RAF’s reported new space squadron is intended to act against satellite threats
SecurityUnverifiedUpdated:
In an unverified report, the Royal Air Force is described as adding No. III Space Effects Squadron, a unit intended to protect satellites relied on by the UK and to act against threats in space.
A mission including electronic warfare announced
The Register reported that Air Chief Marshal Sir Harvey Smyth announced No. III Space Effects Squadron at the UK Space Power Conference in London. The report says the Ministry of Defence expects the unit to use advanced technology, including electronic warfare, to disrupt, degrade and deny hostile actions. It also says further capability details are classified.
The Ministry of Defence description cited in the report says the existing No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron could watch for and warn of threats in space. The available report does not provide directly comparable details of their capabilities beyond that description.
The reported addition of No. III Space Effects Squadron is described as giving the RAF a unit able to act against space threats, supporting offensive and defensive space operations.
Detailed capabilities remain classified
The reported unit’s remit concerns satellites used for communications and navigation. The Ministry of Defence statement cited by the report also describes satellites as supporting military intelligence and missile warnings, as well as telecommunications, weather forecasts, emergency responses and power-grid synchronization.
Sources
- The RegisterSpace Jam: UK debuts space squadron to protect satellitesRead source →