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The UK Ministry of Defence (MOD) is about to embark on implementation of the new Defence Space Strategy in support of the overarching vision of the UK's National Space Strategy to become a 'meaningful actor in space'. This begins in the context of the establishment of a National Space Council, a new MOD Space Directorate and a joint Space Command to drive coherence and to deliver UK Defence's contribution to the broader national space strategy and policy. It also begins from a relatively low baseline of existing capability and skills in some areas. Realising the ambitions of the Defence Space Strategy will be predicated upon a sound understanding of the factors that shape implementation, a clear articulation of the UK's strengths in the space domain, and a robust assessment of different options for space capability management. This study provides an initial look at the different factors influencing the implementation of the Defence Space Strategy. This includes a review of the relevant physical characteristics of the space domain, and trends and developments in the space economy, technology and policy, as well as analysis of the unique attributes of the UK space enterprise—including its strengths and weaknesses. The study also presents a decision support tool designed to help decision makers navigate capability management choices along the 'own-collaborate-access' framework articulated in the 2021 Defence and Security Industrial Strategy.

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The Integrated Review of Security, Defence, Development and Foreign Policy, published by the UK Government in March 2021, presents an ambitious vision of a 'Global Britain' that has a persistent presence around the world and contributes to tackling a range of crises both at home and abroad. To deliver on this vision, the UK Armed Forces will need the right force design and mix of military capabilities to enable them to be 'in the right place at the right time', while also supporting wider cross-government priorities. This study identifies the likely changes in mobility requirements between now and 2040 and outlines a range of options to deliver global mobility in dynamic threat and policy environments. The following options were explored in greater detail: the use of multi-role platforms; international collaboration; commercial solutions; uncrewed or optionally crewed lightweight assets; data-driven and data-enabled mobility and additive manufacturing.

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Climate change is expected to have a significant impact on defence and security, acting as a threat multiplier and straining resources. The UK government generally, and UK defence specifically, have embarked on a proactive approach to better adapt to the effects of climate change. In 2021, the UK Ministry of Defence is to publish its Climate Change and Sustainability strategy, which is focused on enhancing operational capability in changing climatic conditions and on identifying and embedding sustainable solutions to enable UK defence to meet its net zero carbon emissions target by 2050. This report informed the preparation of the strategy by identifying the implications of climate change for defence logistics in crisis response situations. The report provides: Analysis of the knowledge base on climate change and its impact for defence logistics. An overview of UK government policy and priorities to tackle climate change. Identification of challenges that are likely to emerge for defence logistics in future, particularly in the context of supporting Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and Military Aid to the Civil Authorities (MACA) operations. Identification of opportunities and policy actions that could be taken by the UK Ministry of Defence to mitigate the impact of climate change on defence logistics.

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Climate change is set to fundamentally shape the future of humanity. It has been recognised as a threat multiplier and a driver of instability with the potential to alter geopolitics and state behaviours, as well as to aggravate political, socio-economic, and environmental tensions, and to foster violence and conflict. Climate change effects are expected to negatively affect the functioning of armed forces, putting significant strain on the resilience of infrastructure and capabilities, exacerbating operating environment conditions and hampering military capabilities' effectiveness. In this context, the Global Strategic Partnership (GSP) led by RAND Europe conducted a study exploring the implications of climate-change-related developments on the UK Ministry of Defence (MOD)'s ability to deliver five priority outcomes: Strengthening the UK's national security by delivering threat-based defence decision-making. Protecting the UK and its Overseas Territories. Enhancing global security through persistent engagement and response to crises. Contributing to NATO's collective deterrence and defence. Modernising and integrating defence capabilities by taking a whole-force approach and increasing the use of technology and innovation. To achieve the objective of this study, we developed narrative vignettes to facilitate discussion and analysis of climate change implications with stakeholders and experts in a participatory event.