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China and Russia: Antisatellite Weapons

Asked by Ben Obese-JectyConservativeMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 2 December 2025UIN 93476

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment has he made of the potential implications for his policies of the use of anti-satellite weapons in all orbital regimes by a) Russia and b) China.

Answered by Al Carns

Space is increasingly contested, and actors are demonstrating the capability and intent to employ sophisticated counterspace capabilities. In response, Defence is enhancing resilience and redundancy in UK space systems to deter threats to and, if necessary, protect national interests. As outlined in the Strategic Defence Review, we are delivering assured space-based capabilities by focusing on supporting UK freedom of action in space, decision advantage for real-time understanding, and integrated support to operations, including resilient Positioning, Navigation and Timing systems, in collaboration with cross-Government partners.

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