Russia Continuously Targeting British Space Assets, Space Command Chief Says
Moscow is trying to disrupt British defense space systems on a regular basis, as stated by the head of the UK Space Command.
Maj Gen Paul Tedman revealed that Moscow's military were consistently attempting to interfere with British defense operations “weekly” and were carefully observing the nation's orbital systems.
“We are observing our satellites being jammed by Russian forces on a fairly regular basis,” he said.
The UK operates about six dedicated military satellites for communication and observation, which Tedman said were equipped with counter-jamming technology.
He further stated: “They’ve got equipment on board that are able to observe UK space assets and are trying to collect information from them.”
International Orbital Dangers
The danger of orbital disruption extends beyond the United Kingdom. In September, the German defense minister, Boris Pistorius, announced that Moscow was monitoring two Intelsat satellites operated by the German military.
“They are capable of disrupting, blind, manipulate or physically damage satellites,” he stated at a space conference in Berlin.
Allied Response
Reacting to increasing global friction, the UK and the US recently executed their initial joint space operation in orbit, in what defense officials hailed as a major step forward in allied cooperation.
Between 4 and 12 September, a US satellite was relocated in space to inspect a British space system and verify it was functioning properly. The operation was part of Operation Olympic Defender, a joint military framework designed to improving satellite defence and durability.
“Expertly executed with US Space Command, I could not be more pleased or proud of the quick advancement we are achieving with our partners,” Tedman said.
Escalating Friction
The growing orbital conflict occurs while friction with Moscow continue to rise.
The British foreign minister, the foreign secretary, warned last week that Britain was “ready to act” after the US president, President Trump, openly encouraged Nato allies to intercept encroaching Russian planes.
During an address to the UN in last month, the foreign secretary censured Moscow’s “provocative and reckless” violations of NATO territory in the past month, including incidents over Estonia, Poland and Romania.
