Moscow Continuously Targeting British Satellites, Space Command Head Says
Moscow is trying to disrupt UK military satellites frequently, as stated by the leader of the British Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Russian forces were actively trying to interfere with British defense operations on a weekly basis and were carefully observing the country’s space assets.
“We are observing UK space assets facing interference by Russian forces on a reasonably persistent basis,” he stated.
The United Kingdom manages approximately six dedicated military satellites for communications and surveillance, which Tedman said were equipped with counter-jamming technology.
He further stated: “They’ve got equipment on board that can see our satellites and are trying to collect information from them.”
Global Space Threats
The threat of space-based interference is not limited to the United Kingdom. In September, Germany’s defence minister, the German official, revealed that Russia had been tracking Intelsat space systems operated by the German military.
“They are capable of disrupting, blind, manipulate or physically damage satellites,” he stated at a orbital defense meeting in the German capital.
Allied Response
Reacting to increasing global friction, the United Kingdom and United States recently conducted their initial joint space operation in orbit, in what defense officials hailed as a significant advancement in allied cooperation.
During early September, a American space asset was repositioned in orbit to inspect a UK satellite and confirm it was operating correctly. The operation was conducted under a joint defense initiative, a joint military framework aimed at enhancing space protection and durability.
“Expertly executed with US Space Command, I could not be more pleased or impressed of the quick advancement we are achieving with our allies,” the general commented.
Escalating Friction
The growing orbital conflict occurs while friction with Moscow persistently increase.
The British foreign minister, the foreign secretary, stated recently that Britain was “ready to act” after the US president, Donald Trump, openly encouraged NATO partners to intercept intruding Russian aircraft.
In a speech to the United Nations in September, Cooper condemned Moscow’s “provocative and reckless” incursions of NATO territory in the past month, including incidents over Estonia, Poland and Romania.
