NATO
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence what recent progress there has been on NATO's Smart Defence initiative; and if he will make a statement. [127608]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence: NATO Defence Ministers were briefed on recent progress on NATO's Smart Defence initiative at their October 2012 meeting. There are currently 24 projects with lead nations or lead bodies identified, an increase from 22 at the time of the Chicago summit. In addition, there are another 56 possible Smart Defence proposals. Work to associate NATO's partner nations with Smart Defence has yet to begin in earnest.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence (1) what recent progress has been made on NATO's Connected Forces initiative; [127609]
(2) if he will list the (a) agreed and (b) planned projects that will form part of NATO's Connected Forces initiative. [127809]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence: NATO is developing the detail of the Connected Forces initiative which essentially will comprise proposals to expand education and training, increase exercises and make better use of technology. A detailed report with recommendations will be presented to Defence Ministers at the NATO Defence Ministerial on 21 and 22 February 2013 in accordance with the timelines agreed at NATO.
Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence if he will list the (a) agreed and (b) planned projects that will form part of NATO's Smart Defence initiative. [127808]
Dr Murrison, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State, Ministry of Defence: The NATO list of agreed and planned projects is owned by NATO. The UK has already announced that it will lead on the Immersive Training Environments project and the Theatre Opening Capability project that form part of the Smart Defence initiative.