Britain to intensify defence against space 'threats'
Britain will boost the number of defence personnel working in the space sector by a fifth over five years to counter ‘intensifying threats’, UK Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said on 21 May.
Williamson also confirmed that Britain was looking at ‘alternative systems’ for satellite navigation following doubts about its role in the European Union's (EU) long-awaited Galileo project after Brexit.
Launching the country's first defence space strategy, Williamson announced the Royal Air Force (RAF) will take on responsibility for ‘command and control’ of military space operations.
The increase in staffing will take the number of people working in the sector to more than 600 by 2023.
Williamson said: ‘We must make sure we are primed and ready to deter and counter the intensifying threats to our everyday life that are emerging in space.
‘That's why today I'm announcing the RAF is taking the lead in this area and why we plan to increase the number of personnel covering space.’
The space strategy will include plans to protect British operations against emerging space-based threats, such as the jamming of civilian satellites used for broadcasters and satellite navigation to support military capabilities.
The government announced earlier in May 2018 that it is also exploring the development of its own satellite navigation system to rival the EU's Galileo project and the dominant US GPS system.
Britain hopes to start tendering for the programme later in 2018, with Australia a possible partner, the Financial Times reported on 21 May.
Williamson said: ‘Britain is a world leader in the space industry and our defence scientists and military personnel have played a central role in the development of the EU's Galileo satellite programme alongside British companies.
‘So it is important we also review our contribution and how we plan for alternative systems in this crucial area.’
More from Defence Notes
-
![What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration]()
What the future holds for Ukraine and NATO under a Trump administration
Although Trump’s geopolitics policy for Europe remains unclear, defence analysts from the US and Europe predict how his incoming administration would attempt to handle critical issues on the continent.
-
![RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific]()
RUSI deputy: UK needs longer procurement plans and improved awareness of US sift to Indo-Pacific
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October was the first by a Labour government in 14 years which has also launched a review into defence procurement programmes.
-
![Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard]()
Australia outlines longer punch and brings local industry onboard
The Australian government has placed a focus on Guided Weapons and Explosive Ordnance (GWEO) which has included the purchase of additional long-range rocket systems and investments in local production of missiles.
-
![UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?]()
UK boosts defence budget by 5.3%, but is this enough?
The UK budget announced in Parliament on 30 October is the first by a Labour government in 14 years. While it sees a boost in defence spending, this comes in the face of fiscal challenges and the effects of inflation.
-
![UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review]()
UK makes big moves to fix “broken” defence procurement system ahead of major review
The changes are intended to meet greater need and deliver more value for money.
-
![US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities]()
US companies invest in production capabilities to satisfy DoD’s hunger for cutting-edge capabilities
BAE Systems, Booz Allen Hamilton and Lockheed Martin have been betting on new facilities and innovative manufacturing technologies to speed up the development of new solutions.
