Space and cybersecurity in the defence sector
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Partner
UK
I am a specialist in outsourcing and large scale technology projects and co-head the firm's Technology Transactions and International Outsourcing practice groups.
Partner
Australia
I am an experienced litigation and investigations lawyer based in Sydney, leading Bird & Bird's Australian disputes and investigations practice and co-leading our global Defence and Security practice.
The defence sector continues to become increasingly intertwined with commercial space activities. In 2024, 53 per cent of all space-launch investments came from defence organisations. This can be attributed to the recognition of the strategic importance of satellite systems for communication, surveillance and operational advances. The past year has also seen a number of developments that reinforced the trend towards the militarisation of space, perhaps most notably the US’s Golden Dome initiative, which was announced by President Trump in January 2025 and aims ultimately to implement a multi-layer missile defence system against ballistic, hypersonic and cruise missiles before they launch or during their flight.
As AI, space and digital technologies underpin more defence capabilities, cybersecurity grows ever more important. Nations are enhancing cyber defences to protect critical infrastructure and military operations against threats. The sector is also witnessing tighter regulatory frameworks as a result. For example, the United States Department of Defence finalised its Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification programme in September 2025. This requires defence contractors to implement cybersecurity controls and undergo verified assessments through a phased roll-out, concluding in 2028. This mirrors the steps already taken in the EU through the NIS2 Directive, which significantly expands cybersecurity obligations in 18 critical sectors, including defence.
This brief overview forms part of our contribution to the publication of ‘Lexology Panoramic: Defence & Security Procurement’. You can access more on our Defence and Security Procurement Hub.
Our international Defence & Security team have written the global overview, the Australia, Czech Republic, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Sweden, and UK chapters, and Mark Leach and Jono Ellis are contributing editors for the publication. All content on the hub is reproduced with permission from Law Business Research Ltd and was first published in Lexology Panoramic. For further information please visit: https://www.lexology.com/panoramic
