To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what steps he is taking to increase UK sovereign capability in the defence space sector.
Answered on
20 March 2025
The Ministry of Defence is supporting the Government's ambition to strengthen the UK's space sector. Through major investments from Defence, including £1.5 billion over 10 years in Defence space technologies and £5 billion over a similar period in satellite communications through the SKYNET programme, we have supported the development of technology and economic growth opportunities for the sector. Initiatives like ISTARI, a satellite constellation for Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance, will boost operational independence using unique technology developed in the UK. Collaboration with industry, academia, and Government is ongoing to ensure the necessary infrastructure, skilled personnel, satellites, ground stations and operators are in place for sovereign capability.