile Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of CCAs on IAMD into the 2030s.

Answer

The Strategic Defence Review committed to strengthening the UK's homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence (IAMD), now realised through the Defence Investment Plan with £790 million of additional investment. This funding prioritises the sustainment of critical foundational capabilities while enhancing Command and Control (C2) and sensing functions to maximise the effectiveness of existing air defence systems and effectors.

The RAF combat air force provides the core of UK IAMD capability, with Typhoon and F-35 defending UK and NATO skies against air and cruise missile attack, supported by Voyager tankers and Wedgetail early warning aircraft. Through the 2030s, Collaborative Combat Aircrafts are expected to also play a key role in IAMD as they augment combat air platforms. IAMD investments aim to provide a more resilient and integrated defence architecture, introducing greater redundancy and strengthening decision-making through improved situational awareness. Collectively, they will ensure the UK is better able to detect, assess and respond to evolving air and missile threats while establishing the foundations for future capability growth.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
15523
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Ballistic missile defence Unmanned air systems
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk