Written question asked by Stuart Anderson (Conservative) on Tuesday, 14 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 16 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Wednesday, 22 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Unmanned Air Systems: Procurement

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, when he plans that the £200 million of additional investment into counter drone technology will produce a capability that is operationally ready.

Answer: The pace of development and technological innovation of uncrewed aerial systems means the threat is in a state of constant change. To keep pace with the rapid evolution of the threat, counter drone capability needs to focus on spiral development, flexibility and modularity. The additional investment into counter drone technology will build on capability already in use and operationally proven and will ensure our Armed Forces are equipped with capability that keeps pace with the rapid evolution of the threat. We do not release details of in service dates for individual capabilities and protection areas where it would compromise operational security.

Secondary information