Wes Streeting was left red-faced in an interview today as he admitted not knowing the cost of his new RAF 'space force'.

The Defence Secretary was trumpeting the announcement in broadcast studios when he drew a blank on the key detail. 

The squadron is intended to protect satellites used to warn of incoming missile attacks, provide communications and help to guide ships. 

Asked on LBC how many people would be deployed and what the funding would be, Mr Streeting said: 'We're talking initially in terms of this new unit, tens of people.' 

When presenter Nick Ferrari suggested that meant 'tens of people to defend space', Mr Streeting said: 'That's what's required to run the command.'

Prompted again for the costs of the initiative, the minister stuttered: 'Well I don't have the figures to hand, unusually for me this morning.'

When Mr Ferrari demanded to know 'why on Earth not', he said: 'We are investing more in space, I don't have that figure to hand.'

An awkward Mr Streeting added: 'I haven't got instant recall on that off the top of my head.'

Mr Ferrari then told him funding from the UK Space Strategy was due to be £7.8billion across the sector until 2030.

'You didn't need to ask me, Nick, you had the figure there,' Mr Streeting joked sheepishly. 'I think that sounds right to me.

'I'm kicking myself because you always try to catch us out on facts.'

Mr Ferrari said: 'I think the cost is a pretty key fact.'

Mr Streeting replied: 'I take it on the chin.' 

The No III Space Effects Squadron will be formally announced by Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth at the UK's Space Power Conference later.

Mr Streeting said: 'What we know about space, as with every other domain, is that there are adversaries out there who are developing the capability to disrupt and to harm our interests.

'And that's why, in addition to the capability we already have in space and the early warning systems we have, we are deploying new capability that enables us to deter and to disrupt ourselves.

'So this is, I think, probably I'd describe it as the latest iteration of what has been a long-running space race.'

The announcement comes after the release of a Government strategy this month designed to strengthen defences against threats from space.

SaxaVord Spaceport, on the island of Unst, Shetland, at the northernmost point of the UK, is set to receive a further £30million in support from the UK Space Strategy.

Also included in the UK Space Strategy's funding is £2.8billion for Connectivity In Low Earth Orbit, a six-year programme to help companies and researchers develop innovative satellite communications technology, and the Ministry of Defence's Skynet satellite communications programme.