Written question asked by Lord Moonie on Friday, 22 April 2022, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 9 May 2022. It was answered by Baroness Goldie (Conservative) on Thursday, 28 April 2022 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence Equipment

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government, in light of the conflict in Ukraine, what plans they have to increase the quantity of UK defensive war stocks.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) keeps weapons stockpile levels and requirements under constant review, balancing current holdings against threats, availability, industrial capacity and evolving technology. This is especially true in light of the ongoing war in Ukraine, and these considerations have also informed the numbers of munitions granted in kind to the armed forces of Ukraine. The Department is fully engaged with industry, allies and partners to ensure that all munitions stocks granted in kind to the armed forces of Ukraine are replaced as expeditiously as possible. For reasons of safeguarding operational security, it would be inappropriate to discuss timelines or numbers at this stage in relation to any orders placed with industry. The MOD continuously reviews the capability required to counter threats and monitors the global security situation, including in Ukraine, to ensure appropriate levels of operational readiness.

Secondary information