Combined Space Operations Initiative partners meet in Florence,
Italy, to enhance space security.
The Combined Space Operations Initiative (CSpO) partners
exchanged views on space threats, conducted a tabletop exercise,
and endorsed a joint statement, reaffirming the importance of
CSpO's mission and the commitment of its members to the Outer
Space Treaty.
Joint Statement from The
Combined Space Operations Initiative Principals' board meeting in
Italy to advance space security (ODT, 968 KB)
CSpO is a 10-nation partnership which comprises Australia,
Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, the
United Kingdom and the United States. Its mission is to lead as
responsible space actors and to protect and defend against
hostile space activities. CSpO is pursuing activities to
coordinate defence space activities, address emerging threats,
and promote the lawful and responsible use of space.
From communications and banking to directing and securing
information advantage for our armed forces, space services are
fundamental to our prosperity and defence. However, we live in an
increasingly volatile and competitive world. Threats to our
interests in space are proliferating, from the potential
placement of nuclear weapons in space to destructive testing
using direct ascent anti-satellite missiles.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Richard
Knighton, said:
We are seeing increasing competition in space, with some
competitors fielding advanced capabilities that could disrupt the
satellites we rely on for modern life.
It is crucial that we work alongside our allies, through
partnerships like CSpO, to safeguard our interests in space.
Director General Industry, Trade and Economic Security, Avril
Jolliffe, said:
It's more important than ever that we increase our resilience and
interoperability, strengthen and uphold the international
rules-based order, and deter hostile acts.
No nation can do this alone – space is truly a global endeavour
and CSpO is integral to how the UK is pursuing this.
Space must remain a peaceful, safe, stable, secure, and
sustainable environment for the benefit of all. The UK is
committed to working with the international community to reduce
space threats through norms, rules, and principles of responsible
space behaviours. The MOD is supporting the Foreign, Commonwealth
and Development Office in the prevention of an arms race in outer
space in all its aspects through the UN.
