UK to launch new military space squadron to protect satellites

Britain has announced plans to establish a new military space squadron tasked with safeguarding the nation's satellites, amid rising global competition for military space capabilities. The Royal Air Force (RAF) squadron, known as No III Space Effects Squadron, will be responsible for protecting critical satellites utilized for communication and missile warning purposes, according to the Ministry of Defence (MoD).

The new unit will be capable of disrupting, degrading, and denying enemy activities targeting British interests in space, employing advanced technology such as electronic warfare.

The RAF's new squadron follows the launch of two previous units in 2023 that focused on monitoring and warning of space threats. The announcement comes from Air Chief Marshal Harv Smyth, who will formally unveil the squadron during a two-day UK Space Power Conference in London. Defence Secretary Wes Streeting will also address the need for the UK to "keep pace in the new space race" during the conference.

These developments come shortly after the United States confirmed the deployment of arms in orbit around Earth, prompting China to warn against turning outer space into a battlefield and Russia to caution that it must remain "free from any weapon." The rapid technological advancements in this field have raised concerns over an emerging arms race in space, a topic without a comprehensive legal framework.

In a recent warning, Major General Paul Tedman, head of UK Space Command, expressed concern over Russia's efforts to jam British military satellites on a regular basis. He noted that the UK operates six dedicated military satellites for communication and surveillance, equipped with counter-jamming technology.