The RAF has established No. III Space Effects Squadron to provide a dedicated capability for responding to hostile actions affecting UK interests in space. The unit was announced by Air Chief Marshal Sir Harv Smyth during the UK Space Power Conference and will operate alongside the RAF’s existing space-monitoring and warning formations. Personnel drawn from across the Armed Forces will use specialist capabilities, including electronic warfare, to interfere with hostile space activities where required. The squadron is intended to help safeguard satellites that provide services ranging from military communications and missile warning to navigation and weather information. Its creation reflects the UK government’s broader focus on space as an operational and security domain. Smyth referred to recent movements by Russian military satellites near British commercial satellites and reported GPS interference affecting several regions. The RAF is planning further space formations, including Numbers 4, 5, and 6 Squadrons and a Space Tactics and Training Squadron. The UK has also allocated £50 million to extend the operational life of SKYNET 5 satellites while work continues on SKYNET 6. In parallel, Britain is developing a multi-sensor Earth-observation satellite constellation and participating with the US and Australia in the DARC initiative, which is intended to strengthen deep-space surveillance capabilities.
