The UK’s defence secretary Gavin Williamson has launched the country’s first space defence strategy with a warning that space-based threats are evolving.
The UK’s first space defence strategy aims to significantly boost the sector in response to changing threats to the country’s critical infrastructure. Ultimately, the UK aims to boost the number of personnel working in space defence by 20% over the next five years, which would take the total number of people employed in the sector to more than 600.
Under the new strategy, the RAF Air Command will take control and assume responsibility for the UK’s military space operations in the future. These operations are set to increase as the nature of space-based threats changes.
What new threats is the UK facing?
The changing nature of space-based threats means that the UK needs its first space defence strategy, Williamson said. Namely, new threats include the ability of foreign actors to jam satellites used for military navigation and communication capabilities, as well as impacting civilian satellites.
Following Brexit, the UK will no longer be able to fully participate in the EU’s Galileo satellite programme, EU negotiator Michel Barnier said last week, citing security concerns. In recognition of this, Williamson suggested that the UK might pursue an alternative satellite programme to compensate for reduced access to Galileo.
What did Williamson say?
The expansion to the UK’s space defence capabilities are vital for the country’s ongoing security, Williamson insisted. He explained: “It is essential we protect our interests and assets from potential adversaries who seek to cause major disruption and do us harm… 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.”
On the need for a replacement for Galileo, Williamson added: “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.”
