Question to the Ministry of Defence:

To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, pursuant to the answer of 11 September 2026 to Question 27063 on Aerospace Industry: Finance, what progress his Department has made in the development of radiation-hard devices for satellites and spacecraft for military applications.

The Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) work closely with the UK Space Agency and supports research and innovation across the UK semiconductor and space sectors, including technologies that can enhance the resilience of satellite systems operating in challenging radiation environments.

The Ministry of Defence has developed radiation hard technologies for specific applications. The specifics of the technologies are understandably sensitive.

The Government continues to support the development of relevant UK capabilities, recognising the importance of secure and resilient supply chains for future defence and space systems. However, acquisition of operational military satellites is achieved by accessing off the shelf products via international commercial companies.