Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what progress has he made in securing sovereign UK capability to develop high-bandwidth, platform-to-platform and ground-to-space links.

The Ministry of Defence continues to invest in sovereign and assured communications capabilities, including through the SKYNET 6 programme and the modernisation of Defence's satellite communications infrastructure.

SKYNET 6 will deliver the next generation of military satellite communications, providing increased capacity, resilience and secure global connectivity. Defence is also exploring emerging technologies to support higher-bandwidth links between satellites and ground infrastructure, alongside allied and commercial capabilities where appropriate.

Detailed information on the technical characteristics and development of military communications capabilities is not routinely disclosed where doing so could prejudice operational security. Defence continues to develop and assess technologies that improve the capacity, resilience and security of communications across the Integrated Force.

This approach will ensure the UK retains the sovereign capability and freedom of action required to meet current and future operational demands.