UK Defence Secretary Falters on Cost of New RAF 'Space Force'
Wes Streeting admitted he did not have immediate figures for the funding and personnel of a newly announced space command unit.
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting was left momentarily flustered during a broadcast interview when he could not immediately recall the cost of a new Royal Air Force 'space force' unit.
The squadron, designated No III Space Effects Squadron, is intended to protect satellites used for missile attack warnings, communications, and guidance.
When pressed by LBC presenter Nick Ferrari about the deployment numbers and funding, Streeting initially stated, "We're talking initially in terms of this new unit, tens of people." He clarified this referred to personnel needed to run the command.
Upon further questioning regarding the initiative's cost, Streeting responded, "Well I don't have the figures to hand, unusually for me this morning... I haven't got instant recall on that off the top of my head." He added that the government is increasing investment in space.
Ferrari informed him that funding for the broader space sector is allocated at £7.8 billion through 2030, a figure Streeting accepted as likely correct, admitting, "I'm kicking myself because you always try to catch us out on facts."
The announcement of the new squadron coincides with the release of a new government strategy aimed at bolstering defenses against space-based threats. SaxaVord Spaceport in Shetland is slated to receive an additional £30 million under this strategy.
Streeting explained the need for the new unit, stating, "What we know about space, as with every other domain, is that there are adversaries out there who are developing the capability to disrupt and to harm our interests. And that's why, in addition to the capability we already have in space and the early warning systems we have, we are deploying new capability that enables us to deter and to disrupt ourselves."