The UK’s Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike
Wigston, and Japan’s Chief of Staff of the Koku-Kietai, General
Shunji Izutsu, signed a Terms of Reference document after talks
at DSEI Japan, which is being held this week in Tokyo.
This arrangement establishes a framework for Space Engagement
Talks, which will facilitate future cooperation between the
Koku-Jietai and UK Space Command. This cooperation will cover
areas such as operational knowledge sharing, collaborative
exercises and training, and personnel exchanges. It also sets out
a mutual desire for the sharing of space-related information
through future information sharing arrangements.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston, Chief of the Air
Staff, said:
Japan is a valued international partner of the UK. We share
common values and strategic interests, and we are working ever
more closely in the face of global security challenges. The space
domain is critical to our shared security and prosperity, and a
vital area of cooperation, underpinned by UK Space Command and
the Koku-Jietai.
Air Chief Marshal Sir Mike Wigston and Air Vice-Marshal Paul
Godfrey were both in Tokyo for DSEI Japan. With an expected
10,000 visitors and 200 exhibitors from at least 15 countries,
DSEI Japan is an opportunity for the UK to build and strengthen
key relationships whilst promoting UK priorities in key areas
such as air and missile defence, unmanned air capability,
maritime, cyber and space.
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Godfrey, Commander of UK Space
Command, said:
Our international partners are our greatest advantage in the
space domain. This arrangement is an important step as we build
our relationship with the JASDF, so that we can keep space safe,
secure, and sustainable for the benefit of all.
UK Space Command is the Defence lead for space operations, space
workforce, and space capability. It’s a Joint Command, based at
RAF High Wycombe, and staffed by personnel from the Royal Navy,
British Army, and Royal Air Force, alongside civil servants, and
contractors.
