Britain to Launch Military Space Squadron to Protect Satellites
Britain announces a new RAF squadron focused on protecting military satellites from space threats.
Britain will establish a new Royal Air Force (RAF) space squadron to help protect the country’s satellites from potential threats, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said on Wednesday.
The unit will focus on satellites that support military communications and provide warnings of incoming missile attacks.
The MoD named the new unit No III Space Effects Squadron. It described the squadron as Britain’s first dedicated unit for disrupting, degrading and denying hostile activity targeting British interests in space.
New Unit to Counter Space Threats
Britain established two space squadrons in 2023. Those units monitor space activity and warn officials about potential threats.
The new squadron will take a more active role.
According to the MoD, its personnel will respond to threats using advanced technology, including electronic warfare capabilities.
Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth is due to formally unveil the squadron on Wednesday.
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The announcement will take place during the two-day UK Space Power Conference in London. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to address the conference.
Streeting will warn that Britain must “keep pace in the new space race”, according to the MoD.
Space Militarisation Raises Concerns
The announcement comes shortly after the United States confirmed for the first time that it has weapons deployed in orbit around Earth.
China responded by warning against turning outer space into a “battlefield”. Russia also called for space to remain free from weapons.
The developments have intensified concerns about a potential arms race beyond Earth.
Rapid advances in space technology have increased military capabilities. At the same time, countries continue to debate the limits of existing international rules governing military activity in space.
UK Previously Warned About Satellite Jamming
Britain has previously raised concerns about threats to its military satellites.
Major General Paul Tedman, who previously led UK Space Command, warned last year that Russia had repeatedly attempted to jam British military satellites.
At the time, Tedman said the UK operated six dedicated military satellites for communications and surveillance.
Those satellites also use technology designed to counter jamming attempts.
The creation of the new RAF squadron marks another step in Britain’s effort to strengthen its military space capabilities as competition and security concerns grow.
