RAF Establishes Squadron to Protect and Disrupt in Space

The Royal Air Force has established No. III Space Effects Squadron, a new unit tasked with protecting critical satellite capabilities and developing ways to disrupt hostile space operations, the Ministry of Defence said. The squadron will support both defensive and offensive operations, including through electronic warfare, as the UK seeks to maintain its ability to operate in orbit. The unit was announced at the UK Space Power Conference by Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth. The Ministry of Defence said its capabilities are expected to expand as additional technologies enter service. It will bring together specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces, according to the government. The squadron adds a response capability to the RAF’s existing space structure. No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron monitor activity and warn of threats, while the new unit is intended to counter them. The Ministry of Defence has described the effort as part of a wider requirement to preserve the UK’s freedom to operate in space while limiting adversaries’ ability to do the same.