British Antarctic Territory: Armed Forces
The question
To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 23 of the National Security Strategy 2025, CP 1338, published on 24 June 2025, what steps the military is taking to help support the UK’s scientific presence in the British Antarctic Territory.
Answered by Al Carns
Defence plays an important role in safeguarding UK interests in Antarctica, including the British Antarctic Territory and supporting UK roles and responsibilities to the Antarctic Treaty.
The Royal Navy’s Ice Patrol Ship, HMS PROTECTOR, routinely deploys to the Antarctic Peninsula. Activities include: undertaking hydrographic surveys to improve the safety of navigation; facilitating inspections under the Antarctic Treaty; and assistance to the British Antarctic Survey and UK Antarctic Heritage Trust.
RAF transport aircraft periodically deliver logistics to British Antarctic Survey through airdrops.
The MOD is supporting the FCDO’s work to publish a UK Antarctic strategy by the end of the year, which will set the Government’s aims and ambitions for Antarctica for the next 10 years.
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