Update on RAF Valley Incident
I acknowledge that many of you at the RAF conference may have seen the news earlier today regarding an incident near RAF Valley in Anglesey. A T2 Hawk aircraft crashed shortly after take-off, prompting the immediate ejection of both crew members. I am relieved to report that they have since been taken to hospital for treatment. An investigation is underway to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident, but for now, our thoughts are with the crew, and we wish them a swift recovery.
Addressing the Challenges Ahead
As I shift focus to the themes of our conference, I must issue a brief caution. I appreciate that you have been inundated with speeches throughout the day. As a devoted fan of Star Trek, I have eagerly anticipated this opportunity to engage with you all. Though you’ve endured numerous talks, we are nearing the conclusion, so I hope your attention can endure a bit longer. Apologies for my attempt at humour.
On a serious note, we are undeniably facing a period of significant instability and uncertainty. Our adversaries are continuously testing our resolve. Russia is currently engaged in military action in Europe, while China is actively reshaping the global economic and technological landscape. Historical alliances can no longer be taken for granted, and the threats confronting us are both escalating and encroaching upon our borders.
Prioritising National Security
In light of these challenges, ensuring the safety of our nation has become an increasingly urgent responsibility for any government. As Defence Secretary, my paramount focus is on enhancing our nation’s deterrence and readiness, ensuring we are prepared, willing, and capable of countering adversaries effectively. While this principle is not novel, the methods of maximising and sustaining deterrence in the 21st century are evolving, as the nature of threats to our security transforms.
Hostile nations are increasingly intruding upon our airspace, mapping undersea cables, and encroaching on our territorial waters. Cyber attacks on our infrastructure and institutions are rampant, and threats emanate from outer space. Control of the seas was pivotal for deterrence in the 19th century, leading to Britain establishing an unmatched naval presence. In the 20th century, air superiority was paramount, resulting in the development of a world-class air force. The current century, however, hinges on our ability to dominate space, necessitating that our deterrent capabilities in space are as robust as those on Earth.
The Importance of Space in National Security
Contrary to popular belief, shaped by science fiction, space is not merely a realm for the future; it is critical to our current national security and economic stability. Our daily lives, economic strength, and the effectiveness of our armed forces are reliant on technology operating hundreds or thousands of miles above us. Space systems are essential for our military’s operational advantage, enabling seamless understanding, communication, mobility, and combat capabilities.
The absence of an integrated force without space capabilities is evident. Satellites play a crucial role in intelligence gathering and missile defence, underpinning nearly one-fifth of the UK economy. They are indispensable for everything from weather forecasting and energy management to financial transactions and navigation services. The loss of GPS alone would inflict an estimated £1.4 billion daily cost on our economy. Furthermore, the erosion of these conveniences could threaten our daily freedoms and diminish trust in our institutions.
Recognising the Growing Threats
Our increasing reliance on space makes it a prime target for adversaries, who are continuously enhancing their capabilities. Between 2019 and 2021, the combined operational fleets of Chinese and Russian satellites increased by 70%. Recent revelations indicate that Russian satellites have intercepted communications from numerous European satellites since the onset of the Ukraine conflict in 2022. This underscores not only their capability to threaten our national interests and security but also their intent to do so, necessitating our proactive response.
We acknowledge the myriad challenges facing our defence sector, recognising that in some areas, we have yet to achieve our objectives. This awareness has led to the largest investment in defence since the Cold War, with further contributions anticipated. Nevertheless, it is essential to recognise that our space operations are already world-leading.
Emphasising Innovation and Collaboration
We possess a variety of tools that grant us access and operational autonomy in space, including intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance capabilities, deep-space radar, satellite communications, and more. Over the past nine weeks in my role, I have witnessed the remarkable capabilities of our personnel, technology, and operations. We can take considerable pride in what our defence sector achieves, and I am eager to showcase some of the extraordinary work that makes us proud to be British.
