Executive summary
- The UK needs to compete in space so it can utilise its weapons systems effectively and secure military advantage.
- As both allies and adversaries are expanding their military space programmes, Britain needs to keep up if it wants to remain competitive in this strategic arena and retain the ability to deter and respond to aggression in the future.
- The rapid progress in space technology could leave Britain exposed to strategic surprise. Therefore, the country should remain at the forefront of space innovation and have enough expertise and industrial capacity to respond quickly to major changes.
- Relying heavily on allies such as the United States (US) in the space domain is increasingly fraught with risk, as their space forces could also struggle in a crisis; more focus on UK national defence space capabilities is therefore required.
This Primer is part of the Council on Geostrategy’s Strategic Advantage Cell.
Disclaimer
This publication should not be considered in any way to constitute advice. It is for knowledge and educational purposes only. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Council on Geostrategy or the views of its Advisory Council.
Image credit: Image generated using Artificial Intelligence, inspired by Deployed Reacher detachment, Sergeant Paul Shaw, Ministry of Defence © Crown copyright 2023
No. 2024/34 | ISBN: 978-1-914441-86-8
