What the militarisation of space means for our armed forces

The allocation of £1.4bn on space operations over the decade is an important statement about our military future, writes Kim Sengupta

(Getty Images/iStockphoto)

The P-8 Poseidon on the runway at military airfield RAF Lossiemouth is in a fleet of aircraft that plays a key part in Britain’s military strategy. This maritime patrol aircraft is an example of the focus on high-tech weaponry that is key to the recent review of defence and security policies. 

Meanwhile, inside the Boeing 737 fuselage is an array of equipment including an acoustic sensor system with multi-state sonobuoys, an APY-10 radar with modules for high-resolution mapping, an electro-optical/IR turret and electronic support measures. The armament includes MK 54 torpedoes for engaging targets underwater and harpoon anti-shipping missiles. The US Navy, in addition, is trialling high altitude anti-submarine weapon capability, which can turn the MK54 torpedo, with its GPS guided parachute, into a glide bomb that can be deployed from 30,000 feet. 

The P-8 is used for hunting Russian submarines in the northern waters, guarding the nuclear fleet of Polaris submarines based at Faslane with the two new aircraft carriers, HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince of Wales. The security threat to Britain is predicted to increase in future, as the Arctic ice cap melts and opens a new passage into the Atlantic, which could be accessed by Russian and Chinese forces.