October 19, 2024
2 mins read

Govt to back NATO space launch capabilities

Attending his first NATO Defence Ministerial, the Defence Secretary signed up to a range of multinational long-term projects…reports Asian Lite News

NATO allies could be set to use Britain’s launch vehicles and space ports, following new work that will see the alliance start work to rapidly deploy assets to space.

With adversaries attempting to maximise their advantages in space, Defence Secretary John Healey MP signed a letter of intent, which will see NATO allies work closer on government and commercial space launch capabilities.

Attending his first NATO Defence Ministerial, the Defence Secretary also signed up to a range of multinational long-term projects, from virtual training to drone procurement.

Friday and Saturday (Friday 18 October, Saturday 19 October) the Defence Secretary will attend the G7 Defence Ministers meeting.  The meeting, hosted by the Italian Presidency of the G7, in Naples, will see the Defence Secretary meet with his G7 opposite numbers. 

On the margins of the G7, Mr Healey will also attend a meeting of the Global Combat Air Programme, with his Italian and Japanese counterparts. The space cooperation announcement will see the UK help develop NATO’s space capabilities.

Known as the STARLIFT programme, it will build space launch capabilities across the alliance and will see the UK, alongside our allies and commercial partners, create a network of space launch capabilities across the alliance. 

Defence Secretary John Healey MP 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.”

The UK will sign a letter of intent to share virtual simulator training across NATO, allowing Allies to train and work together without the need for a physical deployment, saving time, resources and money.

The UK has agreed that NATO will create a single test network to enable allies to use different munition types, such as 155mm, on various artillery systems. This will ensure greater flexibility in joint operations.

The Defence Secretary also confirmed that the UK will take part in a project to develop cutting-edge drones.  The UK has played a key role in sending thousands of drones to Ukraine, where we have seen first-hand the vital role they have played in fighting back against Putin’s forces.

NATO allies will work together to develop these unmanned platforms which will gather intelligence, surveillance and deliver strike capabilities.   UK participation also helps to integrate the MQ-9B/Protector uncrewed aircraft capability into the NATO Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Force and defence of the High North and Arctic region. The UK’s participation in these ambitious projects underline our unshakeable commitment to NATO.

ALSO READ: UK urges India to cooperate with Canada’s legal process

Previous Story

Govt partners with civil society to transform lives

Next Story

Tory leader’s wife jailed for race hate post

Latest from -Top News

Trump Warns Musk: ‘Close Shop or Go Home’

Trump’s warning on his Truth Social platform late on Tuesday (US time) came amid the feud between him and Musk over the ‘One Big Beautiful Bill’….reports Asian Lite News Former US President

India-US Trade Deal Likely This Week

The interim trade deal would be an initial step towards a comprehensive bilateral free trade agreement between Indian and the US….reports Asian Lite News India is expected to finalise an interim trade

One Year Later, Hasina’s Son Raises Red Flag

Hasina’s abrupt exit last August after violent student protests was widely seen as a blow to democracy in the Muslim-majority nation of 170 million….reports Asian Lite News Sajeeb Wazed, son of former

Global South Finds Its Campus in India

The question is no longer if India can attract global talent, but whether it can build the conditions to do so at scale—with care and vision. Done right, India could emerge as

Jaishankar Gets Real on India-US Ties

The EAM underlined the structural drivers of the bilateral relationship, saying, “The trend line over the last 25 years has actually been very strong….reports Asian Lite News External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar
Go toTop

Don't Miss

UK agrees to repatriate 6 from Syrian detention camps

A Syrian news agency said the woman and children, British

‘COP28 A Huge Moment For The World’

Andrew Griffith noted that the UAE and UK have lots