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Defence: Satellites

Asked by Andrew RosindellReform UKMinistry of DefenceTabled Answered 16 June 2026UIN 8004

The 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.

Answered by Luke Pollard

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.

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