Moscow Persistently Aiming at British Satellites, Military Space Head Says
Moscow is trying to disrupt UK military satellites on a regular basis, as stated by the leader of the British Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Moscow's military were actively trying to interfere with British defense operations “weekly” and were carefully observing the country’s space assets.
“We’re seeing UK space assets being jammed by the Russians on a fairly regular basis,” he stated.
The United Kingdom manages about six dedicated military satellites for communication and observation, which Tedman said were equipped with anti-interference systems.
He added: “They’ve got equipment on board that are able to observe our satellites and are trying to collect data from them.”
Global Space Threats
The threat of space-based interference is not limited to the United Kingdom. In September, Germany’s defence minister, Boris Pistorius, revealed that Russia had been tracking two Intelsat satellites used by the German armed forces.
“They are capable of disrupting, disable, manipulate or physically damage space assets,” he stated at a space conference in the German capital.
Allied Countermeasures
Reacting to growing international tensions, the United Kingdom and United States recently executed 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 US satellite was relocated in space to examine a British space system and verify it was operating correctly. The test was part of a joint defense initiative, a combined defense program designed to enhancing space protection 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,” the general commented.
Escalating Friction
The growing orbital conflict occurs while friction with Moscow persistently increase.
The British foreign minister, the foreign secretary, warned last week that Britain was “ready to act” after the American leader, Donald Trump, openly encouraged Nato allies to shoot down intruding Russian aircraft.
In a speech to the United Nations in September, Cooper censured Moscow’s “inflammatory and irresponsible” violations of NATO territory in recent weeks, including events over Baltic nations, Eastern Europe and Romania.
