On September 23, according to AFP, the British Ministry of Defense said that the Royal Air Force (RAF) has established the III Space Effects Squadron, the country's first unit specializing in dealing with hostile threats aimed at satellites.
The new squadron will carry out activities that cause interference, reduce or neutralize threats in space, while protecting satellites serving ship navigation, mobile phone connections and missile launch warnings.
The unit was announced at the first British Space Capability Conference, with the participation of professional personnel from many armed forces. Squadron III will directly act against orbital threats, using advanced technologies such as electronic warfare.
According to the new structure, Squadron I is responsible for activities and monitoring the situation in space, Squadron II is responsible for detecting and warning of threats, while Squadron III specializes in implementing countermeasures, including electronic warfare.
The British Ministry of Defense believes that space is becoming increasingly dangerous as countries develop the ability to jam, disrupt or invalidate space assets.
Satellites currently play an important role in security and life in the UK, from intelligence, missile warning, communication, weather forecasting to supporting ambulances, firefighters, police and power grid operations.
The establishment of the new squadron is part of Britain's Space Control requirements, aimed at maintaining freedom of operation in space and limiting the similar capabilities of rivals. Britain also said that it excludes testing destructive anti-satellite missiles.
In the period 2026-2027 to 2029-2030, the UK is expected to invest £880 million in intelligence, surveillance, space-based reconnaissance capabilities and space control activities.
