RAF establishes squadron to defend satellites from hostile space activity
The RAF has established No. III Space Effects Squadron to protect satellites supporting UK military operations and essential civilian services. The unit will monitor and respond to threats, including by disrupting hostile space activity, while also supporting offensive and defensive operations.
Unlike countries that have tested anti-satellite missiles, the UK has ruled out destructive testing and is expected to rely largely on electronic warfare and other classified technologies. Satellites underpin communications, navigation, intelligence, missile warnings, weather forecasting, emergency response and electricity-grid synchronisation; concerns about attacks and debris have grown after anti-satellite tests by Russia, China, the US and India.
- RAF creates squadron to protect critical satellites.
- Electronic warfare is expected to disrupt hostile systems.
- UK rejects destructive anti-satellite missile testing.
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Originally published by The Register as “Space Jam: UK debuts space squadron to protect satellites”.