Sir Nicholas Soames: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to develop the UK's technological edge in military capabilities; and if he will make a statement.

Mr Philip Dunne, Minister of State for Defence Procurement: This Government is committed to a 1% increase above inflation in the equipment budget until the end of this Parliament, investing over £160 billion in the next decade. This includes investing in new joint strike fighter jets, surveillance aircraft, hunter killer submarines, two aircraft carriers and the most advanced armoured vehicles. The Ministry of Defence also invests over £400 million annually in research to access cutting-edge technologies.

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