The Ministry of Defence (MOD) continues to prioritise sovereign capabilities in military satellite communications and space warfare, according to a series of parliamentary responses from Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence.
In answering questions from James Cartlidge, MP for South Suffolk, Eagle outlined the UK’s strategic approach to securing control over critical satellite infrastructure and space-based defence systems.
In response to a question on the strategic value of maintaining sovereign capabilities in military satellite communications, Eagle stated, “The UK’s military satellite communications programme is based on the principles of freedom of action, operational advantage, and operational independence, and therefore ‘sovereign control’ is a core design tenet.”
She added that the MOD regularly validates these principles through its requirements and investment approvals processes. Sovereign control, Eagle explained, is essential to ensure “assured, positive command and control of UK Armed Forces and support to other government departments.”
The importance of sovereign capabilities in space warfare was also highlighted in Eagle’s responses. She emphasised the UK’s ongoing investment in the SKYNET satellite programme, explaining, “We are continuing the investment of over £5 billion in our world-renowned sovereign SKYNET constellation of satellites to provide global, secure satellite communications.” The MOD is also investing £1.5 billion in additional defence space technologies, aiming to protect and defend the UK’s interests in space as technology and the security landscape evolve. Eagle noted, “We will continue to invest in world-leading technology to maintain our advantage in the space domain.”
In addressing steps taken to improve sovereign capabilities in satellite development, Eagle outlined the UK’s focus on fostering national expertise and industrial capability. She stated, “The aim is to establish viable UK-based industrial expertise to support national programmes and international sales.” For the next generation of SKYNET communications satellites, bidders are required to meet specific technical and manufacturing criteria related to UK content.
Eagle highlighted the recent collaboration between Surrey Satellite Technology Ltd, Defence Equipment & Support, and UK Space Command, which led to the launch of the Tyche satellite. “Tyche represents the first of a future constellation of Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance satellites that the UK will launch over the coming years,” she said.
Literally zero announcements in this article.
I wouldn’t call it all “world leading” but we are making small steps of progress.
I’ll be pleased when Skynet is back in house.
We really cannot afford this sort of extravagance while we have hugely expensive SSN alongside, loaded with the latest Spearfish, for lack of trained submariners etc etc