MoD Integrated Review calls for next generation surface vessels and a centering around Space Command

On 16 March, the UK Government published its long-awaited Integrated Review of security, defence, development and foreign policy.

Entitled “Global Britain in a Competitive Age”, the review promised the Ministry of Defence (MoD) a GBP24bn increase in investment over the next four years with the aim of sustaining the “strategic advantage” of the armed forces.

As the review read: "To modernise the UK Armed Forces…we will prioritise the development and integration of new technologies including those required for near-peer, high-tech warfighting and a digital backbone to enable multi-domain operations and interoperability with allies and partners.”

Specific highlights in the review included confirmation of the procurement of a minimum of 48 F-35 stealth fighters by 2025; development and fielding of a series of next-generation surface vessels including Type-26, -31 and -32 frigates; and the continued development of the ‘Tempest’ Future Combat Air System.

The review also promised the British Army will undergo its “most comprehensive” modernisation in two decades, with emphasis on its integration into a truly multi-domain battlespace and ability to intervene at pace and at increased range.

Space will play a central role in supporting the roll-out of the MoD’s strategy. Indeed, the review confirmed the creation of an integrated space strategy and the establishment of a dedicated Space Command.

The review also pledged to support the growth of the UK commercial space sector to ensure it has the capabilities required to protect and defend national interests in a more congested and contested space domain. This includes plans to launch British-manufactured satellites from the UK by 2022.

Space-based connectivity is ideally suited to supporting the force multiplying effects of the UK’s Joint Force, particularly at a time when personnel numbers are dwindling and data demands placed upon platforms are increasing at exponential rates.

The average data rate of many of the MoD’s legacy platforms is just a couple of megabytes per second which significantly restricts their ability to operate across the modern battlespace. This must be improved upon to support the warfighter today and into the future.

Satellite communications for example, will play a critical role in the development of the MoD’s Digital Backbone which will enable the armed forces to exploit emerging technologies associated with the Information Age. These include Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML); Synthetics, Autonomy, and Robotics; Big Data; the Internet of Things (IoT); 5G and 6G communications networks; Additive Manufacturing; and Quantum Computing.

Part-owned by Her Majesty’s Government, OneWeb can support many of these emerging requirements. Our Global Connectivity Platform comprises a 648-strong constellation of Low Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites, global gateways and user terminals which could provide the UK’s Armed Forces with a rapidly deployable, modular and scalable tactical network capable of ensuring secure and resilient voice and data communications, including strategic reach-back to home stations.

Any Joint Force would benefit from 99.7% global coverage including the Arctic and Antarctica; Communications on-the-move (air, land and sea); <50ms latency; Data Throughput >195Mbps; and increased security, cyber and situation awareness to enhance decision-making processes.

Due to go ‘live’ in November, OneWeb’s platform will provide game-changing levels in connectivity to armed forces operating on land, in the air and at sea across North America, The Arctic and Europe.

Services will be extended to the Middle East, North Africa and the Indo-Pacific the following year- something of particularly relevance to the MoD given its decision to deploy a Carrier Strike Group to the western Pacific in the near future.

As the character of warfare changes, our armed forces must operate in increasingly complicated and often contested battlespaces where maximum levels in connectivity must be assured to ensure operational effectiveness.

OneWeb is perfectly positioned as a national champion of the UK to support the MoD’s transition into the Information Age, enabling the joint force to win the fight and return home safely.