Written question asked by Andrew Rosindell (Reform UK) on Tuesday, 9 June 2026, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 11 June 2026. It was answered by Luke Pollard (Labour) on Tuesday, 16 June 2026 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Defence: Satellites

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of international competition and regulatory developments relating to satellite spectrum allocation, orbital access and satellite governance on UK defence capabilities; and what steps he is taking to safeguard those capabilities.

Answer: The Ministry of Defence (MOD) has assessed international competition and regulatory developments relating to satellite spectrum, orbital access and governance as presenting a strategic risk to UK Defence capabilities. These risks are recognised within Defence programmes and are actively managed through risk governance frameworks. MOD safeguards capability through a combination of sovereign assets, commercial arrangements, international partnerships and through active engagement in international regulatory processes, alongside Ofcom and other Government departments.

Secondary information