Image Crown Copyright 2023
By George Allison
Published by UK Defence Journal, 17 October 2024
The UK government has announced initiatives to enhance NATO’s defence capabilities, including support for space launch operations and artillery munitions, according to a Ministry of Defence press release published on 17 October 2024.
Defence Secretary John Healey MP, attending his first NATO Defence Ministerial, signed a letter of intent that will see NATO allies working more closely on government and commercial space launch capabilities.
This initiative, known as the STARLIFT programme, aims to develop a network of space launch systems across NATO countries, enhancing their ability to rapidly deploy assets into space.
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.”
In addition to space initiatives, the UK also committed to a range of other long-term projects aimed at enhancing NATO’s military readiness. One of these includes virtual training, with the UK signing another letter of intent to share virtual simulator training among NATO allies, reducing the need for physical deployments and cutting costs.
Furthermore, NATO allies will establish a single test network to enable different types of munitions, such as 155mm shells, to be used across various artillery systems, improving artillery flexibility in joint operations.
Finally, the Defence Secretary confirmed the UK’s involvement in a cutting-edge drone development project. This project builds on the UK’s experience in supplying drones to Ukraine, with the new unmanned platforms set to enhance intelligence, surveillance, and strike capabilities across NATO forces.
The UK will also contribute to integrating the MQ-9B/Protector uncrewed aircraft into NATO’s Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Force, particularly for defending the High North and Arctic regions. Healey reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to NATO, stating, “Together with our partners, we will ensure the collective security of our citizens and strengthen our alliance for decades to come.”
These initiatives come ahead of the Defence Secretary’s participation in the G7 Defence Ministers meeting in Naples, Italy, where he will discuss further collaborative defence projects with international partners.
See: Original Article
