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Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 17 October 2025UIN 79319

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 89 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, what additional resource the Royal Navy will be granted to take a new (a) leading and (b) coordinating role in securing undersea infrastructure.

Answered by Al Carns

The Royal Navy is acting under the direction provided in the Strategic Defence Review 2025 to lead and co-ordinate work to protect critical undersea infrastructure. This includes new investment capability options for platforms and sensor suites to counter threats.

Options for new investment to support critical undersea infrastructure protection are in the Royal Navy’s submission into the Defence Investment Plan, which will report in due course.

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