The British Royal Air Force (RAF) has formed the UK’s first space squadron, tasked with “disrupting, degrading, and denying enemy activity” that target the nation’s interests.
On September 23, 2026, the Ministry of Defence confirmed that No. III Space Effects Squadron will counter hostile activity in orbit and defend satellites that guide British ships, connect mobile phones and warn of missile attacks.
No. I Space Operations Squadron and No. II Space Warning Squadron will locate and warn of threats in space, while No. III Squadron will act using advanced technology, including electronic warfare.
Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smith, said that No. III Space Effects Squadron will bring together specialist personnel from across the Armed Forces.
“As space becomes more crowded and more dangerous – with hostile states developing capabilities to jam, disrupt or disable space assets – the government is taking action to defend UK interests in space, while maintaining an operational advantage for our armed forces,” the Ministry of Defense said.
The UK has been developing capabilities for space warfare through the use of electronic warfare and countermeasures against anti-satellite weapons.
In July 2026, the UK government announced that six new specialist space squadrons would be trained at the Defence Space Academy.
In the US, Space Force is responsible for dealing with monitoring hostile activity in space, while Russia assigns such missions to Russian Aerospace Forces.
In a speech at the Space Conference on September 23, 2026, Defence Secretary Wes Streeting is expected to say: “Britain has to keep pace in the new space race. Control of the waves was the essential ingredient in 19th century deterrence. That is why Britain built the finest naval power in history. In the 20th century it was control of the skies, and so we built a world class air force to protect us. This century will depend on control of space.”
UK Space Strategy
Under the UK Space Strategy published earlier this month, the Control of Space Requirement sets out the “need to maintain freedom to operate in space and deny adversaries the same freedom”.
This builds on the Strategic Defence Review, which stated that the “ability to operate in, from and through space underpins the UK’s security, prosperity and daily way of life”.
“Space no longer supports operations from the sidelines. It’s a domain of direct competition, where our military advantage can be won or lost,” Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smith said. “No. III Space Effects Squadron will safeguard the vital benefits that space gives to our integrated armed forces and will be capable of denying those benefits to our adversaries.”
The UK government said while it is taking steps to protect critical space infrastructure, it remains committed to the peaceful and sustainable use of space.
“The UK has formally ruled out destructive anti-satellite missile testing and continues to work through the UN Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space to promote norms, rules and principles of responsible space behaviors,” the Ministry of Defence said.