A strategy detailing how military aviation will contribute to His Majesty’s Government Net Zero 50 goal has been released.
The Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy outlines the steps necessary to meet the commitment to decarbonise Defence’s aviation capability, whilst also mitigating potential risks to operational effectiveness that are likely to arise because of climate change. The strategy was released on 12th July at the Global Air & Space Chief’s Conference, with the foreword being endorsed by Baroness Goldie, Minister of State at the Ministry of Defence and spokesperson in the House of Lords on Defence Climate Change & Sustainability.
Defence’s aviation emissions currently represent approximately 60% of MOD’s operational capability emissions.
At the Royal International Air Tattoo, Minister for Defence Procurement James Cartlidge MP, signed the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter on behalf of Defence with representatives from across the aerospace industry. He said:
It is critical that the aviation sector plays its part in delivering the UK’s net zero commitment and the Government is already supporting a variety of technology, fuel, and market-based measures to address aviation emissions.
For Defence, the need to be ready to fly and fight in the fossil fuel constrained operating environment of 2040 is crucial which is why we are investing in military sustainable aviation interventions.
The MOD Climate Change & Sustainability Directorate has outlined its commitment to contribute to the Net Zero 50 goal and has adopted a sectoral approach to achieve this, where the Royal Air Force has been tasked to lead the aviation sector. The RAF has launched an ambitious programme to contribute toward this as part of its ASTRA Next Generation vision.
Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd, Director Support, has led the development of the strategy release. He said:
The challenge to Defence Aviation is to continue to deliver operational output to defend the UK, our interests, and Allies in increasingly volatile conditions, whilst also making our own significant contribution to reducing carbon emissions. This strategy demonstrates our commitment to meet these challenges on a broad front and in a collegiate way, bringing Defence and Industry together to eliminate our carbon footprint.
The strategy breaks down the activity into five distinct areas: rethinking capability provision improving efficiency, sustainable aviation fuel, zero emissions propulsion, and carbon removal.
Initiatives already underway include the RAF working with industry leaders Zero Petroleum Ltd to research and develop synthetic fuel technology, which has the potential to eventually eliminate reliance on fossil fuels. In November 2022 the RAF and industry partners flew a Voyager (A330) using 100% sustainable fuel, a world first for a military aircraft of its size, and the first of any aircraft type in the UK.
