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Telecommunications Cables: Seas and Oceans

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 17 October 2025UIN 79370

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, with reference to page 106 of the Strategic Defence Review 2025, published on 8 July 2025, when the multi-role ocean survey ship will be deployed to counter threats to critical 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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