Minister for the Armed Forces, Luke Pollard, addressed attendees at the Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2024, highlighting the transformative role of air, space, and cyber capabilities in modern defence.
In his first speech as Minister, Pollard spoke about the critical importance of integrating air, land, sea, space, and cyber capabilities to address evolving global threats.
“Whether you are a member of the armed forces, an international ally, or a partner in industry, you will know that our air, land and sea naval capabilities are all dependent on our ability to work together in space, and in cyber,” he said.
Pollard discussed the necessity for the UK to adopt an “all domain warfare” approach, moving beyond multi-domain integration. “Where to win we control space, cyber, electronic spectrums, as well as air, land and sea in a single joined-up approach,” he explained.
Reflecting on recent achievements, Pollard praised the efforts of UK servicemen and women in various global operations, from protecting UK and NATO airspace to conducting precision strikes and thwarting cyber attacks. “It amounts to an impressive legacy from just 7 months’ work. And I want to thank everyone who has served for their professionalism,” he said.
Acknowledging the challenges ahead, Pollard pointed to the need for increased defence spending, improved procurement processes, and enhanced recruitment and retention of Armed Forces personnel. He highlighted the new government’s commitment to a Strategic Defence Review, led by former NATO Secretary General Lord Robertson, aimed at addressing these issues.
Pollard also reiterated the UK’s steadfast support for NATO and Ukraine, noting the government’s commitment to providing £3 billion annually in military aid to Ukraine until 2030. “Our commitment to NATO is unshakeable. We must, and we will fulfil all our obligations as a member and strengthen Britain’s leadership within the alliance,” he stated.
In conclusion, Pollard called for a collaborative approach to defence, urging contributions from forces, industry, academia, and international allies. “We will be a joined-up, ‘One Defence’ ministerial team, breaking down silos, and working to deliver a joined-up ‘one defence’ approach to the sector,” he said.
I suppose he could really cut out some of the 13 committees in MOD that would ensure some joined up thinking hopefully!
Imagine how much of an epic move it would be to attend the “Global Air & Space Chiefs’ Conference 2024” and just stand up to say “Gentlemen, the future of warfare is dismounted close combat infantry.” and then mike drop and walk out. 😂
🤣 I’d give my whole pension to see that!!!
Has set jitters off as pretty vague on GCAP apparently.
Not vague at all. Unlike AUKUS, GCAP is simply not protected and will be under review. During the next year, GCAP might be cancelled.
I’m not sure that’s big news as the government could ignore anything that comes out of the review and do anything at any time.
If we didn’t have Italy and Japan on board already, I would share your pessimism. With those 2 on board, I personally feel the project is decently secure, say 75-90% chance it results in a capability for us.
I didn’t mean to sound pessimistic. I agree, and like you I’m almost certain GCAP will survive the review. It’s not just the presence of Italy and Japan in the project. The emphasis on economic growth and prosperity makes GCAP a no brainer.
Indeed if we blow out Italy and especially Japan pretty much any potential benefit post Brexit will be thrown out the window, why would Japan want to partner with us on anything which in my view now that we have sidelined Europe and we have a potential clusterfuck of a future relationship with the US on the horizon is vital to any economic future. It would pretty much send warnings to the likes of Australia and India too no doubt about cooperation and who knows what damage it would do to prospects of keeping any remote commitment to Britain by… Read more »
I agree
There was a Telegraph article about this, not sure it’s anything to take seriously yet though.
Either way,what would be the alternative ? ✈
This may not be appropriate to mention but maybe linking in with a US partner and their NGAD requirements?
Except I can see serious ructions and lack of trust between the next now almost inevitable US Govt and the Labour Govt now that it’s being compared to Islamic State by some Republicans. I can see a move to see if they can tie in with European efforts but don’t see that as a particularly profitable move knowing that the French will still want project leadership. It will be like Arianespace at best and be years late.
Not inappropriate at all, It’s a valid alternative as would joining the Franco German programme be but I firmly believe this programme will continue to fruition.
F35A. What I find interesting is that they can happily confirm AUKUS and Trident pre review but not GCAP.
I hope the speculation doing the rounds is wrong.
Maybe it’s just early days. The speculation doing the rounds has been fuelled by the press and I do get a sense of Tory weighted alarmism.
This Country needs to be at the leading edge of military technology and production, it’s good for employment and the economy but above all, it’s good for defence.
Yes, typical DT moaning yet they ignored a decade of Tory cuts when it suited.
I still wish they’d have confirmed it early like AUKUS.
To be honest I read the speech and I’m not to worried basically it could be summed up as: 1) GCAP is really important to the future of the RAF and UK airo industry and they fully support it. 2) they are having discussions with Italy and Japan on next steps 3) The process of the review will maximise capabilities available in the next 3 years, increasing the lethality and availability of stuff we have now. 4)They want the review to be armed forces and expert lead not politically lead and they are not going to force any programs by… Read more »
As always, the voice of reason!
Thanks J, you are my medicine against the endless pessimism and worry!
Absolutely.
Wild speculation from the press should not be taken seriously.
Not sure how we would look on the world stage if this were the case with our international partners. It’s not like we do have previous for this.
Agreed, it would pretty much confirm our road to being a third World economic power, something I produced a little satirical cartoon about as a student in the 80s but like President Trump in the Simpsons is eerily looking too close for comfort. Lateral thinking amongst politicians is never a quality that should be presumed sacrosanct.
I read through his speech and to be honest I thought it was pretty positive and had a couple of the key things I wanted to hear. you can break down what he said to: 1) GCAP is really important to the future of the RAF and UK airo industry and they fully support it. 2) they are having discussions with Italy and Japan on next steps 3) The process of the review will maximise capabilities available in the next 3 years, increasing the lethality and availability of stuff we have now. 4)They want the review to be armed forces… Read more »