Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson has warned that the UK must be ready to counter 'intensifying threats' emerging in space, including the jamming of military satellites used by the Army. Launching the UK's first defence space strategy, he announced plans to boost staff in the sector by a fifth to 600.
Mr Williamson confirmed that the government is considering British participation in an alternative satellite-navigation system to the EU's Galileo programme. This follows the EU blocking UK involvement in Galileo due to security concerns after Brexit. The UK has spent €1.4 billion on the project, and Business Secretary Greg Clark is reportedly seeking legal advice on reclaiming the funds.
The defence secretary emphasised that satellite technology is 'not just a crucial tool for our armed forces but vital to our way of life,' from mobile phones to the internet and television. He stressed the need to protect UK interests from adversaries seeking to cause disruption and harm.
As part of the strategy, RAF Air Command will be given a key role in controlling military space operations. On Monday, defence minister Guto Bebb is expected to tell a conference that space is a 'vital' part of the British economy and that the strategy will ensure the industry benefits from growth in satellite technology.
