Russia Continuously Aiming at British Satellites, Military Space Chief Says
Russia is attempting to jam UK military satellites on a regular basis, according to the leader of the UK Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Russian forces were consistently attempting to disrupt UK-based military activities on a weekly basis and were carefully observing the nation's orbital systems.
“We’re seeing UK space assets being jammed by the Russians on a fairly regular basis,” he stated.
The United Kingdom manages approximately six specialized defense space systems for communication and observation, which the general noted were equipped with counter-jamming technology.
He added: “They’ve got equipment on board that can see UK space assets and are trying to collect data from them.”
Global Orbital Dangers
The threat of space-based interference extends beyond the UK. Earlier this fall, Germany’s defence minister, the German official, announced that Russia had been tracking Intelsat space systems operated by the German armed forces.
“They can jam, blind, manipulate or kinetically disrupt space assets,” he said at a space conference in Berlin.
Cooperative Response
In response to growing international tensions, the United Kingdom and United States recently conducted their first coordinated satellite manoeuvre in orbit, in what military leaders hailed as a significant advancement in international partnership.
Between 4 and 12 September, a American space asset was relocated in space to examine a UK satellite and confirm it was functioning properly. The operation was part of Operation Olympic Defender, a combined defense program designed to enhancing space protection and resilience.
“Skillfully performed with US Space Command, I am extremely satisfied or impressed of the rapid progress we are making with our partners,” Tedman said.
Escalating Tensions
The escalation in space occurs while friction with Moscow persistently increase.
The British foreign minister, Yvette Cooper, stated recently that Britain was “ready to act” after the US president, Donald Trump, publicly urged NATO partners to intercept encroaching Russian planes.
During an address to the United Nations in September, Cooper censured Russia's “provocative and reckless” violations of NATO territory in recent weeks, including events over Estonia, Poland and Romania.
