US ‘has no closer military relationship’ than with UK

US Ambassador Jane Hartley spoke today at the Farnborough International Airshow about the unparalleled military and intelligence cooperation between the United States and the United Kingdom.

During his speech at the USA Partnership Pavilion, Hartley emphasized the close integration and cooperation between the two countries’ armed forces.

“In the UK we have our closest military and intelligence partner in the world,” Hartley explained.

“I have been to RAF Lakenheath, where the Royal Air Force operates US F-15s and F-35s from the US Air Force’s 48th Fighter Wing. I have seen first-hand the capabilities of our fighter aircraft and how seamlessly our airmen train and work with our British allies,” she said.

“The level of integration between our two militaries is unmatched in the world.”

Hartley also praised Britain’s commitment to defence and the role the country plays within NATO. “This is a country committed to its own defense, and to our collective defense under NATO,” She said she was confident the strong defence relationship would continue under the new prime minister.

She emphasized the deep, multifaceted ties between the US and the UK, which span militaries, universities, businesses and civil society. “The United Kingdom shares our democratic values ​​and is always prepared to defend them,” she noted.

Hartley reflected on historical and current military cooperation, speaking about the 80th anniversary of D-Day and continued support for Ukraine during the Russian invasion.

“From the very first days of the Russian invasion, the UK government has stood by our side in supporting Ukraine’s defence,” she said. Hartley praised the joint efforts to train Ukrainian soldiers and provide them with essential military equipment.

“I visited some of the Ukrainian soldiers who trained in Lydd. Many were young men and women, some as young as 18, but also a few in their late 50s, including a 71-year-old volunteer,” she shared.

In his remarks, the ambassador also touched on the strategic importance of the US aerospace and defense industry. “Every American aerospace company plays a critical role in projecting both American power and American partnerships around the world,” she said. She praised the innovation and leadership shown by American and British companies, particularly in adapting to and leading advances in aerospace technology.

“You have a lot to be proud of. You are the best in the world, without exception: from the big names that everyone knows and trusts to the smaller companies that are crucial links in the supply chain,” said Hartley.

“The ties between our countries’ militaries, universities, media, businesses and civil society are so deeply intertwined that they will stand the test of time,” she said. “We really don’t have a closer military relationship than with the UK.”