In a statement on 15 January, the United Kingdom’s Secretary of Defence, Grant Shapps, declared that “The era of the peace dividend is over and 2024 will mark an inflexion… and for Britain, this government will continue to invest to deter, lead, and defend”. In a subsequent speech at Lancaster House in London, Shapps highlighted the escalating threats in space, emphasising the continued development of “satellite-killing technologies” by Britain’s adversaries.
The UK’s holistic approach to space strategy
In navigating the evolving space landscape, the UK adopts a holistic approach that breaks down traditional barriers between civil and military assets. Collaborative efforts between various government departments and the Ministry of Defence have culminated in the UK’s comprehensive space strategy.
This integrated approach recognises the interdependence of civil and military space capabilities, acknowledging that a unified front is essential to address the multifaceted challenges posed by adversaries. However, the coexistence of civil commercial and military satellite systems in the same orbital space also poses a collective challenge. This is particularly the case given rising concerns about the development of kinetic satellite-killing technology and the associated risk of increased space debris, which impacts both sectors and the broader space community. It is for this reason that the UK has built its space strategy holistically, considering the needs of both the defence and commercial industries.
The defence industry’s reliance on the space industry
Shapps is not the only leader who has recently spoken out about the imperative of defence for the space sector. Last month, the head of the European Space Agency, Josef Aschbacher, encouraged Europe’s governments to deepen the integration of their national space capabilities in the areas of security and defence to keep up with global rivals.
In space, the stakes are not confined to geopolitical rivalries – they directly impact businesses and daily life. With heightened geopolitical tensions, the space sector faces an imminent risk to its operations. This demands heightened awareness and strategic preparedness for safeguarding vital interests beyond Earth’s atmosphere.
The symbiotic relationship between the defence and space industries has become increasingly evident, with commercial satellite constellations supporting contemporary combat operations in theatres such as Ukraine and the Middle East. The defence industry heavily relies on space assets for communication, surveillance, navigation, and reconnaissance. Many of these assets are ‘dual-use’, meaning technologies that have both civilian and military applications.
Satellites play a pivotal role in ensuring the effectiveness of military operations, offering a strategic advantage in intelligence gathering and communication networks. As these assets become integral to modern warfare, it is crucial for the defence sector to safeguard their space capabilities, as well as for space companies to recognise the trend and successfully navigate the market.
What happens next?
The UK’s defence policy embraces a dynamic collaboration with the commercial sector, recognising the dual-use potential of space technologies. Britain’s perspective on collaborating with the commercial sector in defence is forward-thinking and strategic. By recognising the dual-use potential within the dynamic space sector, the UK aims to redefine procurement processes, address skill shortages, and spur economic growth. With a focus on high-growth, high-skill industries, the UK has committed to invest substantially over the next decade in enhancing satellite communications capabilities and accelerating project delivery through cutting-edge technologies.
The UK’s Space Defence strategy emphasises fostering an intelligent customer relationship with industry partners, ensuring the preservation of vital technologies for national security. This collaborative approach not only positions businesses as essential contributors but also drives the growth and advancement of the UK’s space economy. The exploration of innovative investment avenues, such as the National Security Strategic Investment Fund, demonstrates a commitment to dual-use technologies, highlighting the crucial role of the commercial sector in shaping Britain’s future defence policies in the realm of space.
If you would like to learn more about the UK space defence strategy and its implications for your market and business, please contact [email protected] and [email protected].
