UK Backs NATO Space and Defence Initiatives

The UK has announced key steps to strengthen NATO’s space and defence capabilities. Defence Secretary John Healey revealed new plans aimed at improving space launch abilities, enhancing artillery systems, and developing advanced drones. 

During his first NATO Defence Ministerial on 17th October 2024, Healey signed a letter of intent with NATO partners. This deal focuses on closer cooperation between the UK and NATO allies, especially in government and commercial space launches. As competition in space grows, this initiative will help NATO move its assets more quickly into orbit when needed.

Supporting NATO’s Space Launch Plans

A major part of this agreement is the STARLIFT programme, which will allow NATO allies to use the UK’s spaceports and launch vehicles. The aim is to build a strong, reliable network for launching satellites and other space assets. This capability will make sure NATO is ready to respond to any challenges from space-based threats.

Defence Secretary John Healey said: “By developing these cutting-edge technologies, we are setting up our Armed Forces for the battlefields of the future, and creating significant opportunities for British industry. Our Government’s commitment to NATO is unshakeable. Together with our partners, we will ensure the collective security of our citizens and strengthen our alliance for decades to come.”

Virtual Training for Allied Forces

The UK is also taking steps to improve how NATO forces train together. Healey signed a letter of intent to share virtual simulator training with other NATO countries. This allows troops to practice and work together without needing to travel or deploy physically. 

It’s a big time-saver and also cuts down on costs while still preparing forces for real-world scenarios.

Making Artillery Systems More Flexible

Another important project focuses on improving artillery capabilities across NATO. The UK agreed to help create a single test network for artillery munitions, allowing different types of rounds, such as 155mm shells, to be used across multiple systems. 

This standardisation will give NATO greater flexibility in joint operations, ensuring that forces can work together more smoothly during missions.

Cutting-Edge Drone Development

The UK is also playing a big role in advancing NATO’s drone technology. Together with its allies, the UK will work on creating state-of-the-art drones for intelligence gathering, surveillance, and strike missions. 

These unmanned systems have already proven vital, especially in Ukraine, where UK-supplied drones have helped resist the Russian invasion.

This new drone project will also see the UK integrating its MQ-9B/Protector drones into NATO’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force. 

This collaboration will focus on protecting critical areas like the High North and Arctic regions, further demonstrating the UK’s commitment to strengthening NATO’s defences.

Upcoming International Meetings

Following the NATO Ministerial, Defence Secretary Healey will head to Naples for the G7 Defence Ministers meeting on 18 and 19 October, hosted by Italy. He will meet with other G7 Defence Ministers to discuss global security challenges. During his visit, he will also attend a meeting of the Global Combat Air Programme, alongside officials from Italy and Japan, to talk about future air combat technologies.