UK teaming with partners for space security

The Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO) convened in Florence, Italy, bringing together representatives from its ten partner nations to address the growing challenges of space security.

Discussions focused on countering emerging threats, enhancing resilience, and promoting the responsible use of outer space, with attendees reaffirming their commitment to the Outer Space Treaty.

CSpO, comprising Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States, aims to safeguard space as a secure environment amidst increasing global competition.

The group’s mission includes coordinating defence space activities, deterring hostile actions, and strengthening international norms governing space use.

Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard Knighton, the UK’s Chief of the Air Staff, underscored the importance of collaboration in space security:

“We are seeing increasing competition in space, with some competitors fielding advanced capabilities that could disrupt the satellites we rely on for modern life. It is crucial that we work alongside our allies, through partnerships like CSpO, to safeguard our interests in space.”

The Florence meeting featured a tabletop exercise simulating potential threats and resulted in a joint statement highlighting the partners’ shared vision for a peaceful and stable space environment.

Avril Jolliffe, Director General of Industry, Trade and Economic Security, echoed the need for collective action:

“It’s more important than ever that we increase our resilience and interoperability, strengthen and uphold the international rules-based order, and deter hostile acts. No nation can do this alone – space is truly a global endeavour and CSpO is integral to how the UK is pursuing this.”