The RAF has secretly been using a ground-based satellite jammer, described as “world-leading”, for about the past year to stop adversaries from spying on British troops. The technology, reportedly used to “deter our adversaries”, has been deployed without confirming which nations were targeted.
New unit unveiled to defend satellites
The Ministry of Defence (MoD) this week confirmed it is launching its first military unit dedicated to defending satellites. The RAF squadron will protect satellites used to warn of incoming missile attacks, provide communications, and help guide ships.
The technology is believed to have protected special forces and defended bases from being spied on by preventing satellites from sending data back to Earth. It is reportedly being controlled by the newly-created No III Space Effects Squadron, unveiled on Wednesday.
RAF chief warns of 'unprecedented threats'
Speaking at this week’s UK Space Power Conference, the head of the RAF warned of “unprecedented threats” in space. Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth said: ”Unfortunately, we are now seeing more and more irresponsible and provocative actions from our adversaries in flagrant disregard of the norms for responsible behaviour by space-faring nations.
“In May of this year, we tracked a series of unusual and significant manoeuvres by five Russian military satellites, moving to within rapid reach of two finished commercial satellites. These manoeuvres were uncommon and dangerous, raising serious questions about Russia’s intent in space.
“And the next month, in June, it was confirmed that a Russian satellite constellation had caused disruptions to GPS signals across the breadth of Europe, Greenland and Canada over at least 75 days since 2019.”
Defence Secretary stresses space race
Defence Secretary Wes Streeting warned Britain must “keep pace in the new space race”. A senior defence source told The Telegraph: “Let’s say a potential adversary were using their satellites to control a capability they were using against us, we could use [our new system] to deny their ability to do that.”
Last week, the US confirmed for the first time it had deployed a space weapon in Earth’s orbit. Britain does not have weapons in space and does not plan on doing so, it is thought.
