Written question asked by Ben Obese-Jecty (Conservative) on Thursday, 2 July 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 6 July 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Friday, 10 July 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Ballistic Missile Defence

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to the Defence Investment Plan, published on 30 June 2026, page 28, what his planned timetable is for delivering the Integrated Air, Space and Missile Defence Operations Centre.

Answer: The Strategic Defence Review committed to strengthening the UK's homeland Integrated Air and Missile Defence, now realised through the Defence Investment Plan with £790 million of additional investment. This funding invests in an Integrated Air and Space Missile Defence Operations Centre. Initially responsible for delivering air operations, it will grow to protect critical space-based services and satellites. Funding will commence in the coming years with a view to it being operational in the early 2030s. Whilst specifics cannot be disclosed to ensure protection of national security arrangements, the threat is central to our thinking and potential future investments.

Secondary information