Lockheed Martin UK Highlights Role of Space Investment in National Security and Economic Growth

Lockheed Martin UK has highlighted the critical role space plays in national security, economic prosperity and regional growth, calling for greater investment and engagement from the financial sector to help unlock the UK's space ambitions.

Speaking at the inaugural UK Space Power Conference, Chris Spicer, Regional Director UK and Europe for Lockheed Martin Space, joined a panel discussing whether the City of London fully recognises space's importance to national security and prosperity. The event brought together representatives from government, the military, partner nations and industry following the publication of the Government's new UK Space Strategy.

Chris said space can no longer be viewed as a niche industry.

"Space is no longer a distant, specialist or speculative domain. It underpins everything from secure communications to critical national infrastructure and economic growth."

Lockheed Martin UK used the conference to highlight its long-term commitment to growing the UK's sovereign space capability and supporting regional economic development.

The company has operated in the UK for more than 85 years, employing around 2000 people.

The company has operated in the UK for more than 85 years, employing around 2000 people.

It places approximately £2b worth of orders with more than 800 UK businesses each year. Including more than 500 SMEs, helping to sustain around 24,000 jobs across the country.

A key focus of Chris's contribution was the importance of regional investment to build a sustainable UK space ecosystem, particularly important in the North East where MOD statistics show the level of spend in the region is far lower than anywhere else in the country.

MOD spend per person is just £70 in the North East, lagging far behind every other area and highlighting the north/south divide, with spending in the South West revealed as £1130 per head.

Chris said building a thriving space sector requires sustained investment, collaboration and long-term commitment.

"It takes time and investment to build this type of ecosystem, which is why we've made these long-term physical and financial commitments to the North East.

"If we can attract further investment into the region, or see similar programmes emerge elsewhere in the UK, we can build both resilience and expertise.

"The City needs to be actively thinking about space because it can provide the capital and coordination required to scale and sustain an industry capable of transforming towns, cities and regions across the UK, while making us safer and more economically prosperous."

The discussion reflected many of the themes contained within the Government's new UK Space Strategy, which sets out a record £7.8 billion investment through to 2030 and recognises the increasingly important role space plays in defence, security, communications and everyday life.

The strategy includes investments in space control, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, enhanced space domain awareness, and secure satellite communications programmes including Skynet and Connectivity in Low Earth Orbit (C-LEO).

Lockheed Martin UK welcomed the publication of the strategy and its focus on strengthening sovereign capability and resilience in an increasingly contested space environment.

Paul Livingston, Chief Executive of Lockheed Martin UK & NATO, said:

"The publication of the UK's new Space Strategy is a positive and timely development.

"Space underpins so much of our daily lives as well as our military operations, yet the threats to critical space infrastructure continue to grow.

"Investing in resilient space capabilities, secure communications and enhanced space domain awareness is essential for protecting the UK's interests and those of our allies.

"At Lockheed Martin UK, we're already investing millions of pounds in new capabilities in the North East of England and working alongside government, industry and academic partners to help address these challenges.

"Through advanced technologies, skills development and strategic investment, we are helping strengthen resilience and support secure operations in an increasingly complex space environment.

"We welcome the Government's vision and look forward to continuing our support as the UK builds a stronger, more secure and more prosperous space sector."

As investment in the space sector continues to grow, Lockheed Martin UK remains committed to working alongside government, industry and academia to strengthen sovereign capability, create highly skilled jobs and support a thriving UK space ecosystem that delivers both economic growth and national security benefits.

About Lockheed Martin
Lockheed Martin is a global defense technology company driving innovation and advancing scientific discovery. Our all-domain mission solutions and 21st Century Security^® vision accelerate the delivery of transformative technologies to ensure those we serve always stay ahead of ready. More information at Lockheedmartin.com. 

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Media Contacts:

Jackie Lucas +44 (0) 7385 005135 | jacqueline.a.lucas@global.lmco.com