As a small island nation off the northwestern coast of Europe, we continue to exert considerable influence on the global stage, whether in the realms of science, innovation, or our contributions to major powers such as the United States. However, it is vital to strike a balance between confidence in our achievements and self-awareness of the need for further progress. Britain must remain competitive in the evolving space race, ensuring we possess the capabilities to control our assets in space and, if necessary, deny access to hostile states.
Strategic Initiatives for Space Security
This imperative was acknowledged in the Strategic Defence Review, which, for the first time, recognised space as a domain of conflict alongside land, sea, and air. The Defence Investment Plan allocates over £3 billion to enhance our space capabilities within the first four years. The recently launched UK Space Strategy further elevates defence and national security to a central position.
Earlier today, we announced the establishment of the UK’s inaugural squadron dedicated to our Control of Space mission. Despite my suggestions, the Chief of the Air Staff opted against naming it Star Fleet Command, so we will proceed with the No. 3 Space Effects Squadron. This unit will possess the capability to conduct both offensive and defensive operations, bolstering deterrence, minimising coercive opportunities, and enhancing the resilience of our space assets.
Preparing for Future Conflicts
This new squadron will be tasked with disrupting, degrading, and denying hostile activities while safeguarding UK interests in both space and on Earth. Its mission aligns with our ongoing development of capabilities for orbital warfare, electronic warfare, and counter-satellite operations, all designed with the principle of deterrence at their core.
We must avoid the common pitfall of preparing solely for past conflicts. More importantly, we must not restrict ourselves to merely addressing current threats. The rapid technological advancements observed in Ukraine serve as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance. The pace of change is accelerating, and we must be prepared for space as the next battleground, ensuring that any capabilities we develop are utilised responsibly, in alignment with the UK’s commitment to a safe, secure, and sustainable space environment. Like on Earth, our objective is not to seek conflict but to defend our nation, interests, values, and allies through effective deterrence.
Strengthening Alliances for Greater Security
Alliances play a crucial role in our efforts. Achieving our objectives is not feasible alone, a reality that holds true for the UK and every other nation. The complexities of the global landscape and the magnitude of the challenges we face necessitate collaboration. My predecessor articulated a NATO-first but not NATO-only philosophy, which remains an appropriate stance. The NATO alliance serves as the cornerstone of Britain’s defence and security, and we require a stronger United Kingdom to contribute to a more robust Europe and NATO. Our alliance’s future strength will depend on adaptability and innovation.
This lesson from Ukraine underpins our strategic focus on space. The foundations for success are already in place; our space sector is among the most innovative, productive, and commercially viable globally, valued at approximately £20 billion and employing over 55,000 individuals. Our scientists and engineers develop instruments that explore the universe’s boundaries and maintain satellites in orbit. We must continue to advance defence innovation, particularly in the realm of space—the ultimate frontier.
Investing in the Future of Defence
Advancing defence innovation is vital for maintaining our existing advantages and building new ones where necessary. This entails expanding Britain’s defence industrial base and deepening partnerships with leading businesses and research institutions. Such initiatives are critical for our security and align with the Prime Minister’s goals for re-industrialisation and economic growth across the nation.
Investment in defence translates to investment in British industry, skills, and jobs, with nearly 70% of these opportunities located outside London and the South East. By enhancing our presence in space, we will create more avenues for young people, whether in uniform or through apprenticeships and careers in digital technology, AI, telecommunications, and robotics. Our focus on national security will drive economic prosperity and opportunity, ensuring that we not only bolster our nation’s defence capabilities but also create a country worth defending in the eyes of its citizens.
Facing Contemporary Security Challenges
Our nation, alongside the NATO alliance, is confronted with profound challenges. Our security is threatened in ways not encountered for many years, as adversaries aim to sow division and undermine our unity. The risks of miscalculation remain alarmingly real, reflecting the nature of challenges we face in space as well as on Earth.
In response to this emerging frontier of conflict, we are prioritising defence and deterrence in our strategic approach.