UK launches first squadron to counter hostile space threats

The UK Royal Air Force (RAF) has launched No. III Space Effects Squadron, the country’s first dedicated military unit tasked with countering hostile threats to British satellites.

Announced by Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth at the first UK Space Power Conference, the new squadron will bring together specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity in space.

The unit will protect satellites supporting critical functions, including navigation for British ships, mobile communications and missile warning systems. It will use advanced capabilities, including electronic warfare, to conduct both offensive and defensive space operations.

“Space no longer supports operations from the sidelines. It’s a domain of direct competition, where our military advantage can be won or lost,” Smyth said.

“No. III Space Effects Squadron will safeguard the vital benefits that space gives to our integrated armed forces, and will be capable of denying those benefits to our adversaries,” he added.

The new squadron complements No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron, which monitor and warn of threats in space. Its capabilities will expand as new technologies enter service.

Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is also expected to address the conference, emphasizing the growing importance of space to national security.

The UK says it remains committed to the peaceful and sustainable use of space and has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing. It is also investing £880 million between 2026/27 and 2029/30 in space-based intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and space-control capabilities.

By Vafa Guliyeva