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Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Monday, 13 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Monday, 20 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Unmanned Air Systems

Question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 40 of his Department's document entitled Defence Investment plan, published 30 June 2026, if he will set out what steps the Army is taking to integrate drone capabilities at all levels.

Answer

The Army is integrating drones at all levels as part of its 5th Generation Land Forces transition. This includes the delivery of uncrewed capabilities from the tactical to the strategic level, integrated into a coherent force design rather than fielded as standalone systems.

In line with the Army’s 20:40:40 force design construct, capabilities will include high-volume, low-cost consumable drones that can be rapidly replaced, alongside more sophisticated attritable uncrewed systems whose loss is acceptable without jeopardising mission success. These capabilities will be integrated with survivable crewed platforms that command and exploit the capabilities of the wider force. Investing in the new force design construct will enhance the Army’s ability to sense, strike and manoeuvre at greater scale, speed, and persistence.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
18122
Session
2026-27
Subjects
Army Unmanned air systems
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk