Moscow Continuously Aiming at UK Satellites, Military Space Head Says
Russia is attempting to jam UK military satellites on a regular basis, according to the leader of the British Space Command.
Major General Paul Tedman disclosed that Moscow's military were consistently attempting to interfere with British defense operations on a weekly basis and were closely monitoring the country’s space assets.
“We’re seeing UK space assets being jammed by the Russians on a reasonably persistent basis,” he stated.
The UK operates approximately six specialized defense space systems for communications and surveillance, which Tedman said were outfitted with counter-jamming technology.
He further stated: “They’ve got payloads onboard that can see our satellites and are trying to collect information from them.”
International Space Threats
The threat of space-based interference is not limited to the United Kingdom. In September, the German defense minister, the German official, revealed that Russia had been tracking two Intelsat satellites operated by the German military.
“They are capable of disrupting, disable, control or physically damage satellites,” he stated at a orbital defense meeting in Berlin.
Cooperative Response
Reacting to increasing global friction, the UK and the US last month executed their initial joint space operation in orbit, in what defense officials hailed as a significant advancement in allied cooperation.
Between 4 and 12 September, a American space asset was repositioned in orbit to inspect a British space system and verify it was operating correctly. The operation was conducted under a joint defense initiative, a joint military framework aimed at improving satellite defence and resilience.
“Skillfully performed with American Space Command, I could not be more pleased or proud of the rapid progress we are making with our allies,” Tedman said.
Escalating Friction
The growing orbital conflict comes as tensions with Russia continue to rise.
The UK foreign secretary, the foreign secretary, warned last week that Britain was “ready to act” after the US president, President Trump, openly encouraged Nato allies to shoot down intruding Russian aircraft.
In a speech to the United Nations in September, the foreign secretary condemned Moscow’s “provocative and reckless” incursions of Nato airspace in the past month, including incidents over Baltic nations, Eastern Europe and Romania.
