As countries grow increasingly reliant on space systems for economic stability and military security, the urgency for robust space defence capabilities has never been greater.
For the United Kingdom, integrating space into its defence framework is no longer merely an opportunity – it is an essential move to safeguard our national interests and remain competitive on the global stage. Without immediate and strategic investment in sovereign space capabilities, we risk vulnerability to new forms of conflict and economic disruption.
This article is the opinion of the author, Martin Rowse (SKYNET Director, Airbus Defence and Space), and not necessarily that of the UK Defence Journal. If you would like to submit your own article on this topic or any other, please see our submission guidelines.
The UK’s 2021 Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy marked a pivotal shift, designating space as a “critical national infrastructure”. This is a vital recognition, and the Government’s ongoing Strategic Defence Review is expected to underscore this view. Space-based assets now underpin everyday life, supporting global communications, financial markets, and the operation of military and emergency services. Yet, these critical assets are increasingly exposed to disruption by adversaries who recognise space’s strategic value.
The reality is that space has become not only a congested domain but a contested one as well. Nations are developing capabilities to challenge each other, from anti-satellite weapons to cyberattacks on satellite networks. Just this year, the White House disclosed it is monitoring a new Russian anti-satellite weapon, and in August, the Royal Air Force confirmed investment in radar infrastructure to counter “reckless” space threats from adversaries. In this environment, the UK cannot afford to be passive – we must assert influence, protect our assets, and secure our freedom to operate by developing sovereign capabilities domestically. This requires not only advanced technology but a strategic vision that places space at the core of national security.
Achieving this vision depends on robust collaboration across government, industry, and academia. By harnessing the best of British innovation and expertise, the UK can respond to emerging threats with agility and foresight. Fostering a national environment of innovation and partnership will enable the creation of a defence ecosystem that can adapt to 21st-century challenges. This approach aligns seamlessly with the Government’s goal to ‘make, sell, and buy more’ in Britain and space must now be seen as an arena with vast export potential. Airbus, for instance, has identified £8-10 billion in Military Satellite Communication export opportunities worldwide, underscoring the sector’s potential.
Furthermore, a recent independent economic analysis Airbus commissioned points to a promising growth trajectory for the UK’s Defence-Space industry. With a focused effort, UK industry jobs could triple by 2040, reaching around 85,000 positions, while the sector’s economic impact could rise from the current £2.4 billion to an estimated £9 billion. Recognising this, Maria Eagle, Minister of State for Defence, recently affirmed the Ministry of Defence’s commitment to job creation in the space sector, highlighting substantial investment in programmes such as SKYNET and ISTARI that aim to develop world-leading technologies.
As the government evaluates its Strategic Defence Review and broader industrial strategy, aligning business and technological capabilities will be critical. While the groundwork has been laid by both prime contractors and SMEs, a greater emphasis on sovereign capability is essential if the UK is to safeguard its national interests and drive economic growth.
The decisions we make now will shape the UK’s role in a new era of strategic competition. The UK must seize this moment to embrace the convergence of defence and space and lead with the ambition and resolve that have long defined our country’s role on the world stage.
Space is one of those areas where the opportunities grow along with technology improvements, especially in Defence and dual use. (Did we ever get back into Galileo?) However, there’s no extra money in the Defence budget. Space is not one of the government’s growth target areas so we can’t expect a handout there. Unless we can get into programmes that will let us sell products or services, or piggyback on civilian projects, we’d be cutting forces to pay for them, yet again.
I hope the government continues to build on the success of ISTARI. I think adding an infra red track constellation to the EO and SAR constellations makes sense and can be done cheaply.
Also hopefully Orbex can get into orbit this year and the UK can be the only nation in Western Europe with an end to end Soverign domestic spy satellite launch capability.
Beyond that we need anti satellite capability both hard and soft kill. This can probably be done with Arrow 3 if we choose to buy it for ABM. But we should also invest in soft kill options like laser dazzle and ECM.
Space is probably the second biggest thing we can bring to ENATO after nuclear weapons.