Defence

BAE Systems signs up to Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter

Posted 20 July 2023

BAE Systems has become one of the first members of the UK’s aerospace industry to sign up to a strategy which will help the UK meet its ambition to reach its Net Zero ambitions.

Image courtesy RAF

At the Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT) at RAF Fairford, Gloucestershire, UK, Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer of the company's Air sector, joined Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP, in signing the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy Charter.

The Charter commits the company to the aims of the Defence Aviation Net Zero Strategy released 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.

Speaking following the Charter signing, Ian Muldowney said: "As a company, an industry and a society we all have a part to play in tackling the threat of climate change and this Charter is our latest commitment to playing our part in this change.

"Across our Air business, we are changing the way we operate from investing in electric aircraft and enhancing our synthetic technologies to enable pilots to train for life in the frontline without taking to the skies, to changing the way our thousands of our employees work.

"Rethinking the way we develop capability is a cornerstone of the strategy which sits behind this Charter and we are completely committed to working alongside the Royal Air Force and our defence aviation industry partners to deliver this important change."

The Ministry of Defence's 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.

Above: Ian Muldowney, Chief Operating Officer, BAE Systems Air, speaks to Minister for Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP.
Courtesy BAE Systems

Minister of Defence Procurement, James Cartlidge MP, 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."

Air Vice-Marshal Paul Lloyd, Director Support, Royal Air Force, 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."