UK Military Jamming Foreign Satellites to Defend Against Space Threats

Britain is increasingly concerned about the growing space capabilities of Russia and China. Speaking at the UK Space Conference, Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said threats from adversaries were rising in “scale, speed and sophistication.” Against this backdrop, the British military has used a ground-based system to jam foreign satellites for about a year, according to defense sources. Satellite jamming can interfere with hostile spacecraft and help protect sensitive operations, making electronic warfare an increasingly important part of modern space defense.The Royal Air Force uses the capability to disrupt hostile spacecraft and help deter potential adversaries. It could also protect sensitive military operations, including the movements of nuclear-armed submarines and special forces.

The disclosure comes as Britain expands its space defense and electronic warfare capabilities amid growing concerns over Russian and Chinese activity in orbit. As competition in orbit intensifies, Britain is seeking to strengthen its ability to protect critical space assets and respond to emerging threats.

Britain Strengthens Electronic Warfare as Space Becomes a Contested Security Domain

Britain is expanding its electronic warfare capabilities as space becomes increasingly important to national security. The UK government says competition in orbit is growing, while adversaries are developing capabilities that can disrupt, degrade or deny space services. Electronic warfare can help interfere with hostile signals while protecting British systems from similar attacks. These capabilities could affect satellite communications, navigation, intelligence and military operations. As a result, Britain now treats space as a direct security concern rather than only a field for scientific and commercial activity.

Satellites have also become essential to Britain’s economy and public services. They support communications, navigation and timing, while also helping financial markets and emergency services. The UK Space Strategy says satellites support about 18% of the UK economy. Britain has therefore made “Control of Space” a strategic requirement, aimed at protecting British and allied interests and maintaining freedom to operate in space. The strategy commits more than £7.8 billion through 2029/30 and calls for stronger, more resilient space systems. It also places greater emphasis on cyber and protective security as threats to critical space infrastructure continue to evolve.

New RAF Squadron Adds a Direct Response Capability

The RAF launched the No. III Space Effects Squadron on Sept. 23 as Britain’s first dedicated unit focused on countering hostile space threats. The Ministry of Defense says the squadron will use electronic warfare and other advanced technologies to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile activity in space. It will support both defensive and offensive operations and will expand as new capabilities enter service. The unit joins the No. I Space Operations Squadron, which monitors activity in space, and the No. II Space Warning Squadron, which provides warnings about potential threats.

However, Britain says its space policy remains focused on responsible behaviour and has ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile tests. In addition, Britain is deepening cooperation with NATO, the European Space Agency and the United States to strengthen collective space security and support international rules for responsible activity in orbit. The launch of the new RAF unit shows how Britain is seeking to protect critical space assets while preparing to respond to growing threats in an increasingly contested domain.

Web Resources On UK Military Jamming Foreign Satellites

1. BBC : UK military jamming other nations’ satellites to defend itself, BBC told.
2. Guardian : UK to launch military squadron to protect satellites in space.
3. Gov.uk : Space is entering a new era.